Pay attention that growing marijuana may be subject to special restrictions and regulation in your country or state. Please contact your attorney to obtain advice before cultivating cannabis.
Disclaimer
Pay attention that growing marijuana may be subject to special restrictions and regulation in your country or state. Please contact your attorney to obtain advice before cultivating cannabis.
When you first tried marijuana, you were probably surprised at the effect that weed had on you. Psychoactive effects vary from strain to strain, and their strength also differs a lot. Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is responsible for the high, and it can affect your body in different ways, so let’s learn what exactly happens when you get high.
What is THC?
Tetrahydrocannabinol is a chemical found in marijuana. The component acts in the same way as the cannabinoid substances that our own body produces. The receptors for these substances are found in different areas of the brain. When you consume the weed, THC begins to work by attaching itself to these receptors. That is why tetrahydrocannabinol acts on memory, pleasure, coordination, focus, timing, and so on.
How exactly does THC affect the body?
THC stimulates brain cells to release dopamine. Thus, the user feels a strong euphoria. Besides, tetrahydrocannabinol affects the hippocampus, which is responsible for the formation of new memories. THC slightly distorts the processing of information in the brain. Moreover, this substance can cause hallucinations, change your thinking, and be the reason for any delusions. And even after the high is over, the psychoactive effects may continue. However, on average, the condition lasts up to two hours and occurs some time after taking marijuana. It usually takes 10 to 30 minutes.
Each strain you consume has its side effects. Tetrahydrocannabinol is the substance mostly responsible for them. You may experience tachycardia, anxiety, paranoia, and many other undesirable symptoms. Despite that, THC has an excellent pain-relieving effect. Eventually, other types of cannabinoids or terpenes found in marijuana can reduce the adverse effects of THC.
How is THC used in medicine?
The National Cancer Institute reports that marijuana has been used medicinally for more than 3,000 years. The tetrahydrocannabinol component can be extracted and synthesized. This substance can improve the issue of nausea as well as increase your appetite. Some people even believe marijuana to be a better treatment than regular pills because it is a natural ingredient. However, natural origin does not make weed a panacea: it is still a substance that has several harmful effects.
How much THC is in marijuana?
As the cannabis market varies and grows extremely, you can find marijuana to suit any taste. Some weed strains may not contain THC at all: they are limited to CBD, the non-psychoactive substance. Other types of cannabis contain less than 1% THC per gram of weed. In general, however, recreational cannabis varies in potency. Thus, the THC content can be as high as 30% per gram. It is worth considering that the lower the tetrahydrocannabinol value, the more substance the user will have to take to achieve the desired effects.
Are there any risks associated with THC?
Since marijuana is legal in many states, this makes it a fairly popular drug. However, as we reported earlier, this is a substance with several negative effects. The psychoactive impact is especially dangerous for mental health. For example, NIDA reports that exposure to THC can return patients to schizophrenia, even if they are in remission.
There is another big risk. The fact is that cannabis interferes with concentration, motor skills, perception, and so on. That can have a big impact on your driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it is the second most common substance found in drivers, after alcohol. Long-term use of marijuana also affects your airways, causing shortness of breath.
Development and Psychopathology report states that teens who start smoking marijuana at a young age are more likely to drop out of school.
Final thoughts
While there are many articles out there on the positive effects of marijuana, be careful. After all, even good things can harm your body if consumed in large quantities. It is also possible to overdose on marijuana, so consume wisely, knowing your options. And yet, despite the risks and side effects that cannot be avoided, you can find the strain of marijuana that suits you perfectly. Still, cannabis has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects and can also positively impact mental disorders such as depression, PTSD, anxiety, and many others.
