By Jeff Eckenrode, COO

When you’re reading about cannabis online, it can be hard to tell between fact and fiction.

Fortunately, learning about cannabis and its most popular molecule, THC, is a lot more straightforward than you might think!

Cannabis weed marijuana CBD THC — Photo credit: Nick Harsell

So we put together this handy guide to help you learn more about THC: what it is, what it isn't, and how you can use it to improve your day.

When was THC first discovered?

For most of human history, how THC interacts with the human body has largely remained a mystery.

It wasn’t until 1964 that a researcher by the name of Dr. Raphael Mechoulam first discovered the two most prevalent compounds of the cannabis plant: cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

And it wasn’t until 1988 that the system of receptors that CBD and THC interact with was officially discovered and named by Dr. Allyn Howlett: the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)!

What does THC actually do?

THC, when smoked or ingested, can intensify your sensory experiences (like sight, hearing and touch).

On top of that, evidence suggests that THC is effective at stimulating appetites, temporarily blocking short term memory, and, perhaps best of all, creating sensations of pleasure!

Practically speaking, THC is the principal intoxicating molecule found in cannabis. It’s the reason we get “high” when we smoke, vaporize, or eat cannabis products!

How does THC interact with my body?

Whether or not you use cannabis, your Endocannabinoid System (ECS) exists and is active in your body.

The ECS is made up of specialized cannabinoid receptors located throughout your body and brain.

Cannabinoid receptors are a special class of receptors that function by binding to cannabinoids. To date, they are the only receptors known to do this!

When a cannabinoid binds to a cannabinoid receptor, the receptor can change its physical shape or structure, which in turn transmits a signal to the rest of the ECS.

So when we consume cannabis, the THC that enters our bloodstream bonds with these cannabinoid receptors and sends signals throughout the body.

How does THC interact with my brain?

There are two primary cannabinoid receptors present throughout the body: CB1 and CB2 receptors.

CB1 receptors are mainly present in the central nervous system and are responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects. They are present in many areas of the brain and play a role in memory, mood, sleep, appetite, and pain sensation.

In contrast, CB2 receptors are mainly present in the peripheral nervous system and in immune cells.

Once in your body, THC interacts with your ECS by binding to cannabinoid receptors. THC is particularly powerful, partly because of its ability to bind to both CB1 and CB2 receptors.

This allows it to have a range of effects on your body and mind, some more desirable than others.

For example, THC may help to reduce pain and stimulate your appetite.

But it can also cause paranoia and anxiety in some cases, especially when consumed in high amounts (pun not intended)!

How much THC is the right amount for me?

Practically speaking, when it comes to cannabis, we are most concerned with how the two main cannabinoids, THC and CBD, work together.

So the answer to “What amount is right for me?” is quite complex and involves a lot of factors.

However, there are some guidelines you can follow to find what amount of THC works best for you!

It’s important to point out that cannabinoids have different effects at different dosages.

For example, low doses of THC may help you with anxiety, but higher doses may prompt it.

Did we answer all your THC questions?

If not, then let us know by commenting here or on our social media accounts!

That way, we can unravel the fascinating (and often misunderstood) science of cannabis together.

Everything You Need To Know About THC