The Science Behind Delta 9 THC And Its Effects
Delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the major psychoactive ingredient found in cannabis plants. It has been used for centuries for its medicinal and recreational effects, but it wasn’t until recently that scientists have begun to understand the science behind how THC works in the body. This article will explore the science behind Delta 9 THC and its effects on the body. You can also find more information on this topic at outlookindia.com, a leading online news portal that covers various aspects of cannabis and health.
What is Delta-9-THC?
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a cannabinoid found in abundance in Cannabis sativa plants. It’s an organic compound made up of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur atoms arranged in rings called cyclohexane rings. These rings are responsible for binding to certain receptors in the human body when consumed or inhaled from marijuana smoke or vaporised cannabis oil products such as dabs or waxes. When activated by THC, these receptors produce a variety of psychoactive effects including euphoria and relaxation.
How does delta-9-THC work?
When delta-9-THC binds to specific receptors located throughout our bodies, known as CB1 and CB2 receptors, it triggers a series of chemical reactions that then lead to various physiological changes that produce the euphoric ‘high’ associated with marijuana use. This process begins with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol binding to CB1 and CB2 receptor sites on nerve cells in our brain and central nervous system. Once bound, it then activates a response called G protein-coupled receptor signalling, which leads to increased levels of dopamine being released into our bloodstream, resulting in feelings of euphoria or pleasure, along with other responses such as increased appetite, decreased nausea, pain relief, feelings of relaxation and drowsiness, among others, depending on the dosage strength and individual user tolerance levels.
What are the short-term effects of Delta-9 THC?
The most common short-term effects experienced when using Delta-9 THC include: heightened senses such as improved vision; enhanced creativity; mood changes; increased appetite; decreased nausea; pain relief; relaxation; drowsiness; altered time perception; impaired motor skills & judgement; and paranoia & anxiety in some cases, depending on dosage level & individual user tolerance. These short-term effects can last anywhere from two to eight hours after ingesting or inhaling cannabis containing delta-9-THC molecules.
What are the long-term effects of delta-9-THC?
Long-term use of delta-9 THC can lead to physical dependence, where users experience withdrawal symptoms such as irritability & insomnia if they suddenly stop using after regular use over time. Other long-term side effects may include memory loss, cognitive impairment, depression, anxiety, addiction, increased risk of developing mental disorders such as schizophrenia with heavy chronic use over long periods of time. There is also a link between prolonged marijuana use and certain types of cancer due to carcinogens in the combustion smoke, although research on this topic is ongoing.
Is there a difference between hemp and marijuana containing Delta-9-THC?
Yes there is. Both hemp & marijuana contain delta-9 THC, however hemp contains only trace amounts usually below 0.3% whereas marijuana generally contains between 5 – 35% making it much more potent than its hemp counterpart. In addition, research suggests that different strains of cannabis can contain different amounts & ratios of cannabinoids leading to different results depending on the user’s preference, so it is important to be aware of what type you are consuming before doing so.
Outlook India While much has been written about the recreational use of Delta-9-THC, not enough emphasis has been placed on understanding exactly how it works & interacts within our bodies physiology. With further understanding comes greater knowledge of proper dosages, whether medically prescribed or recreationally used, allowing us to make better-informed decisions when using this powerful molecule that offers many unique benefits when administered correctly. Overall, without knowing what you’re ingesting you could potentially be putting yourself at risk for negative side effects so always remember to consult your doctor before attempting any form of self-medication with cannabis-derived compounds such as delta-9-THC.