Inside THC: How Cannabis Alters the Brain and Why Research Is Catching Up.

Most people associate cannabis with the feeling of being high, but fewer understand the science behind it. That intoxicating effect comes from tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC—the compound that interacts with the brain to create euphoria, altered perception, and increased appetite.

Cannabis contains over 500 active compounds, yet the spotlight tends to shine on two: cannabidiol (CBD) and THC. While CBD is known for reducing inflammation and providing therapeutic benefits without intoxication, THC is the element responsible for the psychoactive effects.

THC is found in the flowers of female cannabis plants, although it’s present in smaller quantities in other parts. In its natural state, THC mostly exists as tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), a non-psychoactive precursor. When cannabis is heated—through smoking, vaping, or even sunlight exposure—THCA converts into THC.

Once consumed, THC enters the bloodstream and crosses into the brain. There, it binds to cannabinoid receptors located in regions responsible for memory, fear, coordination, and hunger. This interaction alters short-term memory, distorts time perception, stimulates appetite, and triggers dopamine release—leading to intense feelings of pleasure.

Cannabis use dates back thousands of years. In ancient China and South Asia, it served as a medicinal remedy. Romans used it for earaches, and in Africa, it helped ease childbirth and treat malaria. The plant also had industrial uses; hemp fibers were used to produce paper in China and the Middle East, a practice that eventually reached Europe.

Over centuries, two distinct strains of cannabis developed—one cultivated for its psychoactive properties and another for industrial purposes. In the 1830s, Irish physician William O’Shaughnessy encountered medicinal cannabis in India and introduced it to Western medicine, where it was used to treat ailments like cholera, pain, and spasms.

By the early 1900s, cannabis was known in the U.S., but perceptions shifted when 19th-century Mexican media linked “marihuana” to mental illness and violence. In 1920, Mexico banned it. The U.S. followed with heavy taxes and criminalization in 1937. In 1970, marijuana was listed as a Schedule I drug—alongside heroin—a move that has remained controversial.

Though generally safe in moderation, THC carries some risks. High doses can cause paranoia or anxiety and may worsen symptoms in individuals predisposed to schizophrenia. It also impairs motor function, making activities like driving unsafe.

Despite growing interest in cannabis’ potential, research has been restricted. Since 1974, scientists were required to source cannabis through the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), which mostly supplied low-THC, poor-quality samples. This hindered studies that reflect real-world use.

That changed in 2022, when President Joe Biden signed legislation permitting more institutions and private companies to study cannabis. Researchers are now exploring different forms of THC, including delta-8 and delta-10—chemical variants found in hemp. While their effects are milder and research is still in early stages, several states have already moved to ban them.

With fewer restrictions, scientists aim to better understand how THC works and how it might be used more effectively for medical treatment, bridging the gap between public use and scientific knowledge

Source:https://www.scientificamerican.com/video/how-thc-the-psychoactive-compound-in-weed-gets-you-high/

This is non-financial/medical advice and made using AI so could be wrong.