The cannabis plant contains over 120 cannabinoids. When experienced together, they create what’s called an “entourage effect,” a term that describes the theory that each cannabinoid’s efficacy is increased when they all work together.1 The most popular cannabinoid is delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. So, what is THC, then? THC is the most common cannabinoid. THC was present in the marijuana used at Woodstock.
THC is a popular cannabinoid in the United States, but people still have basic questions. This article will answer the question “What is THC?” and explain its science as well as potential health benefits.
Delta-9 THC was the only cannabinoid that Congress restricted when it legalized hemp under the Farm Bill of 2018. Under federal law, all other cannabinoids have become legal. Delta-9 THC is still illegal. Congress has legalized hemp plants that contain as little as 0.3 percent Delta-9 THC. It’s also not zero. You can learn more about delta-9-THC and related cannabinoids.
The Science of THC
THC (also known as delta-9 THC) is the cannabinoid responsible for marijuana’s psychotropic effects. THC is a cannabinoid that occurs naturally in the brain and sends chemical signals throughout the nervous system.
These cannabinoid neurons, called anandamides, “affect areas of the brain that affect pleasure, memory, and thinking, as well as concentration, movement, and coordination.”2 “Anandamide” is derived from the Sanskrit term “ananda,” which means “joy and bliss.” Anandamides can be found in the brains of all mammals.3
THC’s effects are similar to those of anandamide. It attaches to the cannabinoid receptors in neurons and activates them. This disrupts various motor and mental functions.4
How is THC used?
Inhaling the smoke from the burning flowers of the Cannabis plant has traditionally been the way to consume THC. This was done in the ancient Near East by throwing compressed cannabis flowers on hot coals within a tent and then inhaling smoke. Pipe smoking is relatively new, introduced to European culture in the 16th Century by Native Americans for tobacco consumption.
The French also invented cigarettes for tobacco in the late 19th Century. In the end, pipes and cigarettes became the main way to ingest THC.
The THC content of hemp was limited to 0.3 percent when it became legal through the 2018 Farm Bill. This hemp-derived THC, including delta 9 thc edible, contains the same amount of THC as full-strength cannabis but in a much smaller quantity. Any hemp extract that is labeled as “full spectrum” contains hemp-derived THC, including all Cornbread Hemp and CBD gummies.
What are the benefits of THC?
In at least 35 states, it is now legal to use high-THC cannabis in the treatment of a variety of medical conditions. Most Americans live in states that allow safe access to medical marijuana. This is due to the perceived benefits of THC.
THC may promote relaxation and sleep by promoting a calm, restful feeling. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “THC activates the brain reward system through cannabinoid receptors.” This includes areas that regulate the response to healthy pleasures such as eating and sex.
This article was written by a cannabinoid specialist at DRIP Cannabinoids. DRIP Cannabinoids joined the market in June 2020. We quickly established our mission: providing customers with the purest oil on the market, and in tandem providing a premium final product. Through each and every one of our products, DRIP strives to relieve people from the discomfort, stress, and anxiety of daily life by giving them access to cutting-edge cannabinoids such as Delta-10 and Delta-8 THC. DRIP’s formulas and procedures are all designed with the purity and safety of the customer in mind.