Tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC, is the main psychoactive component found in cannabis. This component is mainly responsible for making the person feel “high,” and to go into the state of “high,” the individual needs to consume this marijuana. This is one of the most used cannabis since it will provide you with both recreational and medicinal benefits. This chemical has been a great choice for people who want to get pain relief, improve sleep, stimulate appetite, and reduce anxiety.
One of the most important things that an individual needs to know is how THC will react with the individual body since the side effects of consuming cannabinoids can differ from person to person. There are a lot of ways to consume THC, such as edibles, oils, smoking, or vaping, each with varying durations, effects, and start timings. THC has potential risks and side effects, just like any other substance, so understanding how it affects your body and mind is essential for using it wisely.
What Is THC?
THC is one of the many compounds, known as proactive cannabinoids, found in the cannabis plant. THC is the main compound in cannabis that causes the feeling of happiness or is responsible for changing the mental state commonly, and it is commonly referred to as a “high.” Since THC interacts with the brain and neurological system to induce changes in mood, perception, and awareness, this experience is what most people feel after the consumption of marijuana.
It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network that helps in controlling a number of physiological functions, including memory, mood, hunger, and pain. The effects of THC range from relaxation and excitement to different sensations when it interacts with certain receptors in the brain. Depending on the cannabis strain, THC’s strength can vary.
Benefits Of THC
Although there are a lot of benefits from consuming THC, here are some of the major benefits of THC that are experienced by different types of people:
Pain Relief:
THC is a popular option for those with a condition known as multiple sclerosis, and arthritis since it has been shown to effectively relieve chronic pain. THC can help reduce pain by connecting with pain receptors in the brain and neurological system. This makes it a more organic option than conventional medications, especially for people who have chronic, long-term pain.
Improved Sleep:
THC has the potential to improve sleep for people who suffer from restlessness or other sleep problems. Its calming qualities promote mental and physical relaxation, which makes it simpler to get to sleep and remain asleep. Although the effects of THC can vary based on the amount the individual’s body can handle, some users report more continuous and peaceful sleep after using the psychoactive substance.
Reduction in Anxiety And Stress:
THC may reduce tension and anxiety when taken in a moderate dose. THC can help reduce mental strain and create a feeling of peace by encouraging relaxation and increasing the release of feel-good. Finding the ideal balance for each person is essential since bigger dosages might have the opposite effect or even increase anxiety.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
Due to its strong anti-inflammatory qualities, THC can help treat inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), arthritis, and muscular spasms. THC can help reduce the pain, discomfort, and swelling that come with these disorders by reducing inflammation in the body, and as a result, the general quality of life for individuals is improved.
Appetite Stimulation:
THC is renowned for its capacity to increase appetite, which is sometimes referred to as “cravings.” For those who are losing their appetite as a result of medical treatments like chemotherapy or illnesses like AIDS and HIV, the use of THC may be helpful. For those who are in need, THC encourages healthy weight growth and helps prevent malnutrition by boosting food intake.
How Does THC Affect The Body?
After entering the body, THC is quickly absorbed and circulated in the body, and therefore it also makes its way to the brain, where it interacts with the endocannabinoid system. Specifically, it connects itself to cannabinoid receptors, particularly CB1 receptors, which control various physiological and mental processes. A deep sensation of relaxation enhanced sensory perception, and a changed feeling for that particular period of time are just a few of the impacts that result from this interaction. An increase in hunger, commonly known as the “cravings,” is one of THC’s most well-known benefits.
This effect can be especially helpful for those who are losing their desire to eat as a result of illnesses. THC’s effects depend on a person’s tolerance, how much they take, and the way through which they consume it. While edibles take longer to show their effects but may remain effective for many hours, inhalation techniques like smoking or vaping have effects that start almost immediately and last for one to three hours. Others may have adverse effects from THC, including increased heart rate, dizziness, and anxiety, especially when using higher dosages. THC has shown medicinal benefits in spite of these disadvantages.
The Different Forms Of Consuming THC
There are a lot of ways of consuming THC, and each of these ways gives you a different experience, stays for a different time, and has various side effects. Listed below are some of the most common forms of consuming THC.
- Oils: One of the most common types of consumption of THC is in the form of oils. People usually mix this in their food and drinks, and sometimes they take it through the process of sublingually, which means keeping it under the tongue. When you keep the oil under the tongue, its effects start in 15 to 45 minutes, while taking it through food and drinks takes 2 hours to show its effects. The effects of this usually last from 4 to 8 hours. Since oils do not involve smoking and are simple to use, many people find them a healthier alternative. One of the major drawbacks of this is that it shows its effects a bit late as compared to inhaling techniques, so it does not provide you immediate comfort.
- Edibles: Edibles are meals or drinks that contain THC and are broken down and processed by the liver to provide an even stronger and lasting effect. However, when you consume THC in this form, it usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours to show its side effects, and its duration lasts from 6 to 12 hours. There are a lot of ways through which you can consume edibles, such as gummies, chocolates, baked products, and even beverages. When you consume THC in this form, it prevents lung problems and therefore is one of the best choices for nonsmokers. The major drawback of this dosing can be difficult since effects take time to appear; some people consume too much, leading to an overwhelming high.
- Smoking or Vaping: For those individuals who want to get immediate results of THC, they usually consume it in the form of smoking and vaping since in this way it directly enters into your lungs, allowing it to circulate through the blood. The results of this start within a few minutes, and it lasts up to 1 to 3 hours. Many users prefer this method because it provides instant relief and allows for easy dosage control. But the effects fade away rapidly, so you have to take it more often. While vaping is seen to be a cleaner option, it has raised concerns about possible long-term health dangers, and smoking may also be hard on the lungs.
- Capsules & Pills: Pills and capsules are among the most efficient forms of cannabis consumption since they contain exactly calculated amounts of THC. When you consume THC in the form of pills, it usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours since it has to pass through the digestive system, and side effects last up to 6 to 12 hours. Since capsules are separate, easy, and offer regular dosages, many medical cannabis consumers prefer them. The drawback is that they take longer to start working, and because strength is affected by digestion, the effects may occasionally feel stronger than expected.
- Topicals: THC is also used in the form of lotions, creams, and balms since in this form THC is applied directly to the skin to deliver regional treatment without making the individual feel high. Its effects usually start from 15 to 30 minutes, and its effects last for 2 to 6 hours. Since topicals do not affect the mind, they’re an excellent alternative for those who want to get relief from pain, inflammation, and skin issues. However, their effects are limited to the region where you have applied them, and they might not work well for illnesses that require systemic relief or severe pain. However, their effects are limited to the region where you have applied them, and they might not work well for illnesses that require systemic relief or severe pain. Transdermal patches are an exception since they can create psychoactive effects and transfer THC into the blood circulating in your body.
The Risks And Side Effects Of THC
THC can have various effects on the body and mind. While some people use it for relaxation or medical benefits, it also comes with potential risks and side effects that are important to understand. Some of the risks and side effects of consuming THC are:
- Cognitive Impairment: THC can weaken memory, concentration, and coordination, making it harder to complete tasks that require focus, like driving. This impairment can increase the risk of accidents and mistakes in daily activities requiring mental alertness.
- Mental Health: Some people may experience increased anxiety, depression, or paranoia after using THC. High doses can even lead to hallucinations or delusions, making it especially risky for individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions.
- Addiction: While not everyone who uses THC becomes addicted, some may develop a dependence. Over time, they may experience withdrawal symptoms like irritability, sleep disturbances, and cravings when they try to quit.
- Respiratory Issues: Smoking cannabis can irritate the lungs, leading to coughing, chronic bronchitis, and other breathing problems. While vaping is sometimes seen as a less harmful alternative, it may still pose health risks to the respiratory system.
Conclusion
THC is a powerful compound that affects the body in various ways. Whether you’re considering it for recreational or medicinal purposes, it’s important to understand how it works and the potential risks involved. You may make options that suit your requirements and health when you understand the many ways in which THC is consumed, how it affects the body and its negative consequences. Always consult with a healthcare provider if you have concerns about how THC may affect your health, especially if you’re considering it for medical use.