By: Josh Alb
When most people think of cannabis, getting high is often what comes to mind. Psychoactivity is often associated with a special cannabinoid called tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC for short. This compound has been used for centuries in man’s known history for various uses. From rituals to medicine, this compound has played a great role in humanity’s culture. As we moved from Asia, we took the cannabis plant with us, for its various medicinal and therapeutic purposes. Now, cannabis is produced on every continent in the world. As humans entered the 20th century, man waged a war against the plant they loved due to misinformation. Since then, what was seen as a staple in culture has been cast to the shadows and become taboo. Only recently has a wave of support rose to push for legalization due to its medical benefits, and the fight still continues.
What is THC?
A one of a kind molecule that generates a psychoactive effect.
THC is a small, naturally occurring molecule, generated from the cannabis plant. It is primarily comprised of carbon and is classified as a cannabinoid. This is because THC has the ability to bind to specific areas in the body that are known as cannabinoid receptors. When this occurs, THC produces a number of biological responses. This includes stimulating appetite, lowering body temperature, and generating a psychoactive effect that can be quite profound. It’s 2D structure can be seen in the image below.
THC 2D structure via pubchem
How does THC work?
By putting the car in drive.
The way a molecule can act with a protein receptor can be compared to driving a car. Similar to the three different modes of movement, molecules have three different ways of binding to protein receptors. These interactions are agonist, inverse agonist, and antagonist. Agonist interaction is comparable to putting a car in drive - turning the protein receptor on. Inverse agonist interaction is comparable to reverse - acting in the opposite way of an agonist. Antagonist interaction is comparable to putting the car in neutral - not letting any forward or reverse movement. This effectively inhibits any interaction from other molecules to the protein.
THC by definition is an agonist binding cannabinoid. This means when the molecule interacts with the receptor it effectively “puts the car in drive” by generating a biological response. The cause of this is that when THC enters the protein pocket it forms an “L” like shape. The cannabinoid confirmation interacts with specific amino acid residues and generates the agonist response. This agonist interaction generates a psychoactive response which causes the “high”, munchies, laughs, and good old times. The image of THC’s interaction can be seen below.
THC bound to the CB1 receptor. The blue stick structure represents THC. The surrounding sticks are amino acid residues. The ribbons are the amino acid chains that form the protein. The sticks are the amino acid residues themselves.
What can THC treat?
A myriad of disorders.
THC has been shown to treat a myriad of disorders. Scientists are still discovering the benefits of THC and more research is needed to draw further conclusions of its potential benefits. Some of the current known benefits are listed below;
The current research shows how THC can be a viable alternative to many diseases treated by pharmaceuticals. Researchers have opened the door to understanding its effects. Currently, it is still hard to do cannabinoid research due to governmental restrictions. If more research is to be done at the level we need it to be done this must be changed.
THC medicine offered by Alta California Botanicals.
Are there any negative side effects?
Yes…. and no.
Every substance out there has positive and negative side effects and it is important to recognize them. All drugs can become biphasic which means that substances which hold medicinal or therapeutic potential can worsen the condition if over consumed. Negative side effects can include but are not limited to:
Overconsumption of THC has been shown to cause acute psychosis and even lead to reports of addiction. The good news is that this is all treatable using cannabidiol, or CBD. Numerous studies have shown CBD can treat people who suffer from paranoia, acute psychosis, and cannabis addiction.
Is THC for me?
Maybe!
Remember, not every drug is for every person and THC is no exception. Many people suffer from ailments and disorders that THC has the ability to treat. It is important for those options to be open to them so that they can seek legitimate, effective treatment. If THC isn’t for you, nothing wrong with that. There are plenty of alternatives! However, do not deny someone the right to consume something that they have found beneficial to themselves without doing your research. Consulting your physician beforehand of course, and if you have tried it all and it’s just not working, why not THC?