THC: history, origin, effects, and risks

THC = dangerous drug? Get to know it in a different light!

Text: THC, illuminated by light, accompanied by cannabis leaves, HotHouseCucumber at the top left
Text: THC, illuminated by light, accompanied by cannabis leaves, HotHouseCucumber at the top left

The old (un)known THC

THC is a compound that occurs naturally in the cannabis plant. Cannabis has been used by humans for thousands of years. Archaeological findings suggest that even 2,500 years ago, people deliberately burned cannabis and inhaled the smoke to achieve a state of intoxication.

In ancient times, cannabis was widely used for religious rituals and in medicine. In medieval Europe, cannabis was not considered a psychoactive substance and was grown for economic purposes—cannabis was an ideal material for the production of textiles, ropes, and paper. It was also popular in folk medicine.

However, the first scientific descriptions of cannabis did not appear until the 16th and 17th centuries with the gradual development of medicine. In the 19th and 20th centuries, thanks to new medical and travel discoveries, the psychoactive properties of cannabis began to gain recognition and the plant began to be regulated.

Key discoveries were made in the 20th century by Israeli scientists Raphael Mechoulam and Yehiel Gaoni and their team at the Hebrew University. In 1964, they isolated and described THC for the first time, along with other cannabinoids and substances in cannabis, which later led to the identification of the endocannabinoid system in the human body. These findings sparked modern research into the therapeutic potential of cannabis and its individual components, which could play a key role in the development of new drugs for a range of diseases.

Along with CBD, THC is the most researched natural compound in cannabis, and we now have sufficient information about its effects on the human body. So what is THC and what are its benefits and risks?

How is THC produced?

THC is produced in the plant through a complex biochemical process. It starts with CBGA, cannabigerolic acid. Thanks to the action of enzymes, part of the CBGA is converted into THCA, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. THC is only produced when THCA undergoes decarboxylation, which occurs under the influence of prolonged or intense heat — for example, when cannabis is smoked, dried, burned, baked, cooked, or vaporized.

Did you know that... Fresh cannabis contains THC only in an inactive form, i.e., as THCA. Unlike THC, THCA is not psychoactive. This means that if cannabis is used fresh, not heated, it has no intoxicating effects.

THC and other cannabinoids can also be created artificially (in a laboratory) in several different ways, such as:

  • complete chemical synthesis from simple organic molecules,
  • semisynthetic synthesis from other cannabinoids,
  • or enzymatic conversion of precursors.

An interesting experiment was conducted by scientists in California, who succeeded in genetically modifying the metabolism of brewer's yeast so that it could convert sugar into CBGA, cannabigerolic acid, from which other cannabinoids could then be produced.

In common practice, however, THC is still extracted directly from the cannabis plant, where it occurs naturally in high quantities.

THC from a chemical perspective

THC refers to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC), the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant.

The molecular formula of THC is C21H30O2, which means that it has 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms.

 

Illustration of the molecular structure of THC C21H30O2

The THC molecule has a tricyclic structure composed of a benzene, pyran, and cyclopentane ring. It contains a side chain, which is essential for THC's ability to bind to receptors in the body.

THC is lipophilic, easily soluble in fats but not in water, which affects its bioavailability. It is therefore better absorbed when taken with fats, but less so when taken on an empty stomach or without fat.

It is unstable; sensitive to heat, light, and oxidation—when stored improperly, it degrades to CBN, cannabinol.

How does THC work in the human body?

THC acts in the body through the endocannabinoid system. This is a network of cell receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes that influence various physiological processes. The main receptors of this system are CB1 and CB2 receptors.

THC acts primarily on CB1 receptors. These are located in the brain and regulate perception, mood, coordination, and memory. THC activates or blocks these receptors, influencing a wide range of processes. Among other things, it releases dopamine in the brain's reward center, which induces euphoria and can lead to addiction.

THC also acts on CB2 receptors, which are mainly found in peripheral organs, the digestive tract, the spleen, tissues, bone marrow, and the immune system.

Other receptors affected by THC include GPR55, TRPV1, PPARy, and serotonin receptors (not part of the endocannabinoid system), which broadens the spectrum of its effects.

 

Illustration of THC acting on receptors in the endocannabinoid system CB1 and CB2

Effects of THC

Despite the controversy surrounding its psychoactive effects, the cannabinoid THC has unique therapeutic potential.

Scientific studies and observations suggest that THC may affect, for example, pain perception, digestion, appetite, neurological functions, and intraocular pressure. Below we summarize some of the areas that are most frequently the subject of scientific interest in relation to THC.

Analgesic properties

THC affects the way nerves and the brain process pain. It is thought to slow down the transmission of pain signals between nerve cells while calming areas of the brain and spinal cord. It can reduce inflammation in the nervous system, which is typical of chronic pain.

In a 2004 study, 34 patients who did not respond adequately to conventional analgesics were given extracts containing pure THC, pure CBD, or a combination of both. All variants led to an improvement in pain perception and sleep quality, with the psychoactive effects being described as manageable by the patients.

Further research has shown that THC may have potential in opioid pain treatment because it can enhance the effect of opioids, reduce the required dose, and slow the development of tolerance.

Help with nausea and loss of appetite

THC can relieve nausea caused by chemotherapy. Unlike commonly used medications, THC should help not only with acute nausea, but also with delayed nausea, which occurs several days after chemotherapy.

Studies focusing on patients with AIDS and cancer have found that dronabinol, a synthetic form of THC, can help increase appetite.

Neuroprotective effects

THC has the potential to protect nerve cells from damage, loss of function, or death. This is particularly important for preventing and slowing neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.

THC is thought to have antioxidant properties, meaning it can neutralize free radicals and reactive oxygen species that damage brain cells during inflammation. These effects are believed to be independent of the endocannabinoid system.

Testing on mice with laboratory-induced multiple sclerosis showed that after administration of dexanabinol, a synthetic analogue of THC without psychoactive effects, there was a significant reduction in inflammation in the brain and spinal cord and a noticeable increase in survival. In some animals, there was even a complete suppression of symptoms, while the untreated group showed severe progression and high mortality.

The neuroprotective effect was also demonstrated in Parkinson's disease in tests on rats. The animals were given THC for two weeks, which helped slow down the loss of dopamine, reduced the activity of destructive enzymes, and protected cells in the damaged area of the brain.

THC has also been shown to reduce tics in patients with Tourette syndrome.

Anti-cancer properties

Some studies report that cannabinoids, including THC, may affect the growth and spread of tumor cells in various types of cancer. The main mechanisms include:

  • antiangiogenesis: defense against the formation of new blood vessels that feed the tumor
  • inhibition of metastasis: limiting the ability of tumor cells to spread
  • induction of apoptosis: activation of cell death in tumor cells

Research has suggested that THC may have anti-cancer effects, for example, in cases of leukemia, pancreatic cancer, and breast cancer.

These findings come mainly from laboratory studies. THC is not approved as a cancer treatment and does not replace standard cancer treatment. Research is ongoing and results may vary depending on the type of tumor, dosage, and conditions.

Effect on intraocular pressure

High eye pressure can lead to glaucoma, which, if left untreated, can result in blindness. The effect of THC on reducing eye pressure has been studied for years, and research to date has yielded positive results.

Studies have shown that THC is more effective than other cannabinoids at lowering intraocular pressure, whether inhaled, administered under the tongue, or in the form of eye drops. The effect has been demonstrated in both animals and humans.

Help with asthma

Studies suggest that THC may have mild bronchodilatory effects—that is, it may widen the airways, making breathing easier. This could be beneficial for the development of medications for patients suffering from asthma.

Side effects

Although THC appears to have significant therapeutic potential, it has side effects that are currently an obstacle to its full use.

Short-term side effects include:

  • rapid heartbeat and drop in blood pressure
  • red eyes
  • dry mouth
  • feeling hungry
  • irritated airways
  • tiredness, drowsiness
  • dizziness

Psychological side effects of THC include:

  • confusion
  • slower reaction time
  • altered perception, hallucinations
  • anxiety
  • panic
  • paranoia

 

The illustration shows possible side effects of THC such as increased appetite, rapid heartbeat, paranoia, anxiety and red eyes

THC is addictive, and regular use can lead to psychological dependence and withdrawal symptoms when a person stops using it.

THC can also negatively affect heart and brain function (especially in young people who use it regularly). A long-term study found that individuals who began using cannabis heavily in adolescence lost an average of up to 8 IQ points by middle age.

THC may also play a role in the development of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.

Conclusion

THC is a controversial cannabinoid with a long history and unique properties. Scientific research shows that it can reduce pain and inflammation, relieve nausea, and has potential neuroprotective and anticancer effects. It may also help patients suffering from glaucoma and asthma.

THC has psychoactive effects, is addictive, and, according to some studies, may negatively affect heart and brain function. Its use in medicine requires clear regulation and a responsible approach due to these adverse effects.

FAQ

1. Why is THC illegal in most states?

THC is a psychoactive and addictive substance. Concerns about its impact on mental health, the potential for addiction, and other risks have led to its prohibition or strict regulation in most countries around the world in the past. However, thanks to new research and a better understanding of its effects, attitudes toward THC are gradually changing, and many countries are amending their legislation to allow its safe use in medicine and, in some cases, for recreational purposes under controlled conditions.

2. What is the difference between CBD and THC?

Although both substances are cannabinoids derived from cannabis, they have different effects. THC is known for its ability to affect consciousness, while CBD is non-psychoactive and popular primarily for its relaxing effects.

3. How long does THC stay in the body?

While the effects of THC wear off relatively quickly, traces of its use can be detected for a longer period of time, depending on the method of testing and individual factors such as method of use, frequency, dose, and metabolism.

The presence of THC in saliva can be detected up to 72 hours after use. Saliva tests are commonly used in roadside checks because they are easy and quick.

How long does THC remain in the blood? It is detectable for up to 48 hours after use, but its metabolites may be present for longer. Blood tests are mainly used in clinical settings.

THC can be detected in urine several days to weeks after use.

 

Sources:

 

Author: Natálie Kubíčková

 

   

Photo: AI

"All information provided on this website, as well as the information provided through this website, is for educational purposes only. None of the information contained herein is intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis and such information is not to be considered medical advice or recommended treatment. This website does not promote, endorse or advocate the legal or illegal use of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances or the commission of any other illegal activity. Please see our Disclaimer for further information."

Recommended products3

Next
%s ...
%s
%image %title %code %s