THC: Understanding the Psychoactive Compound Behind Marijuana’s High

Rapid Summary

• Key Components of Marijuana: Marijuana contains over 500 active compounds, with cannabidiol (CBD) reducing inflammation, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) being the main psychoactive component responsible for producing the “high.”
• THCA and THC Conversion: Raw cannabis contains THCA, which doesn’t produce psychoactive effects until converted to THC through heating or exposure to sunlight.
• Mechanism in Body: Upon consumption via smoking, edibles, or vaping, THC enters the bloodstream, reaches the brain and binds to receptors affecting memory, appetite, fear response, motor control. It releases dopamine linked to pleasure sensations.
• Ancient Uses: Cannabis has been used medicinally for thousands of years across ancient South Asia and China. Additionally used industrially in paper production with cultural exchanges facilitating its spread worldwide. Irish doctor William O’Shaughnessy notably brought attention to cannabis during his time in India by treating various ailments using it.
• Prohibition History: Mid-19th-century incidents tied marijuana use to violent behavior prompted Mexico’s ban on cannabis (1920), followed by its criminalization in the U.S under heavy taxation laws beginning 1937.

– US Proceeds stringent categorization w/ Narcotics as DEA etc reflecting farlong bans(prevalent). Medicinal marijuna pathways dynamic clearance anticip final ordinance conclusions….