Cannabis 101

What Does THC Do? Tetrahydrocannabinol in Action

Posted on by Ryan
What Does THC Do Tetrahydrocannabinol in Action
03
Dec

If you’re curious about the cannabis plant and wondering what weed THC does, you’re not alone. It’s only natural to feel intrigued by the plant, especially after being legalized in Canada. Though cannabis has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal properties, it has recently gained popularity. 

As a result, Canadians are flocking to dispensaries and online stores to buy cannabis products. In this article, we’ll cover all you need to know about the plant, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

What is THC?

Any effort to learn about THC will bring you to a discussion of cannabinoids, including CBD. Both are found in the marijuana plant and have medicinal properties. While they are pretty different from one another, the two work in conjunction. 

 Cannabis plants contain over 100 compounds, two of which are CBD, i.e. cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol (CBD and THC, respectively). So what does THC do? THC is the cannabinoid in marijuana known for the euphoric feeling associated with smoking pot. However, However, CBD does not get you high and has many medicinal applications, including treating migraines, insomnia, epilepsy, arthritis, and PTSD. 

What Does Marijuana Do & How Does THC Give You the High?

So what does cannabis do to you, and what’s the difference between hemp and marijuana? Hemp contains less than 0.03% THC. A cannabis plant containing more THC than this is classified as a marijuana plant. Hemp has higher concentrations of CBD than THC, while most strains of marijuana contain more THC than CBD. So what does weed do to the human brain? Both CBD and THC interact with the neurotransmitters found in the human brain and help to regulate mood, appetite, pain, and sleep. 

Perhaps the most critical difference between THC and CBD is that THC is responsible for the high associated with smoking weed. So what does THC do to get you high? THC is psychoactive and is a mild hallucinogen, causing euphoria and relaxation in the user. While CBD also comes from the same plant, it doesn’t get you high. 

The human body is naturally geared for cannabinoids because we have an endocannabinoid system (ECS). There are two types of cannabinoid receptors found in the human body. So what does marijuana do to interact with these receptors? THC is the compound that most frequently binds to these receptor sites. These receptors regulate brain functions such as sleep, pain, mood, and appetite. THC not only regulates these essential functions but gives you a feeling of euphoria and gets you high. Conversely, CBD won’t get you high. However, even though it won’t get you high, it is very popular for its medicinal benefits.

 

Watch Out – THC is not Rainbows and Sunshine

Even though there are many wonderful benefits to THC, not everybody has delightful experiences with marijuana. There have been many instances in which pot consumers feel uncomfortable using weed or marijuana. For example, smoking pot may worsen symptoms of depression or panic disorder. And what does THC do if you smoke too much weed? Because THC is a hallucinogen, smoking too much weed can lead to seeing, smelling, and hearing things that aren’t there. 

Let’s take a look at the effects that THC and CBD may have on consumers. THC may cause:

  • Increased heart rate
  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness
  • Red eyes
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Problems with keeping balance
  • Drowsiness
  • Slower reaction times
  • Anxiety
  • Memory

 

While consuming CBD, one may feel:

  • Fatigue
  • Tiredness
  • Weight loss
  • Changes in appetite
  • Dizziness
  • Upset stomach
  • Diarrhea
  • Low blood pressure

Remember THC is for Pleasure; CBD is for Medical

So what does marijuana do that’s high in THC? First, it gives you an excellent high. So if you’re looking to have a good time with your friends, you should select a product that’s rich in THC. But, again, it’s because THC will give you that euphoric high feeling you’re looking for. 

Don’t expect to get high if you use a CBD product. While you can expect to feel relaxation and general wellbeing, CBD won’t get you high. If you’re looking to get high, it’s THC you’re after. There are plenty of products and different strains that have high THC levels. In addition, you’ll find a wide array of THC-rich cannabis products at your local Canadian dispensary. 

However, if you’re looking for the health benefits of cannabis without getting high, choose CBD-infused products instead. There are a lot of CBD products that are available on the Canadian market. For example, CBD comes in various strengths and is available in an assortment of pleasant flavours. You can add CBD oils to snacks, meals, smoothies, tea, coffee, desserts, and candies. 

They can also be smoked through vaporizers (vapes – vape pens). The optimal method for consuming CBD oil is to place 1 ml. under your tongue, hold it for 60 seconds and swallow. So what does weed do when administered orally? Because there is a large vein under the tongue, the CBD enters the bloodstream rapidly. 

 

To Wrap it Up

Like any drug, you should always start slow when trying cannabis products, particularly THC. How the compound affects you will depend on your tolerance, how much you consume, and metabolism. Pay attention to how the plant affects, including how you think, feel, and behave. 

Secondly, take note of the strains that make you feel good. Different weed strains have different effects. So what does THC do in an Indica strain vs. a Sativa strain? Generally speaking, an Indica will cause sedation and relaxation, while a Sativa will be more uplifting and energizing. Everybody is different, and what works for one person may not work for you. So experiment with different strains before you decide.

 

References

 

Ryan

Leave a Reply

My Account
Promotions
Chat