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Education, Health+Wellness
What is THC?
Learn what THC is, how it works, and what symptoms it is best used for.
Producing over a hundred different cannabinoids, the cannabis plant is one of the most remarkable plants in the world. Although there are so many cannabinoids, there are only a few that seem to make the headlines. THC is one of the most talked about. This is in part because of the current classification of cannabis by the DEA as a Schedule I drug. Being classified this way limits and restricts scientific research.
What is THC?
THC stands for tetrahydracannabidiol. It is one of many different cannabinoids, terpenes, and phytonutrients found in cannabis.
THC may be best known for being the cannabinoid that gets you high. The term high is a commonly used term to describe the general sense of euphoria associated with cannabis. This feeling of euphoria, or being high, is part of what makes cannabis such a powerful medicine.
What Does THC Help With?
THC has been shown to help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and elevate mood. It is also known for contributing to an increase in hunger, generally described as giving patients the munchies. There are several medical conditions, including cancer, pain and bowel disorders that may cause a patient to feel nauseous and/or not want to eat. If this is you, you’re in luck! THC works within the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to stimulate and regulate hunger, metabolism, and digestion.
This makes it a good choice for people having trouble with their appetite or digestion.
THC Research
The pain relieving effects of THC have been widely documented. It binds to the cannabinoids receptors in our ECS. This affects our brain and central nervous system. It also affects other physiological processes in the body, which is why it can help with so many different medical conditions.
Although there has been extensive research, due to legal limitations, most of the studies have been conducted on rodents. The results of these studies may have shown promise in cannabis being able to treat a lengthy list of diseases and disorders. However, tests in rodents don’t always translate to humans. Research on THC and cannabis is continuing to evolve and expand as more states adopt legal cannabis programs. As the research continues, so will the evidence to support THC and cannabis as a whole, as the modern medical miracle it seems to be.