THC
From Drug Rehab Wiki
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the chemical compound found in marijuana or cannabis. Individuals will either ingest or inhale THC to achieve certain desired effects that could be considered benefits. THC has the ability to bind to specific receptors in the brain. These receptors are known as cannabinoid receptors and this binding produces results based on the amount of THC taken into the body.
Known as one of the oldest hallucinogenic drugs in the world, tetrahydrocannabinol is assumed to have been used by the Chinese as an herbal remedy as far back as the first century AD. Even after all this time, the mode of action of THC is still not completely understood, which makes research into its effectiveness that much more difficult.
In low doses of consumption, THC has been known to reduce aggression, stimulate the appetite, reduce nausea and even lead to a reduction in pain. When doses are higher, THC can cause the high often associated with marijuana. This high creates an altered perception of space and time and can create feelings of either happiness or fatigue or even both.
THC is often produced in a lab environment for distribution in countries where cannabis is illegal. The medication Marinol – which is only available by prescription – contains THC created in the lab. This drug is often prescribed in situations where eating disorders are present and can also help to relieve chemotherapy or AIDs side effects.
The use of THC has also been explored for the potential treatment of individuals suffering with Tourette Syndrome. While research has merely just begun in this area, early results suggest tetrahydrocannabinol or Marinol could deliver some relief for these individuals.
Individuals who rely on THC to find relief from very serious conditions have reported much more effectiveness from the natural form than that which is created for medications like Marinol. The legal status of marijuana and cannabis, however, make it difficult to legally obtain THC for those with a true medical issue that can be addressed with the chemical. While a number of cities have allowed the drug in its natural form for specific illnesses, they are small in number.
Research continues into the effectiveness of THC in the treatment of other conditions and new discoveries are being made. For instance, various studies on mice suggest THC can be effective in reducing tumor growth. A study conducted in 2006 found that the chemical has the potential to reduce plague that forms in the brain, thereby delaying the onset or even reducing the severity in a patient with Alzheimer’s.
As the United States continues to try and navigate its war on drugs, research continues into the effectiveness of tetrahydrocannabinol in a variety of situations. Researchers must examine the potential benefit in light of suspected risk in the use of THC in its natural form.
