Delta 9 THC is a chemical compound that can be found in marijuana. It’s also known as Tetrahydrocannabinol or just THC for short. It’s responsible for the “high” that people feel when they consume cannabis.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about Delta 9 THC, including its effects and side effects. Read on to learn more!
What is Delta 9 THC?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive component of cannabis and one of over 113 different cannabinoids found in Cannabis. Although many isomers are considered THC, Delta-9-THC is the most common of these. Delta 9 THC is a plant lipid that may be used to aid in insect and environmental stress resistance, as well as UV protection.
The Delta 9 in THC stands for the number of carbon atoms linked to the molecule. Delta 9 THC is not the only THC, but it is the most common type. There are other forms of THC molecules with varying numbers of carbons such as delta 8 THC.
Cannabinoids vary in their pharmacological effects and efficacy based on their chemical structure. CBD and CBG, for example, are comparable to THC but lack the psychotropic effect.
THC can bind to CB1, an endocannabinoid receptor present in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and basal ganglia. These are the areas of the brain responsible for memory, pleasure, coordination, movement, sense, and time perception.
Delta 9 THC Effects
Delta 9 THC activates the release of a neurotransmitter called dopamine in the brain, which is what gives users a euphoric high. The body’s responses to THC can vary in each person. You might feel relaxed, have a different sense of time, heightened sensory perception, and an increased appetite.
On the other hand, some people may encounter unpleasant effects, especially with excessive usage. Delta 9 THC can cause anxiety, memory problems, paranoia, dizziness, sleeplessness, nausea, dry mouth, fear, and hallucinations.
Benefits of Delta 9 THC
Delta 9 THC has been shown to offer numerous benefits. The following are some of the more recognized benefits.
Pain & Inflammation Relief
Delta 9 THC can be beneficial for chronic pains. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which manages pain and inflammation. THC has been discovered to prevent painful sensation messages from reaching the brain, allowing you to feel less pain.
Chronic pain is a complicated condition that places strain on the body’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. THC in cannabis is considerably safer, more natural, and non-addictive than traditional pharmaceutical pain relievers.
Creativity Enhancement
THC has a particularly distinctive property: it may boost and activate creativity in people’s brains. THC boosted how people utilized language, resulting in more creative ways to express ideas. Furthermore, the outcomes indicated that cannabis increased verbal fluency in low creatives to the level seen in high creatives.
Nausea and Vomiting Reduction
Nausea can be caused by a variety of factors, such as motion sickness, eating something that doesn’t sit well, or having a little illness like the common cold or flu. Chemotherapy therapies, radiation therapy, migraines, undergoing general anesthesia, digestive issues can all cause chronic nausea.
THC is a powerful anti-emetic, which means it can help with nausea and vomiting. Cannabis-based THC is more effective than the synthetic kind in combating nausea and vomiting.
Appetite Stimulant
THC can help those with conditions such as HIV, eating disorders, hepatitis, and dementia by increasing their appetite. It aids in the release of the hunger-inducing hormone ghrelin and can improve the taste of food.
This property of THC can enhance the quality of life if used correctly. Intriguingly, certain cannabis strains have the ability to reduce hunger, potentially assisting those who want to slim down.
Anti-Spasmodic
Delta 9 THC can help with spasms, particularly abdominal or bladder spasms. Furthermore, owing to its powerful medical capabilities, THC has been used to cure digestive issues.
It has a muscle relaxant effect. Because of this property, delta 9 THC appears to be highly useful for persons who have disorders like multiple sclerosis that cause muscular spasticity, discomfort, and cramping.
Anti-Cancer
Cannabis has the ability to kill cancer cells in the human body while leaving healthy cells unharmed. The US government has stated in the past that cannabis is capable of reducing cancer cells and tumors, yet it is still prohibited in some states.
Not Recommended for Those Under the Age of 25
Delta 9 THC has shown to be quite beneficial in treating a variety of illnesses, but it is not suggested for individuals under the age of 25.
According to the National Institutes for Health (NIH), marijuana is frequently used as an intoxicant by teenagers, and “teenagers who use large amounts of cannabis typically have neurocognitive deficits, macrostructural and microstructural brain development deficiencies, and changes in brain function.
Teens have a developing brain that is not yet fully developed until the mid-20s. Marijuana use during this time may harm the maturing teen brain.
According to a study, teenagers who smoked marijuana as early as 14 did worse on cognitive tests by the age of 20 and were more likely to quit school than non-smokers. Those that started early had problems with short-term memory and working memory in general.
Closing on Delta 9 THC
Delta 9 THC is the most prevalent type of Tetrahydrocannabinol. It is the main psychoactive component of cannabis and offers numerous benefits like chronic pain relief, anti-emetic, anti-cancer, appetite stimulant, anti-spasm, and creativity enhancement.
Although it is not recommended for those under 25 years old because it can harm developing brains; delta 9 THC can be quite beneficial when used appropriately for those over 25 years old.