Tetrahydrocannabinol

THC]

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the principal psychoactive constituent of the cannabis plant. First isolated in 1964 by Israeli scientists Raphael Mechoulam and Yechiel Gaoni, THC is one of 113 known cannabinoids found in cannabis. It is responsible for the plant's psychoactive effects, producing the characteristic "high" or altered state of consciousness associated with cannabis use.

Structure and properties[edit | edit source]

THC is a lipophilic molecule, meaning it is soluble in fats, oils, and other lipids. It has a low solubility in water, which contributes to its long-lasting effects in the body. Structurally, THC is similar to the endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) produced by the human body, such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).

Pharmacology[edit | edit source]

THC exerts its psychoactive effects by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and other parts of the body. There are two known types of cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. THC primarily binds to CB1 receptors, which are predominantly found in the brain, and to a lesser extent, to CB2 receptors, which are mainly present in the immune system.

When THC binds to CB1 receptors, it activates a signaling pathway that leads to the release of various neurotransmitters, including dopamine, which is responsible for the pleasurable sensations associated with cannabis use.

Medical uses[edit | edit source]

THC has a variety of potential medical applications, and several synthetic THC-based medications have been approved for use in some countries. Some of the most common medical uses of THC include:

Pain relief: THC has been shown to reduce chronic and neuropathic pain in some patients.
Nausea and vomiting: THC is used to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in cancer patients.
Appetite stimulation: THC can help stimulate appetite in patients with conditions like AIDS and cancer.
Glaucoma: THC can help lower intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma.
Insomnia: THC may help improve sleep quality in some individuals.

Legal status[edit | edit source]

The legal status of THC varies widely between countries and jurisdictions. In some areas, it is illegal for recreational use, while in others, it is allowed for medical use under certain conditions. In recent years, some countries and US states have moved towards legalizing the recreational use of cannabis, which has led to increased interest in understanding the potential benefits and risks associated with THC.

References[edit | edit source]

Gaoni, Y., & Mechoulam, R. (1964). Isolation, structure and partial synthesis of an active constituent of hashish. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 86(8), 1646-1647.
Mechoulam, R., & Hanuš, L. O. (2000). A historical overview of chemical research on cannabinoids. Chemistry and Physics of Lipids, 108(1-2), 1-13.
Pertwee, R. G. (2008). The diverse CB1 and CB2 receptor pharmacology of three plant cannabinoids: Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin. British Journal of Pharmacology, 153(2), 199-215.
Abrams, D. I. (2018). The therapeutic effects of Cannabis and cannabinoids: An update from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine report. European Journal of Internal Medicine, 49, 7-11.

External links[edit | edit source]

Tetrahydrocannabinol Resources
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