Let’s Talk About Delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

History of THC

  • Cannabis has a long history and uses date back thousands of years.
  • The first recorded use of cannabis can be traced back to China, it was used for food, medicine, and textiles (fabrics).
  • Cannabis was first used in the western hemisphere during the 1600’s, it was used for a number of medical purposes, its recreational use began to grow during the 1930’s & 40’s.
  • Anti-drug campaigns started around this time and laws are passed making it illegal stating the drug led to psychotic episodes, violence, and even death.
  • In 1970, the Controlled Substance Act classified marijuana as a schedule 1 drug making it illegal at a federal level.
  • Marijuana was legalized in Canada Oct 17, 2018, for adults over 18.
  • Canada was the 2nd country to legalize marijuana for recreational use in the world!
  • Decades of unanswered questions, confusion and inaccurate information has distorted the public’s understanding of cannabis, which has made it the most popular prohibited substance in the world.

What is THC and what does it do?

  • THC is the cannabinoid molecule in marijuana that has long been recognized as the main psychoactive ingredient.
  • THC works by attaching to the body’s cannabinoid receptors, which are found throughout the brain and nervous system.
  • The psychoactive effects of THC differ depending on method of consumption.

How many ways are there to consume cannabis?

There are many ways to consume/use cannabis. The top 4 are:

  1. Inhalation – This is the quickest method of delivery and produces accelerated psychoactive effects, with people noticing effects within minutes. There are a couple of ways to inhale cannabis. It can be smoked or vaped.
  2. Oral Ingestion – THC can be taken orally in the form of capsules, edibles, tinctures, or oils. While this method of delivery takes longer to have effect, the effects tend to last longer.
  3. Topical Application – THC is also included in lotions, balms, salves, oils, and bath products that are applied to the skin. The effects of this method of application are limited and are very unlikely to have any psychoactive effects. These goods are productive in decreasing pain and inflammation.
  4. Sublingual – THC can be ingested as a lozenge, spray or dissolvable strips that are placed under the tongue.

What are some of the uses of THC?

  • THC is used recreationally and medically.
  • Marijuana has been used many ways for thousands of years.
  • Some of the ailment’s THC may help include anxiety, depression, inflammation, insomnia, and migraines among many other uses.
  • 13th Floor Cannabis specialize in the recreational side of the industry and do not touch on the medical side.

How does THC impact the human body?

  • THC encourages the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain, this brings a feeling of euphoria but effects on the body can vary from person to person.
  • People may also experience increased/reduced appetite, heightened sensory perception, feeling of relaxation and an altered perception of time among many other experiences.
  • As the mind and body are one, the psychoactive effects of cannabis are both physical and physiological.
  • When you consume cannabis, you introduce cannabinoids into your body. The cannabinoids metabolize and enter the blood stream. From there they bind to receptors CB1 & CB2, which are in the brain and nervous system.
  • Although centralized in the brain and nervous system, our bodies have cannabinoid receptors throughout.