THC is the psychoactive chemical in marijuana, and understanding its effects on the brain can help you decide whether using cannabis products may be the right fit for your health, wellness, and recreational needs.
What is THC?
THC is a compound that creates the psychoactive high that comes from marijuana use. The acronym THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol. It’s important to understand how THC may affect your brain in order to decide whether using cannabis is a good choice for you. Despite the DEA’s current ruling that THC does not have medical use, many state governments are in agreement that THC products can help many people with anxiety, depression, and other mental and physical health conditions.
THC Forms
There are many different ways to get THC. While some people associate THC with smoking marijuana, this is not the only option to ingest cannabis.
There are three typical ways to enjoy THC. Some people smoke flowers in blunts or by using pipes. While this is a traditional way to use marijuana, some people find that smoking cannabis bothers their lungs or that they prefer to enjoy their THC in a way that doesn’t leave the smell of burning cannabis on their clothes.
Many people enjoy edibles, which are foods infused with THC. Edibles are available in many varieties, including gummies, ice cream, baked goods, and more. If you’re trying edibles for the first time, a word to the wise: be sure to take it slow. It takes the body more time to process THC through the stomach than through the respiratory system, so be sure to take at least 90 minutes between edible doses to decide whether you should enjoy additional THC.
THC and the Brain
THC works to stimulate the brain to release dopamine. This feel-good chemical makes the body and mind feel happy and relaxed. Many people who use cannabis report that they experience less pain, are able to think more clearly and find that they no longer feel reliant on prescription medications. Many people who use cannabis products also find that their brain’s executive function–the ability to organize tasks and push the body to move in accordance with the brain’s requests–improves with THC use.
While using cannabis can create positive effects on the body and brain in the short term, research shows that using cannabis can also have positive long-term effects on the brain. Some studies show that cannabis actually helps the brain regulate a variety of functions, including memory, sleep, appetite, and mood. While more research is necessary, it appears that using cannabis has effects that last long after the high fades.
Is THC Right for You?
Research on THC is constantly evolving, which can make it tough to decide whether cannabis products are the right fit for your recreational or healthcare needs. Thankfully, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Reaching out to your local cannabis store in Los Angeles, CA can provide you with a friendly team who will help you find the THC products that you need to create the perfect cannabis experience. Don’t be afraid to ask questions–people who work in the cannabis industry love what they do, and they’ll be honored to be a part of your process of learning more about THC.
