If you are unfamiliar with the various cannabinoids in cannabis and hemp, then you’ve come to the right place, because we are about to talk about the biggest and most common one, Delta-9 THC. Cannabis has for a long time been known to have many intoxicating or psychoactive effects on the human mind, and many effects on the body too, and yes, these are often associated with THC, specifically Delta-9 THC.
Seeing as there are so many different cannabinoids, indeed hundreds of them, with a good deal of them containing “THC” in the name, it is understandable that you might be a bit confused. So, what is Delta-9 THC? How does it affect the human body? How does Delta-9 THC make you feel? These questions and more are exactly what we are here to answer today.
Key Takeaways
- Delta-9 THC is one of the major cannabinoids found in cannabis plants
- Delta-9 THC has a variety of potential medical benefits
- Delta-9 THC gets you high and may have a variety of effects, particularly depending on the strain
What is Delta-9 THC?
Delta-9 THC is one of the most commonly found cannabinoids in hemp and cannabis plants, a so-called major cannabinoid. It’s known as a major cannabinoid not only because it is found in the majority of cannabis plants, but also because it can generally be found in fairly high quantities. Now, there are quite a few forms of THC, with Delta-9 being just one of them, albeit the dominant and most prominent one. Technically, this stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Other cannabinoids you may be familiar with include CBD, CBN, CBG, and other forms of THC, such as Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC. In fact, there are well over 100 different cannabinoids contained in cannabis, as well as over 500 different substances. These are known as phytocannabinoids, the cannabinoids contained in cannabis plants, which then interact with endocannabinoids in the body, the cannabinoid receptors that then make you feel high and cause other effects. The Delta-9 THC in cannabis plants, according to the 2018 Farm Bill, is what makes cannabis illegal at a federal level.How Does Delta-9 Affect the Body?
Delta-9 THC affects your body by attaching itself to the cannabinoid receptors in your body, and these can be found in the nervous system and the brain. These receptors are CB1 and CB2, with CB1 receptors being found mainly in the brain, which therefore produces the cerebral high or psychoactive effects that most of us consume Delta-9 THC for. The CB2 receptors are those found mainly in the human body’s nervous system, and the interaction of THC with these CB2 receptors is thought to be predominantly responsible for the potential pain and inflammation relief that cannabis may produce. In layman’s terms, Delta-9 can have a variety of effects on both the human body and mind. Further below, we will discuss if Delta-9 THC gets you high (Yes it does!), and what that high might feel like. However, what about the other effects Delta-9 THC might have on your body, particularly the medical benefits?- Delta-9 THC may act as a basic analgesic, which means that it acts as a painkiller. Specifically, it may be able to block pain signals from getting to your brain from your nerves, therefore reducing the perception of pain.
- It is also thought that THC may act as an anti-inflammatory agent. This means that it has the potential to relieve inflammation caused by various conditions, therefore also acting as a pain reliever in this sense.
- THC is also thought to be an appetite stimulant. It can make you feel hungry. At the same time, it may also be able to reduce nausea. This has potential benefits for people who often have nausea or trouble eating.
- THC is also thought to act as a sedative, therefore helping people get a better night’s sleep. Many people suffering from sleeplessness, due to a variety of causes, often turn to cannabis as a sleep aid.
- THC may also have the potential to aid your digestive system. In simplest terms, it might make it easier to digest food it may help prevent a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms from occurring.
- It is also thought that THC may have the ability to reduce stress hormones in the human body while also increasing the volume of feel-good chemicals in the human brain, mainly serotonin, and dopamine, therefore effectively acting as a mood regulator.