THC: A Miscommunication

01 Apr THC: A Miscommunication

Most people know that something called THC is found in marijuana and makes people high. Well, there’s more to it than that. The human body is a labyrinth of parts and signals that communicate with one another to produce function. All drugs and substances interact with the body differently depending on the chemical and physical makeup.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is no different. But how does it work, and why does it achieve a high? Science, of course!

When THC was discovered in 1964 as the primary active ingredient of marijuana, it was only just the beginning. The search was on to identify the receptors in the brain that interact with THC and discover the method behind its function.

Scientists later identified the body’s homemade chemicals that use the same receptors (CB Receptors) as THC and began to learn. The system of CB receptors was named the endocannabinoid system, or EC System.

Brain cells communicate by sending chemical messages to one another. These messages regulate mood, reaction, and movement. The body’s natural cannabinoids are responsible for fine‐tuning these messages.

Researchers found that there were CB receptors all over the brain, which accounted for the wide variety of effects produced by marijuana. When marijuana is smoked, the THC overwhelms the receptors and works as a “dimmer switch” to the brain by slowing it down.

Since the receptors are present in many places, THC is able to affect the “feel good” and motor function portions of the brain by simply causing a miscommunication.

Pretty cool, huh? Now you can impress your friends by telling them exactly why THC makes them high. Admittedly that was a lot of science talk so pop a Chill Pill, grab a pizza, and settle down for a few cartoons.