Marijuana is a natural substance that goes by many other names, including grass, Mary Jane, weed, herb, pot, and more. All of these refer to the stems, flowers, seeds, and dried leaves of the Cannabis sativa plant. People use marijuana because of the THC it contains. Learning about what is THC is the first step in understanding this drug. Then, you can get the treatment you need at an addiction treatment center.
What Is THC?
Marijuana contains a range of compounds and chemicals. The most famous — and desired — of these is THC. The scientific name for this mind-altering chemical is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. As a psychoactive drug, marijuana is the illicit drug that is used most often in the United States.
There are a variety of ways that an individual can use marijuana to experience its effects. One of the most common is by smoking a joint. This method involves rolling some of the plants into a cigarette paper.
Another similar method of ingesting marijuana is by making a blunt. First, you empty a cigar of its contents. It is then refilled with a combination of both tobacco and marijuana.
Edibles are another way that an individual can use the drug. Candy, brownies, and cake are popular foods that people use to ingest marijuana. You can also brew its leaves as a tea. The final method of using marijuana is to smoke it using a bong — water pipe — or a pipe.
The Effects Of THC
Smoking marijuana means that the THC moves quickly from the lungs into your bloodstream. The substance goes to the brain as well as other bodily organs. When THC is eaten or ingested through a beverage, it is absorbed by the body more slowly.
THC targets the cannabinoid receptors in your brain cells. Typically, these receptors are activated by chemicals that are naturally produced by your body and that have THC-like properties.
The area of your brain that has the highest concentration of cannabinoid receptors is the part that influences your time and sensory perception, memory, coordinated movement, pleasure, concentration, and thinking. Because the THC contained in marijuana overstimulates your body’s system, you c a feeling of euphoria is achieved.
There are a number of other effects that you might experience when you use marijuana such as:
- Impaired coordination
- Difficulty retrieving memories
- Altered mood
- Distorted perceptions — especially of time and the senses
- Difficulty solving problems
- Disrupted learning
Health Risks Of Using Marijuana
Now that you know what is THC, it’s important to understand the other health risks you face if you use marijuana. Not surprisingly, marijuana is irritating to the lungs. You might experience an increase in coughing and phlegm production. You’ll also have a heightened risk of lung infections.
The heart is another organ that can be seriously and negatively affected by the use of marijuana. It can increase both your blood pressure and your heart rate. You also might experience frequent bouts of acute chest illness.
Marijuana damages the central nervous system as well as your immune system. It can cause fertility problems and kill brain cells.
Social Issues Associated With Marijuana Use
People who use marijuana tend to have more problems in life while also reporting a decrease in satisfaction. They experience more strife in their relationships and less success in their careers. Higher job turnover, an increase in absences, and a higher-than-normal risk of accidents are also more likely when you use marijuana.
If you are concerned that you or a loved one has an issue with marijuana or you need more information about what is THC, contact Promises Behavioral Health by calling 844.875.5609. We offer a range of services to help address a marijuana addiction including:
- EMDR therapy
- Couples counseling
- Anger management therapy