Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol 9 (THC), is a cannabinoid present in marijuana (Cannabis weed). Marijuana contains a cannabinoid substance known as the main psychotropic component. Cannabis has been used for recreation for ages due to its psychoactive and relaxing effects. The substance in cannabis that actually makes you feel high is termed THC. Cannabis is mostly consumed for the compound (THC), either for recreational purposes or for medicinal reasons.
Delta 9 THC has the chemical formula C21H30O2. The only difference between delta 9 and delta 8 is the placement of one of the carbon-carbon double bonds. Delta-9 is the type of THC that has been the subject of the most research and is the most well-known.
Cannabis sativa has about 100 different cannabinoids, although delta 9 THC and cannabidiol (CBD) have undergone the most research. THC functions by attaching to particular locations on the nerves and in the brain. The plant’s leaves and blooms have the highest concentrations of it.
Delta 9 THC is mostly used for recreational purposes. THC is also used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including MS, nerve pain, chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting, alcohol use disorder, and many others.
Table of Contents
How Delta THC Works?
THC functions by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the body, which are dispersed throughout the brain and neurological system. Although the intoxicating effects of marijuana only last a few hours, THC may be detectable in the body considerably longer than the majority of other drug components. THC is retained for three to four weeks in body fat and organs. Testing on hair follicles may reveal THC after much longer intervals, perhaps 90 days. Although frequently employed, urine testing has been discovered to be an unreliable method of detection.
Delta 9 THC forms
Although dried cannabis plant leaves are frequently smoked as marijuana, delta 9 THC can also be used in a variety of other ways.
Inhalation
The quickest route of delivery and one that has the quickest psychoactive effects—often within minutes of inhalation. Dabbing, vaping, or smoking are all methods of inhaling THC. According to recent findings, there may be safety issues associated with vaping THC oil, which calls for more research.
Oral Ingestion
THC can be consumed orally in the form of capsules, tinctures, edible oils, etc. The effects of the medicine typically remain longer with this route of distribution even though it takes longer to take effect.
Topical Ingestion
THC can also be found in topical products such as lotions, salves, salves balms, oils, and bath salts that are applied directly on the skin. Since the effects of this approach are typically confined, it is doubtful that they will have any psychoactive consequences. However, these products might be useful for lowering inflammation and pain.
Subligual Administration
THC can also be ingested sublingually as lozenges strips, or sprays that are placed beneath the tongue and then dissolved.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: THC may not be safe when consumed or used for a prolonged period of time. The THC content of 50 mg or more in edible cannabis has been associated with severe adverse effects. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome may result from often consuming high doses of THC (CHS). CHS causes extreme nausea and vomiting that are resistant to conventional anti-nausea medications. THC consumption for at least a couple of weeks can also lead to dependence.