*Produced in partnership with Trulieve Cannabis Dispensary
The cannabis plant produces close to 100 different cannabinoids. Cannabinoids that are derived from the cannabis plant are known as phyto-cannabinoids. Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is arguably the most well-known and studied of all cannabis derived phyto-cannabinoids.
THC, like all major cannabinoids, starts off as its acidic precursor, THCA. When heated, acidic cannabinoids lose their acid group through a process called decarboxylation. When decarboxylation occurs, THCA is converted into THC.
THC interacts with the body’s Endo-cannabinoid system by mimicking the endogenous cannabinoids our bodies naturally produce by binding directly to CB1 and CB2 receptors producing the desired effects.
THC is the compound responsible for the “euphoric” or intoxicating effect of cannabis. For this reason, it is sometimes mis-categorized as being for “recreational” use only. However, THC exhibits an array of amazing and powerful therapeutic properties.
It is not uncommon for people to joke about THC induced “munchies”. Stimulating the appetite is most certainly associated with THC consumption. This “side effect” is often a sought after effect by people who struggle with medical conditions that cause cachexia (wasting of the body) or weight loss, such as those who are undergoing traditional cancer treatments.
Interestingly, a little known fact is that there are also cannabis cultivars known for suppressing the appetite, a function of another THC “related” cannabinoid, THCV. This cannabinoid is being studied for potential applications in the treatment of obesity and as a weight management “tool”, due to its appetite suppressing effects.
In addition to stimulating the appetite, THC has been shown to have numerous medicinal effects. Laboratory derived THC medications (along with illicit cannabis use) have been used for decades by cancer patients due to its extraordinary ability to quell nausea and prevent vomiting, commonly reported side effects of traditional cancer treatments.
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and THC
We could compare the ECS and THC relationship to a lock and key system. Some keys will only work with specific locks, and others can fit in multiple ones like universal keys. The human body produces its own keys referred to as “endogenous cannabinoids”, specifically designed by Nature to fit perfectly into these locks, individually influencing the therapeutic outcome. This means that THC interacts with the endocannabinoid system by mimicking the “endogenous cannabinoids,” as our bodies naturally produce and bind directly to CB1 and CB2 receptors.
THC is also a Neuro-protectant, it has been shown to promote extinction of fearful memories in humans, this can be an incredible application in the treatment of PTSD where fearful memories intrude into a person’s life and cause disruptions in daily functioning.
It is THC’s psychoactivity, its ability to shift perception & cause “euphoria”, that is perhaps the most controversial of all of THC’s “side effects”. But, is this really such a “bad” thing? Shift in perception and a feeling of extreme joy (the definition of euphoria) can be a welcomed side effect by those who deal with chronic and debilitating diseases day in and day out. The perceptual shift associated with THC has been reported by patients to help them “accept things that were previously unacceptable”, like receiving a prognosis that they have been diagnosed with a life limiting disease.
THC can reduce muscle spasms and when used mindfully, it can be one of the safest, most powerful pain relievers available.
All of these therapeutic properties can be incredibly beneficial for sufferers of chronic medical conditions and hold the potential to increase the “quality of life” for individuals diagnosed with terminal conditions, a common goal of hospice & palliative care.
Additionally, medical cannabis patients regularly report that they are able to reduce & even eliminate the use of more dangerous prescription drugs once a cannabis protocol has been initiated. Eliminating the need for opioids & benzodiazepines, both of which include a laundry list of unpleasant side effects can translate directly into lives saved. Since there are very few cannabinoid receptors in the brain stem, there has never been a death directly attributed to the overconsumption of cannabis. Due to its extraordinarily high safety profile, the medical use of THC and other cannabinoids, hold the potential to positively impact public health measures by reducing overdose deaths.
When CBD and THC are used together, CBD can “tame down” the psychoactive effects of THC so patients can experience all the benefits cannabis has to offer without necessarily experiencing the associated “high”.
Administered mindfully, even high THC cannabis can be a safe and effective treatment option for “vulnerable” patient groups, including elderly and end of life patients, who often need powerful symptom control and disease management options.
References:
Sulak, D., (2020) Chapter 3. CBD and CBDA. Medical Cannabis Core Curriculum. healer.com