2-Minute Neuroscience: THC

THC is the main psychoactive component of cannabis. In this video, I discuss the effects of THC on the nervous system.

TRANSCRIPT:

THC is the main psychoactive component of cannabis, and one of a class of compounds known as cannabinoids. Cannabis tends to be relatively low in THC compared to its levels of a THC precursor, THCA. Heating the cannabis plant, however, causes the conversion of THCA to THC, which is part of the basis for heating or burning the plant for use. The effects of cannabis may vary depending on the variety of cannabis plant and its associated levels of THC and other cannabinoids, but common effects of THC include: euphoria, sedation, stimulation of appetite, impaired cognitive function, analgesia, and anxiety.

THC is thought to exert most of its effects by binding to receptors called cannabinoid receptors. There are two known cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2--both of which are g-protein coupled receptors. CB1 receptors are found throughout the nervous system, while CB2 receptors are primarily found on immune cells. THC acts as a partial agonist at cannabinoid receptors, meaning it binds to these receptors and generates a response that’s a fraction of what other substances that bind to the receptors can generate. THC interacts with a number of other targets as well, but it’s thought that its main psychoactive effects are mediated through its action at CB1 receptors.

Activation of CB1 receptors is thought to lead to the modulation of the release of various neurotransmitters. It’s not fully understood how this translates into the characteristic effects of THC, but the activation of CB1 receptors in different areas of the nervous system may partially explain the effects of the drug. CB1 receptors in areas like the cortex and hippocampus, for example, may be involved in the perceptual and cognitive effects of THC, CB1 receptors in areas like the basal ganglia and cerebellum may be associated with sedation and effects on movement, and CB1 receptors in areas like the spinal cord and brainstem may be linked to analgesic effects.

REFERENCES:

Banister SD, Arnold JC, Connor M, Glass M, McGregor IS. Dark Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol. ACS Chem Neurosci. 2019;10(5):2160‐2175. doi:10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00651

Howlett AC, Barth F, Bonner TI, et al. International Union of Pharmacology. XXVII. Classification of cannabinoid receptors. Pharmacol Rev. 2002;54(2):161‐202. doi:10.1124/pr.54.2.161

Pertwee RG. Pharmacological actions of cannabinoids. Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2005;(168):1‐51. doi:10.1007/3-540-26573-2_1

[sandiago]

Fun Fact, Early drafts of the American Declaration of Independence were drafted on Hemp paper.

[KoolT]

Thank you so much I was severely injured 30 years ago and use this for pain control now that my pain is at level 2 or less. So thankful not to be on opioid painkillers anymore. Stay FIT.

[SouthAfricanCannabisExtraction]

Really great job to get such solid content into 2mins! Wow

[jnyjknq]

as ADHD fam, I love that this video I happened upon is not only just 2 minutes; but is also a channel of 2 min videos. Informative scientific ones!.. at first impression...

[fractalspirit]

Would you please do one on the effect of various Terpenes on the brain? Thank you.

[nunjahBitnes]

The "impaired" part is up to you. Smoke only the right amount for you to get the benefits without the impairments. Also with time you become better at handling it. What looks like impairment is just you feeling so much better that you're swimming in your own memories, still being able to reason if necessary, you're just not bothered by the world as much by that point. For those that have never tried it before its a feeling similar to barely waking up, feeling really good and comfy×20 or 30


Be careful if you're trying for the first time. A pinch (literally a small amount that can fit between two fingers) is more than needed, per session. Otherwise if you smoke am entire "blunt" (a cigar leaf full of weed) you'll be overwhelmed and you'll experience anxiety or a panic attack. Just like when you drink too much and you feel horrible... same thing with this. Just a tiny amount will do for you to feel better

[ryanfrizzell]

Great video. Now I'm more informed about the neuroscience of THC use. Thank you

[KeyserTheRedBeard]

astounding upload Neuroscientifically Challenged. I shattered the thumbs up on your video. Continue to keep up the wonderful work.

[slayerofdepths]

I wonder why, when active THC is only a partial agonist of the CB1 receptor, it still has a greater response than the higher efficacy endogenous ligands.. Are the endogenous full agonists just present in such low concentrations, or only released by certain stimuli so we don't experience an all-time high?
ps: love the content, keep up the great work!

[macintoshimann]

Still searching for my answer! So we have receptors in our CNS, but how in the world can I go from half numb to having increased range of motion and normal sensations with an injured spine? Crazy plant 😜

[jenniferbates]

Your videos are wicked awesome! I have a question, can you please do a video on trichotillomania, I have it. I'd like to see it from the brains point of view

[drlltrckz]

CHS changes your entire perspective on weed

[fractalspirit]

..and thank you for these great videos!

[Luke-pplw]

Love your work boss. I want to be a test subject

[budstep]

Thanks! I really liked the last three bullet points--you could have spent a minute on those alone! Great job

[MrNTR]

Thanks for the vid. Could you expand on what the perceptual and cognitive effects that CB1 receptors in the cortex may influence?

[davet]

how much thc enters the receptors, how long does it stay in, when is it ready for more, recommended holding breath time?

[wibsqlf]

Question:
You can upregulate cb1r density through cold exposure, HIIT and others things like special diet.
Is that also true for the receptors that are in the brain or only the receptors that are in the brown fat tissue in the body?

[slumpbodi]

Im not slow but you could make it more understandable to the average person lol

[netro]

Can consuming cannabis lead to the accumulation of chemicals in the intestines after a period of non-use? Does the body deal with THC on the basis of a virus?