What is Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)? Other Names: Amber, BHO, Black Glass

What is Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive constituent of Cannabis sativa L., commonly known as marijuana. It is responsible for the majority of the psychological effects associated with cannabis use. THC interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the human body, primarily binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and nervous system, which leads to its various effects. Other names include: Amber, BHO, Black Glass, Budder, Butane Hash Oil, Butane Honey Oil, Butter, Dabs, Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, Delta-9 THC, Delta-9-THC, Ear Wax, Glass, Honeycomb, Liquid THC, Marijuana Wax, Sap, Shatter, Wax, Wax Butter.

Chemical Properties and Metabolism

THC is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream when cannabis is smoked, with peak levels occurring before the end of smoking. It is then metabolized into active and inactive metabolites, including 11-hydroxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-THC) and 11-nor-9-carboxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THCCOOH)10. The rapid absorption and metabolism of THC are crucial for its psychoactive effects, which include alterations in mood, perception, and cognition.

Medical Applications of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Treatment of Tourette Syndrome

THC has been investigated for its potential therapeutic effects in various medical conditions. For instance, studies have shown that THC can be effective in reducing tics in patients with Tourette syndrome (TS). In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, patients treated with THC showed significant improvements in tic severity compared to those receiving a placebo1 7. These findings suggest that the central cannabinoid receptor system may play a role in the pathology of TS.

Chemosensory Perception in Cancer Patients

THC has also been studied for its ability to palliate altered chemosensory perception in cancer patients. A pilot study demonstrated that THC improved taste and smell perception, appetite, and quality of life in cancer patients with chemosensory alterations2. This suggests that THC could be beneficial in improving food enjoyment and overall well-being in these patients.

Antiemetic Effects

THC is known for its antiemetic properties, making it useful in the treatment of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. Studies comparing THC with other antiemetics, such as prochlorperazine, have shown that THC can be more effective in preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting3 9. However, the side effects associated with THC, such as central nervous system disturbances, need to be carefully managed.

Psychotomimetic Effects

THC can produce a range of psychotomimetic effects, which are symptoms that mimic psychosis. In healthy individuals, THC has been shown to induce schizophrenia-like positive and negative symptoms, alter perception, increase anxiety, and impair cognitive functions such as memory and attention6. These effects are transient but highlight the potential risks associated with THC use, especially in individuals with a predisposition to psychotic disorders4.

Cardiovascular Effects

The cardiovascular effects of THC include dose-dependent increases in heart rate and reductions in heart rate variability (HRV). Studies have shown that THC ingestion before bedtime can significantly reduce vagal-cardiac modulation during sleep, indicating increased cardiovascular stress5. These findings are important for understanding the potential risks of THC use, particularly in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

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Adverse Effects of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Psychotic Symptoms and Cognitive Impairments

THC can induce transient psychotic-like symptoms, including positive and negative schizophrenia-like symptoms, perceptual alterations, and conceptual disorganization in both healthy individuals and those with schizophrenia1 2 5 7.

THC impairs memory, attention, and cognitive performance, including immediate and delayed word recall, verbal fluency, and working memory1 2 3 5.

Anxiety and Mood Alterations

THC increases anxiety and can produce euphoria, which may vary in intensity among individuals2 3 4.

Cardiovascular Effects

THC can cause tachycardia (increased heart rate) and other autonomic nervous system effects, such as decreased parasympathetic activity3 4.

Endocrine Effects

THC increases plasma cortisol levels and can affect other endocrine functions, such as prolactin levels1 2 3.

Tolerance in Frequent Users

Frequent cannabis users exhibit blunted responses to the psychotomimetic, perceptual altering, cognitive impairing, and endocrine effects of THC, indicating potential tolerance development3 5.

Gender Differences

Women may experience more pronounced anxiety and physical reactions to THC, with some effects being more frequent or severe compared to men4 7 8.

Driving and Cognitive Performance:

THC impairs driving performance and cognitive tasks, such as lane weaving and divided attention, regardless of the presence of cannabidiol (CBD)9.

Side Effects in Medical Use:

In medical contexts, such as antiemetic use in chemotherapy patients, THC can cause significant central nervous system side effects, making the treatment experience less pleasant compared to other medications6.

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How has Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Improved Patient Outcomes?

Improvement in Chemosensory Perception and Appetite in Cancer Patients

THC has been shown to improve taste and smell perception, increase appetite, and enhance food enjoyment in cancer patients with chemosensory alterations1.

THC-treated patients reported increased premeal appetite and a higher proportion of calories consumed as protein compared to placebo1.

Symptom Relief in Advanced Cancer Patients

A combination of THC and cannabidiol (CBD) has been investigated for symptom relief in advanced cancer patients, showing potential for reducing symptom burden, although more rigorous evidence is needed2.

Appetite and Quality of Life in Cancer-Related Anorexia-Cachexia Syndrome

THC and cannabis extract were well tolerated but did not show significant differences in improving appetite or quality of life compared to placebo in patients with cancer-related anorexia-cachexia syndrome3.

Reduction of Tics in Tourette Syndrome

THC has been effective in reducing tics and associated behavioral disorders in patients with Tourette syndrome, with significant improvements noted in tic severity and obsessive-compulsive behavior4 5.

Long-term treatment with THC did not result in cognitive deficits in Tourette syndrome patients9.

Analgesic Effects in Cancer Pain

THC demonstrated an analgesic effect in cancer pain at higher doses (15 and 20 mg), although it was associated with substantial sedation and mental clouding7.

Lack of Efficacy in Postoperative Pain

THC did not show significant analgesic efficacy in managing postoperative pain in patients undergoing elective abdominal hysterectomy8.

Antiemetic Effects in Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting

THC was found to have superior antiemetic activity compared to placebo in patients receiving chemotherapy, although it did not outperform prochlorperazine and was associated with more severe central nervous system side effects10.

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Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Mechanisms of Action

Interaction with Cannabinoid Receptors

THC binds to central cannabinoid receptors, particularly CB1 receptors, which are abundant in the brain. This interaction is responsible for many of its psychoactive effects, including alterations in mood, perception, and cognition2 3 6.

Effects on Brain Function

THC modulates brain activity in regions such as the amygdala, anterior cingulate gyrus, and inferior frontal cortex. This modulation is linked to changes in anxiety, fear processing, and response inhibition3 4.

Cognitive and Behavioral Effects

THC induces a range of cognitive and behavioral effects, including euphoria, anxiety, perceptual alterations, and impairments in memory and attention. These effects mimic some symptoms of psychosis and schizophrenia2 4 5 7.

Endocannabinoid System Modulation

THC increases plasma levels of endocannabinoids like anandamide, which are involved in regulating mood, pain, and appetite. However, coadministration with cannabidiol (CBD) does not significantly alter these effects6.

Tolerance and Sensitivity

Frequent users of cannabis exhibit blunted responses to the psychotomimetic, cognitive impairing, and anxiogenic effects of THC, suggesting the development of tolerance7.

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Common Complaints Associated with Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Use

Psychotomimetic Effects

THC can induce acute, transient psychosis-like effects, including conceptual disorganization, hallucinations, and blunted affect1 2 3.

These psychotomimetic effects are dose-dependent and more pronounced in individuals who do not frequently use cannabis1 2.

Cognitive Impairments

THC impairs memory and attention, affecting both episodic and working memory2 3 5.

These cognitive deficits are more severe in individuals with schizophrenia5.

Perceptual Alterations

THC use leads to perceptual alterations, such as changes in sensory perception and increased subjective effects of feeling “high”2 3 5.

Physical Side Effects

Common physical side effects include tachycardia (increased heart rate) and increased serum cortisol levels2 5.

THC can also cause akathisia, rigidity, and dyskinesia, particularly in schizophrenia patients5.

Tolerance in Frequent Users

Frequent cannabis users exhibit a blunted response to the psychotomimetic, cognitive impairing, and perceptual altering effects of THC, suggesting tolerance development2 3.

Central Nervous System Side Effects

THC use is associated with significant central nervous system side effects, which can be more severe compared to other antiemetic treatments4.

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Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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