Cannabis sativa contains 545 naturally occurring compounds. But the most famous is the cannabinoid THC. The often misunderstood medical marijuana compound has the research results to back up its therapeutic claims.
America's History with THC
Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is a phytocannabinoid or plant-based cannabinoid. In the late 1930s, organic chemist Roger Adams was the first to discover the psychoactive marijuana compound. Further cannabis research would take decades following the prohibition of cannabis in 1937.
In the 1960s, the means to study the cannabis sativa plant's chemicals would be available, and Dr. Raphael Mechoulam and his team would isolate THC directly from cannabis. The work took place in Israel, which is how the father of modern marijuana was able to work extensively on the plant without much scrutiny.
How do THC and Other Cannabinoids Work?
Again, much of the research available about marijuana compounds and how they work is thanks to Dr. Mechoulam and his team of cannabinoid experts. In the early 1990s, the scientists isolated the first known endogenous cannabinoid or endocannabinoid, which is part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS.)
The key to understanding how THC and other cannabinoids work is through the ECS. It's a complex cell-signaling system in the human body that helps maintain balance with all functions. The ECS consists of endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes.
There are two primary cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. These are found throughout the body, explaining why THC and the other phytocannabinoids have such a broad reach.
THC Levels in Cannabis Strains
You may be wondering why there are so many cannabis strains. It's best to think of it like all vegetation—fruits, vegetables, and nuts all have dozens of varieties that have different smells, tastes, characteristics, and THC levels.
The wide selection of cannabis sativa, indica, and hybrid strains is excellent for patients. No two people are the same, which means what works for one person, might not for the other. For example, new patients often start with a low THC cultivar that helps them build to strains with higher levels that offer more symptom relief. Additionally, some clients prefer an increased amount of CBD. These cultivars are available at most dispensaries. They're also ideal for pediatric and geriatric patients.
Smoking Marijuana for Chronic Pain
Patients use cannabis strains for a vast number of medical conditions. Highly potent marijuana cultivars with THC content exceeding 20% are often the product of choice of people fighting chronic pain. Research shows that these strong cannabis flowers are beneficial to patients and help them stop using opioids for daily relief from their conditions.
Legal consumers often choose smoking marijuana over other delivery methods. It's easy, doesn't require expensive accessories, and patients see chronic pain reductions in a minute. However, keep in mind that this option has the shortest duration and only lasts about 60 to 90 minutes maximum. Currently some patients tend to like to use cannabis teas.
Medical cannabinoids, including THC, are a natural and safe way to treat many conditions, such as chronic and neuropathic pain, cancer treatment side effects, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Learn more about how to get your medical cannabis card to purchase, transport, and use the potent plant legally.