The History of THC
The History of THC: A Brief Explanation
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is a cannabinoid first discovered in 1964 by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam. THC is best known to many for its psychoactive properties associated with feeling “high.”
However, THC also has several potential medicinal benefits. These include reducing anxiety, relieving pain and inflammation, aiding chemotherapy-induced nausea, and stimulating appetite.
Let’s explore the history of THC and how its discovery has shaped how we think about cannabis today.
The Discovery of THC
Before Dr. Mechoulam discovered THC, numerous cultures used it in ceremonies. In addition, many admired its psychoactive properties, and it was also used therapeutically to help with various issues.
Although cannabis was essential to many cultures, THC itself wasn’t recognized as a point of interest until the 1960s by Dr. Mechoulam. After Dr. Mechoulam’s discovery, a chemist named Roger Adams identified THC successfully and synthesized it in his laboratory.
During the late 1960s, Dr. Mechoulam eventually isolated THC from hashish extract. This made it possible further to study the effects of THC without other cannabinoids present.
From there, research into THC and other cannabinoids has become more mainstream. And, as our understanding of cannabis expands, so does the potential for THC and other cannabinoids to be used medicinally.
The Pharmacology of THC
While interest in the psychoactive properties of cannabis caused by THC continued to grow, so did research into its pharmacology.
Human and animal studies frequently took place in the 1960s and 1970s as scientists used cannabis in multiple experiments. Many researchers also took an interest in the side effects of THC, like altered sensory perception, drowsiness, paranoia, and drowsiness.
Now, we understand that the effects of THC are caused by its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system contains a collection of receptors that work together to maintain homeostasis in the body.
New information about the ECS is constantly discovered, but we now know that THC binds to the CB receptors in the ECS. This is what causes many of the psychoactive effects associated with THC.
The Future of THC Research
Currently, research is beginning to focus on the potential therapeutic benefits of THC.
As our understanding of THC and the endocannabinoid system continues to grow, there is potential for THC and other cannabinoids to be used to treat a variety of conditions. Some of the most promising research areas include studies of potential anticancer properties, the isolation of various cannabinoids, their possible uses, and the development of new delivery methods.
The future of THC research is exciting and full of potential, and now, the possibilities are endless.
Conclusion
THC has a long and varied history. And as our understanding of this cannabinoid continues to evolve, so does the way we think about cannabis.
From its early use in ceremonies to its current status as a potential medicinal compound, THC has come a long way. With more cannabis research taking place, there is no telling what new and exciting discoveries we may make about this cannabinoid in the future.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1760722/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7593926/
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/ja01866a040
https://wayofleaf.com/blog/the-spiritual-history-of-cannabis
