What Are the Side Effects of THC?

When you smoke pot, THC is what gets you high.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most abundant cannabinoid found in most cannabis cultivars. Its therapeutic value has been overshadowed by its intoxicating effects—when you smoke pot, THC is what gets you high. Is THC a medicine, or is it recreation?  What are the side effects of THC?

Side Effects of THC

THC stimulates CB1 and CB2 receptors. Since these receptors collectively pervade most organ systems, THC has a range of side effects. steroids for sale We’re only going to focus on short-term side effects of consumption, since there are so many factors that go into long term effects outside of THC. 

Desired side effects

Those looking to consume THC are typically searching for the more positive effects of cannabis.

The self-reported desired effects were:

• Euphoria
• Psychotropic effects such as:
• Relaxation
• Carefreeness
• Appreciation for the arts
• Altered State of Consciousness
• Increased libido
• Heightened sensations

How THC Works 

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a neuromodulatory system that plays an important role in regulating many bodily functions. 

Sleep, pain perception, metabolism, mood, and immunity are some examples of physiological processes the ECS facilitates, either solely at some receptors or working in combination with other hormone or neurotransmitter systems. scannable IDs

The ECS is comprised of three agents:

• Endocannabinoids. N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide/AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) are the most well researched endocannabinoids, neurotransmitters that deliver messages to the brain by binding to cannabinoid receptors. 
• Cannabinoid receptors. CB1 and CB2, members of the G protein-coupled receptor family, are located throughout the body. These receptors carry messages from neurotransmitters like endocannabinoids to the brain, and those messages initiate physiological processes.   
• Enzymes. Degradative enzymes such as fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) aid in metabolizing endocannabinoids. These enzymes break endocannabinoids down so that they become inactive, an important function in the maintenance of homeostasis; too many or too little active cannabinoids can disrupt normal physiological functioning.  

THC, a phytocannabinoid, has demonstrated a binding affinity for CB1 and CB2. This means that THC transmits messages to the brain through its interactions with CB1 and CB2. THC has a particular attraction for CB1 receptors which are densely located in the central nervous system.

While THC also activates CB2 receptors which are located throughout the body and associated with the immune system, it is most well-known for the psychoactive effects it induces through its activation of CB1. 

Can You Overdose on THC? 

On its own, THC is not toxic enough to result in a fatal overdose. However, it is still possible to consume more of the compound than the ECS can handle.

• Signs of a THC overdose:
• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Nausea
• Extreme Fatigue
• Disorientation
• Rapid Heart Rate

Complications related to these temporary symptoms can result in fatal events.

THC-induced psychosis may also cause erratic and potentially fatal behavior. One well known incident in Colorado involved the tragic death of a 19-year-old man who jumped off of a 4th story balcony after consuming an entire cannabis infused cookie containing approximately 65 mg of THC.  

While THC will not directly shut down breathing and heart rate the way opioids or alcohol can, it can cause acute symptoms of psychosis and may trigger cardiovascular effects.