THC: An Introduction
THC has the potential for a myriad of medical applications. Cannabis, and specifically THC, has been used for thousands of years, dating back to 7,000 BC in Northern Asia. The psychoactive effects of the cannabinoid THC have also been documented as being used for nearly as long. One of the most famous side effects of cannabis is the ‘munchies’. While this side effect has been cemented in cannabis pop culture it has the ability to help patients who experience nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, and weight loss due to a medical conditions like cancer and HIV/AIDS. THC is also an invaluable cannabinoid for reducing chronic pain and inflammation.
The most common medical uses of THC include using it to aid sleep, relieve ocular pressure in glaucoma patients, relieve chronic and acute pain, reduce muscle spasms, and stimulate appetite, to name only a few of many. Cannabis—and THC in particular—can be used in combination with a myriad of treatments to achieve the most desirable health outcome without sacrificing quality of life.
The Science Behind THC
THC and other cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system, which is essentially a subset of the nervous system that contributes to the body’s feeling of homeostasis. Introducing additional cannabinoids from cannabis can help determine how your endocannabinoid system functions. The cannabis plant contains hundreds of cannabinoids that can be utilized for a specific patients’ needs. THC and CBD are only two of the wide spectrum of cannabinoids that can be introduced to the body for health benefits.
Studies and Research on THC have
Shown the Ability to Assist with:
Alzheimer’s Disease
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Chronic Pain
Diabetes Mellitus
Dystonia
Epilepsy
Fibromyalgia
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Gliomas/Cancer
Hepatitis C
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Huntington’s Disease
Hypertension
Incontinence
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Migraines
Multiple Sclerosis
Osteoporosis
Parkinson’s Disease
Post-Traumatic Stress
Pruritus
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Sleep Apnea
Tourette Syndrome
Additional Resources and Reading:
Norml
“NORML's mission is to move public opinion sufficiently to legalize the responsible use of marijuana by adults, and to serve as an advocate for consumers to assure they have access to high quality marijuana that is safe, convenient and affordable.” Learn more at Norml.org.
InteGr8 Health
“Integr8 Health provides high-quality integrative healthcare, pioneers emerging and equitable health solutions to current challenges, stewards the medical cannabis movement, and provides education to empower self-healing and healthy living.” Learn more at integr8health.com.