Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

When it comes to the hemp plant, the term tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) often comes up. The psychoactive substance is the most popular representative among the cannabinoids. Formerly outlawed as an intoxicant, the substance is becoming increasingly important in medicine. Numerous complaints and diseases could be treated with the cannabinoid. The first approved medicines exist.

What is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)?

Tetrahydrocannabinol, abbreviated THC, is the main active ingredient of the hemp plant. The psychoactive cannabinoid falls under the Narcotics Act, as it has an intoxicating effect. The discovery of tetrahydrocannabinol dates back to 1964. At that time, it was possible to isolate the substance for the first time in Israel.

The highest THC content can be detected in unfertilized, female inflorescences (approx. 6-20%). The other plant components only come to a value of just under one percent. The plant seeds contain no tetrahydrocannabinol at all. The leaves, which are close to the flower, trump with 5-6 % THC. With regard to the hemp plant, there is one peculiarity. Male issues have a very reduced THC content compared to female plants. With the help of solvents, the substance can be dissolved out of the plant components.

TIP: Good to know! THC is present in the hemp plant primarily as THC acid. Through light, oxidation and heat, a conversion process is triggered, whereby THC is formed.

Differences to other cannabinoids

THC has a special role among cannabinoids because it has a psychoactive effect. THC, unlike other cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD), can make you tired and sleepy. THC is considered to be well researched. For other plant extracts, relevant studies are still lacking in some cases. Read more about cannabinoids.

Mode of action in the body

THC makes use of the so-called endocannabinoid system. This is composed of receptors and endocannabinoids. Every human and many animals possess the endocannabinoid system, which can be addressed by the body's own cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) and synthetic or plant cannabinoids.

Endocannabinoid receptors

The famous psychotropic effect results from the interaction of cannabinoids and specific receptors of nerve cells that exist in the body. CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors take a crucial role in this process. According to the theory, various plant components such as THC or CBD bind to the body's own receptors and activate them. In this way, various effects occur in the organism.

CB1 receptors

CB1 receptors can be detected especially in the central nervous system. The main focus is on areas related to cognitive abilities, pain, fear, sensory perception, endocrine functions and motor coordination. CB1 receptors are found, albeit in small proportions, in the immune system and peripheral nervous system. Researchers also discovered them in the heart, testes, prostate, uterus, bone marrow and small intestine.

Of particular interest is that the distribution of CB1 receptors appears to be directly related to the effects of THC. Thus, scientists attribute the effect on memory and learning processes to the existence of corresponding receptors in the brain.

TIP: Good to know! THC binds with preference to the CB1 receptor. This is also responsible for the psychoactive effect of cannabis extracts.

CB2 receptors

The CB2 receptor can be detected primarily in the central nervous system and peripheral organs.5 This receptor appears to play a special role in the immune system, as it is found primarily in B lymphocytes.

The CB2 receptor is thought to work with cannabinoids to keep inflammation in check. Therefore, it may be of paramount importance to the body's defenses.

Other receptors to which THC binds

CB1 and CB2 receptors have gained some popularity in recent years. Many interested parties are familiar with their names and associated functions. Less well known are other receptors that also belong to the endocannabinoid system.

5-HT1A receptors: these are serotonin receptors that are part of the central nervous system. They are associated with appetite, anxiety, addiction, sleep, pain perception, nausea and vomiting. CBD is able to target the receptors. This may result in anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effects.

GPR55 receptors: these receptors are detectable in brain regions. Peripheral tissues may also contain the binding sites. By being contained in central nervous tissue, they can trigger various effects. Their effects are said to extend to bone metabolism, inflammatory pain, and tumor cells, for example. Both CBD and THC can interact with these receptors.

GPR119 receptor: its specific localization provides evidence that the receptor may play a role in obesity and diabetes.

Vanilloid receptors: these receptors are currently being studied in detail. The possible goal could be to achieve a reduction in pain with a targeted influence.

Effect on the body - influence on bodily functions

Experts agree that the endocannabinoid system performs important regulatory functions in the body. The individual receptors can cause various effects in the nervous system and other tissues.

In summary, the activation of the receptors can have an effect on the following:

• Pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Cell growth
• Muscle cramps
• Appetite
• Memory
• Learning processes
• Inflammations
• Immune defense
• Anxiety
• Addiction
• Sleep
• Bone metabolism
• Salivary secretion
• Regulation of body heat

Side effects

Many assume that since it is a natural extract, side effects could be neglected. However, before consuming the psychoactive substance, the possible unwanted side effects should be addressed. Read more about cannabis contraindications here.

Acute side effects

With regard to THC, psychological side effects may occur. Then the following effects can occur:

• Sedation
• Euphoria
• Depressed mood
• Feeling of loss of control
• Impaired memory
• Altered sense of time
• Hallucinations

TIP: A slight reduction in psychomotor performance may last up to 24 hours.

In addition to the psychological side effects, there are accompanying physical symptoms. These include movement disorders, rapid heartbeat, dry mouth, muscle weakness, drop in blood pressure when standing, and dizziness. In rare cases, headaches and nausea may occur.

TIP: Good to know! Acute side effects usually increase with an increase in dosage. In many cases, the undesirable side effects disappear with regular use.
Cannabis and psychoses: What is it all about?

The topic of psychoses is often discussed in connection with THC. Studies actually suggest that the risk of psychosis increases with cannabis use. More specifically, an in-depth meta-analysis shows that the risk of developing a psychotic disorder can be increased by a factor of up to 2.09. But not every user automatically develops psychosis. Researchers suspect that there are certain risk factors, such as family history, that contribute to its development.

TIP: Good to know! Studies suggest that CBD may attenuate the psychotropic effects of THC.

Long-term side effects

Cannabis that is consumed for intoxication purposes can lead to dependence. This can then lead to psychological symptoms and physical discomfort. The main focus is on anxiety, restlessness and insomnia, as well as diarrhea. At therapeutic dosages, the potential for dependence is low. Corresponding withdrawal symptoms have not been noted by patients treated with THC.

Long-term use of cannabinoids could have a negative effect on sex hormones. However, the risk at therapeutic doses is also low in this case.

Therapeutic potential - for which diseases can THC be helpful?

Medical cannabis has a broad application potential. This is mainly due to the ingredient THC. Medical cannabis preparations are primarily used in Switzerland for the following complaints:

chronic pain, for example in the course of cancer or neuropathy
spasticity and convulsions caused by multiple sclerosis or neurological diseases
Nausea and loss of appetite in the course of chemotherapy

Studies indicate that medical cannabis may also be helpful for the following conditions: ADHD, depression, anxiety disorders, asthma, bladder spasms, osteoarthritis, ulcerative colitis, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, psoriasis, sleep disorders

TIP: Good to know! Medical cannabis with the active ingredient THC is not a miracle drug. There are even patients for whom a prescription is out of the question. This is the case if there are serious mental illnesses or a serious heart condition.

THC in blood, urine and hair - how long are metabolites detectable?

THC is detectable for a long time. The amount taken and the frequency of consumption can have an influence on the detectability of tetrahydrocannabinol. Basically, THC can be detected in blood, urine and hair.

How long is THC detectable in the blood?

In blood, the psychoactive substance THC can only be detected for about 4-6 hours. However, there is the possibility to measure the THC-carboxylic acid. The corresponding result can thus be positive for several weeks, provided THC has been consumed regularly.

How long is THC detectable in urine?

A urine test that focuses on THC carboxylic acid can be performed quickly and easily. Regular consumption thus allows conclusions to be drawn for several weeks. Single consumption leads to a detectability of up to 36 hours.

How long is THC detectable in the hair?

THC can also be detected in the hair structure. However, this measurement is very susceptible to interference and does not always lead to reliable test results. To make matters worse, selected shampoos containing hemp can even lead to a positive test. In purely theoretical terms, THC can be detected in a 12 cm hair for a year.

Products containing THC on the market

There is a wide range of THC-containing preparations on the market. Some fall under the Narcotics Act, others are freely available.

THC products that are subject to the Narcotics Act

Products used for medical purposes contain an increased amount of THC (over 1%). Since the substance can have a psychoactive effect, it falls under the Narcotics Act and must be prescribed accordingly. In Switzerland, not only a doctor's prescription is required, but also an exemption from the Federal Office of Public Health. A doctor who has a branch in Switzerland can prescribe a corresponding preparation to his patients, who must also be based in Switzerland. The prerequisite for this is a corresponding cannabis indication, for example chronic pain conditions or nausea and vomiting as part of chemotherapy.

The following prescription THC products are available in Switzerland:

• Dronabinol
• Cannabis tincture
• Cannabis oil

THC products that are not subject to the Narcotics Act

There are over-the-counter preparations with THC. They have fallen under nutritional supplements. The prerequisite for this is that they contain less than 1% THC. These are primarily supplements that rely on CBD. THC is only a minor substance.

The following products are available in Switzerland:

• CBD capsules with THC (less than 1%)
• CBD powder with THC (less than 1%)
• CBD oil with THC (less than 1%)
• CBD solutions for vaporizers (less than 1%)