Health & Fitness The Effects of Delta 9 THC on Your Brain Team TechagerAugust 25, 202201.7K views The effects of delta 9 thc and other cannabinoids on the human brain are not yet fully understood. However, research has revealed some fascinating insights into how this chemical affects the brain. Cannabis plants have been zused for thousands of years for their many beneficial properties. In recent decades, there has been a surge of interest in the potential medicinal benefits of cannabis as well as other commonly-used plant species, such as hemp and potatoes. In particular, researchers have extensively studied delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to understand its effects on the human brain and body. If you’re interested in learning more about this chemical, keep reading to find out everything you need to know about delta-9 THC and its effects on your brain. Table of Contents What is Delta 9 THC?How Does Delta 9 THC Affect Your Brain?The Effects of Delta 9 THC on BehaviorThe Effects of Delta 9 THC on the BrainLimiting Factors of Delta 9 THC What is Delta 9 THC? Delta-9 THC is a compound derived from the cannabis plant that produces the “high” sensation commonly associated with marijuana use. It is one of over 100 known cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, though it is the most widely studied. Delta 9 THC is the main psychoactive compound in marijuana. It is believed that the cannabinoid was first cultivated by Central Asian nomads over 5,000 years ago and was used in medicinal practices. Since then, the compound has been studied extensively by many different cultures, including the Chinese, Romans, and Indians. Today, THC is used in a variety of medicinal products to reduce nausea and vomiting, decrease pain, and help people with certain mental disorders. How Does Delta 9 THC Affect Your Brain? Delta 9 Gummies bind to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and throughout the central nervous system. These receptors are most densely concentrated in areas of the brain that are responsible for pleasure, memory, thinking, and movement. There’s a high concentration of these receptors in certain areas of the limbic system, including the hippocampus and the amygdala. These cannabinoid receptors are naturally activated by endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters produced by the human body. The activation of cannabinoid receptors by delta 9 THC or other cannabinoids is believed to be the reason for many of the effects commonly associated with THC. For example, research has discovered that delta-9 THC binds to receptors in the hippocampus and stimulates the release of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA is a chemical that acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, meaning it reduces the activity of other neurons. This reduction of neuronal activity is believed to be the reason for increased feelings of calmness and tranquillity often experienced by people after consuming THC. The Effects of Delta 9 THC on Behavior As mentioned above, the activation of cannabinoid receptors by delta 9 THC is believed to be the reason for many of the effects commonly associated with THC. People who use cannabis products often report feeling more relaxed, sociable, and having a general sense of well-being after consuming THC. Researchers have discovered that THC consumption can increase dopamine levels in the mesolimbic pathway, which is associated with pleasure and reward. This can lead people to feel elated, which may account for the mood-altering effects of cannabis. In addition, THC may also improve people’s ability to interpret social cues. In one study, participants who used cannabis reported a better understanding of nonverbal communication, such as facial expressions, tone of voice, and other forms of social communication. The Effects of Delta 9 THC on the Brain As you learned above, the activation of cannabinoid receptors by delta 9 THC can have many different effects on the brain. However, the use of this chemical has also been linked to certain long-term effects on the brain. These include addiction, disruption of normal brain development, and reduced cognitive ability. – Addiction – Long-term use of delta 9 THC can lead to addiction. This means that users build up a tolerance to the chemical and require higher doses over time. As tolerance builds, individuals will experience increasingly negative effects if they stop using the chemical. Stopping long-term use of THC will cause withdrawal symptoms, which can include anxiety, depression, insomnia, and cravings. – Brain Development – Research has also linked the use of delta 9 THC during adolescence to disruption of normal brain development. This can lead to cognitive impairment and abnormalities in brain structure. – Cognition – There is also some evidence that long-term use of delta 9 THC can lead to cognitive deficits in certain individuals. This is more likely in people who were already cognitively impaired before using cannabis. However, more research is needed to fully understand how delta 9 THC affects cognition. Limiting Factors of Delta 9 THC As you can see, delta 9 THC has some significant effects on the brain and behaviors. However, it is important to note that these effects are often dose-dependent. In other words, the level of delta 9 THC in a substance will determine its potency and therefore the intensity of its effects. Researchers have discovered that marijuana plants have an average of about 10% delta 9 THC. This means that the effects of cannabis products vary according to their level of THC. There are also situations in which delta 9 THC may not produce the desired effects. For example, individuals who use delta 9 THC to treat anxiety may experience reduced or ineffective results if they are extremely anxious or stressed at the time of consumption.