THC is an abbreviation for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 9 THC). It’s the primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis and is responsible for the drug’s hallucinogenic, euphoric, and psychoactive effects. While THC has been found to have neuroprotective properties, there are still many questions about its potential to help boost mental health.
Here are five ways THC, especially THC gummies can help boost mental health.
THC Can Help Reduce Anxiety and Stress
Delta 9 THC activates the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a key role in emotion regulation and stress response. A recent study from Columbia University found that when people used medical marijuana during acute psychosocial stress, they had lower cortisol levels than those who just received placebo treatments without cannabis.
A second study from the same team also revealed that patients with PTSD experienced reduced anxiety after using marijuana. In another study by researchers at the University of Arizona, 40 individuals suffering from moderate pain were given either an oral dose of 5 mg or 10 mg of THC.
Both doses significantly lowered their overall perception of pain. The higher dosage worked better, but both dosages offered similar relief.
It Can Improve Mood and Focus
Individuals who suffer from depression often experience difficulty focusing on tasks. Cannabis may be able to provide some assistance here. Researchers believe smoking pot improves concentration by activating the ECS in the brain.
One study compared the effects of inhaling vaporized cannabis versus smoking dried MJ. Not only did participants report feeling more focused while vaping, but they also showed improved attention spans during cognitive tests. Another study conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse looked at the impact of smoked marijuana on working memory and found that it temporarily relieved symptoms of ADHD.
This positive effect was seen even though users didn’t feel any different before and after administration.
Reduce Inflammation and Improve Sleep Quality
The science behind why this happens isn’t fully understood yet, but there’s no doubt that weed helps you relax! For one thing, cannabinoids like CBD inhibit the release of proinflammatory cytokines from cells involved in immune and inflammatory responses. In addition, THC stimulates CB2 receptors, which are localized mostly in your brain and skin and trigger anti-anxiety and pain-relieving actions.
It improves sleep quality by preventing excess cortisol production, especially using high-quality products. Marijuana contains several active compounds called cannabinoids that interact with specific cannabinoid receptors throughout the body. When these chemicals bind to certain cannabinoid receptors in our bodies, they affect our bodies and brains function.
There are two main types of cannabinoid receptors, namely CB1 and CB2, and each receptor affects the activity of various organs and systems within the body. Delta 9 THC binds to CB1 receptors primarily; however, CBD interacts mainly with the CB2 receptors. Studies suggest that THC works best for improving sleep quality due to its association with the CB1 receptors.
It can help improve cognitive function and memory
Marijuana has been shown to boost many aspects of cognition, including learning ability and recall. Some studies have shown beneficial effects on brain cell structure, such as shrinking cerebral spinal fluid spaces and increased density of synapses, the connections between neurons that underlie thought processes.
Other research suggests that the endocannabinoid signaling system modulates synaptic plasticity and may play a role in strengthening neuronal pathways that support learning and memory. In a small 2017 human trial by the Journal of Psychopharmacology, subjects who took daily doses of 15 milligrams of THC reported improvements in verbal fluency and short-term memory retention.
While we need more research to confirm whether heavy usage will lead to long-term cognitive damage, it appears that THC is relatively safe when used responsibly.
It can reduce the risk of addiction and dependence
Cannabis is less addictive than alcohol, cocaine, or heroin. According to a 2015 review published by the British Medical Association, “smoking a few joints once or twice a week might not seem very harmful, but regular consumption carries considerable health risks. The risk of anxiety, paranoia, and other psychotic episodes is greater when using marijuana regularly, whereas smoking a little every day rarely causes harm.
Regular cannabis use increases the risk of developing mental disorders like schizophrenia. A 2018 study out of Australia confirmed this, reporting that long-term cannabis users were four times more likely to develop psychosis than non-users. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy weed recreationally.
But you should know about the potential downsides. You just have to weigh those against what weed does for you. If you’re thinking about buying any marijuana product for recreational purposes, make sure it meets state requirements so that you don’t get sick. And make sure that it comes with adequate lab testing information.
