Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Flashcards
What does THC stand for?
Tetrahydrocannabinol
What’s the boiling point/vaporization temperature for THC?
315F (157C)
What’s the boiling point/vaporization temperature for THCA?
220F (105C)
What percentage of THC is found in cannabis plants? (3 Bonus Detail Included)
Before legalization - less than 10%
After legalization - 18%-20%
More potent strains contain 25%-30%
What is the maximum possible THC production limited to?
35% THC by dry weight
What is THC’s binding affinity with the CB1 and CB2 receptors?
THC has a high binding affinity with both CB1 and CB2 receptors
What is so special about THC and the Entourage Effect?
THC is especially effective at increasing the power of other cannabinoids through the entourage effect.
What are four reasons to avoid THC?
You should avoid THC-Dominant strains if you have:
High Blood Pressure
Anxiety
Memory issues
You don’t want to get high
What cannabinoids can be combined with THC to counteract its side-effect of increasing one’s heart rate?
THC can be combined with either Cannabidiol or Cannabigerol to counteract increased heart rate caused by THC
What can be done to avoid anxiety caused by THC?
It is recommended trying a strain with a THC percentage lower than 17% and has a high percentage of CBD.
What can be done to avoid memory issues caused by THC?
To avoid memory loss caused by THC, users can try a strain less than 17% THC and high percentage of Cannabigerol.
What can be done to avoid getting high by THC?
You cannot avoid getting high by THC; it’s recommended ne use a THCA or CBD-dominant strain to gain the medicinal benefits of cannabis without getting high. However, it’s important to note that THCA becomes THC when heated.
What is biphasic?
Biphasic means different effects occur at different doses.
What happens to the ECS when taking low doses of THC? (4 Bonus)
- Increases the production of endocannabinoids in the brain
- Increases the sensitivity of the CB1 receptors
- Increases the CB1 receptors’ ability to bind with THC
- All of this results in a reduction of pain
- Over time, the dosage required to get medicinal benefits from THC becomes lower.
What happens to CB receptors in response to high doses of THC?
High doses of THC overstimulate the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which leads to a decrease in the number and sensitivity of CB receptors.
Why does tolerance to THC develop more quickly in the memory center of the brain than in other areas?
Tolerance to THC develops more quickly in the memory center of the brain because it has a higher concentration of CB1 receptors, particularly in the hippocampus.
What is the overall value of low doses of THC?
Keeps the ECS finely tuned and sensitive to the homeostatic effects of cannabinoids.
What is an example of when high doses of THC are recommended?
Cancer treatment: tolerance is helpful in desensitizing patients to the negative side effects of THC
Does THC affect the mental state of the user? If so, how?
Yes
Intoxicating
Reduces anxiety at low doses
Increases anxiety at high doses
Causes drowsiness
Impairs memory at high doses
Helps depression at low doses
Does THC affect the nervous system of the user? If so, how?
Yes
Relieves pain and relaxes muscles
Protects nervous system
Promotes brain cell growth
Anti-epileptic at low doses when paired with higher doses of CBD
Helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease
Does THC affect the inflammation of the user? If so how?
Yes, THC is an excellent anti-inflammatory
Does THC affect cancer in the user? If so, how?
Yes, it inhibits cancer cell growth and is an antioxidant
Does THC affect the digestive system of the user? If so, how?
Yes, THC increases appetite and reduces nausea.
Does THC affect the circulatory system of the user? If so, how?
Yes, it increases heart rate and improves circulation.
Does THC affect the skin of the user? If so, how?
No, THC has no known effect on the skin.
Does THC affect the skeletal system of the user? If so, how?
No, THC has no known effect on the skeletal system.
Does THC affect the eyes of the user? If so, how?
Yes, THC relieves intraocular pressure.
Does THC affect the respiratory system of the user? If so how?
No, THC has no known effect on the respiratory system.
Does THC affect Infection in the user? If so how?
Yes, THC has some antibiotic properties, especially in THCA.
