An Introductory Lesson on THC Basics For Medical Cannabis Patients Cannabis, a plant that has proven to be endlessly complex is still under the microscope by researchers, patients, physicians, and society. But one of the most famous and most widely known phrases associated with the plant will always be THC, or more appropriately, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. But many new patients need an introduction on THC basics, learning how it plays a role in a patient’s well-being and healing. While cannabis has been used for medical, religious, and recreational purposes for over 5,000 years(1), THC, as an isolated cannabinoid derived from the plant was first discovered by Raphael Mechoulam and Yechiel Goani in 1964(2). This cornerstone research discovery by Mechoulam would lead to the discovery of other cannabinoids including CBD, as well as the endocannabinoid system, our body’s way of utilizing the healing potential of cannabis.(3) THC is known to be the major psychoactive component of cannabis, in other words, it’s the part of the cannabis plant that gives the euphoric feeling of being “high.(4)” As one of the many cannabinoids present within cannabis, THC interacts with our endocannabinoid system to produce a wide range of effects.(5) THC activates CB1 receptors within the […]