Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC, is the main psychoactive compound found in cannabis. When consumed, THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and central nervous system, causing a variety of effects on mood, perception, cognition, and more. The exact effects experienced depend on the dose, method of consumption, and individual factors. Let’s take a closer look at some of the common effects of delta-9 THC.
Euphoria
One of the most well-known effects of THC is inducing a sense of euphoria or happiness. At moderate doses, many people report feeling uplifted, relaxed, carefree, and content. The euphoric effects are caused by THC stimulating the release of dopamine in the brain’s reward system. This can make activities more pleasurable and enhance mood.
Relaxation
THC has relaxing effects on both the body and mind. Physical relaxation may involve feelings of heaviness or lightness in the limbs, loss of tension in the muscles, and a calming of the heartbeat and breathing. Mentally, THC can quiet racing thoughts and provide a sense of inner stillness and peace. These relaxing properties make cannabis popular for stress relief and anxiety reduction.
Enhanced senses
Many people notice an intensification of their sensory experiences after using THC. Sights, sounds, tastes, touches, and smells may seem more vivid or profound. Increased sensuality and sensory awareness can make everyday experiences more colorful and pleasurable.
Altered perception of time
THC can change a user’s perception and experience of time. Time may seem to pass more slowly, speed up seemingly out of nowhere, or take on a viscous quality where minutes stretch out. Disruptions to the perception of time passing are likely due to THC’s effects on memory, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain.
Short-term memory impairment
Difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness are common short-term effects while under the influence. THC interferes with the brain’s transfer of information from short-term to long-term memory. This makes it harder to retain new information or access details like names, directions, and recent events.
Enhanced creativity
Many artists, musicians, and creative professionals use cannabis to heighten their imaginations, promote free association, and generate new ideas. Disinhibition and loosening of associations, along with shifts in perception, can help unlock creativity and original thinking.
Increased appetite
Using cannabis often leads to increased appetite and hunger, informally called “the munchies.” THC activates cannabinoid receptors in the hypothalamus of the brain and the digestive system that stimulate appetite. This may be accompanied by intensified taste and smell senses.
Analgesic effects
THC has been found to reduce pain signals reaching the brain. When used properly, it may effectively relieve chronic and neuropathic pain for some people. Cannabis has a long history of medicinal use for pain relief stretching back thousands of years.
Improved sleep
Many regular cannabis users report that consuming THC before bed leads to longer sleep duration and improved quality of sleep. However, dose-dependent effects have been observed, where high doses of THC may actually reduce REM sleep in some people.
Impaired balance and coordination
In the short-term, THC can negatively affect motor control, balance, reaction time, and hand-eye coordination. This is because THC partially binds to cannabinoid receptors in the cerebellum and basal ganglia, areas of the brain responsible for balance, posture, and coordination.
Increased heart rate
Shortly after ingesting cannabis, THC causes an elevated heart rate for up to 3 hours. This effect is most extreme within 15-30 minutes of consumption. For regular consumers with tolerance, heart rate increases are much less pronounced.
Dry mouth and dry eyes
Cannabis inhibits saliva production and tear duct activity, causing dry mouth and dry eyes. This is caused by THC binding to cannabinoid receptors in the submandibular glands (saliva) and lacrimal glands (tear ducts). Drinking plenty of water can help alleviate these side effects.
Paranoia and anxiety
While low doses of THC are linked to reduced anxiety in some people, high doses can exacerbate or trigger anxiety and paranoid thoughts. Factors like environment and pre-existing disposition to psychiatric conditions also influence this risk.
Dizziness
THC can cause temporary drops in blood pressure soon after ingestion. This sudden BP change induces dizziness, lightheadedness, and even fainting in some cases. Staying well-hydrated and being careful when standing up can minimize these effects.
Increased sociability
In social settings, cannabis tends to make people more talkative, open, and friendly. Disinhibition and enhanced urge to communicate can promote extroverted behavior and bonding. Introverts may be content to get lost in their own thoughts.
Laughter
When used in social settings, cannabis often triggers contagious laughter, silliness, and goofiness. THC activates brain regions linked to pleasure and reward which can induce giggling fits. Cannabis’ tendency to cause laughter may underlie its benefits for anxiety.
Enhanced enjoyment of food
Along with increased appetite, THC enhances the flavor experience of eating food. Meals may taste exceptionally delicious and tactile sensations like crunchiness get amplified. However, desire for unhealthy processed snacks often increases.
Arousal and sexual enhancement
THC tends to increase sex drive, heighten arousal, intensify sensations, and decrease inhibitions. However, very high doses can interfere with arousal and performance. Cannabis has a long history of use as an aphrodisiac and enhancer of intimacy.
Drowsiness
As THC levels peak and the effects begin to taper off, feelings of sleepiness often set in. Drowsiness results from THC causing partial dopamine depletion and alterations to sleep-wake cycles. However, dose, tolerance, and individual differences affect drowsiness levels.
Impaired judgment
THC intoxication impairs executive function, our ability to make sound judgments and synthesize information rationally. Decision-making is negatively affected, which is why operating vehicles or heavy machinery is not recommended.
Depersonalization
At very high doses, some people experience a state of being detached from their bodies or identities. Sense of self and connection to surroundings feels temporarily disrupted. However, this effect is rare and unlikely at typical recreational doses.
Conclusion
In summary, low to moderate doses of delta-9 THC tend to produce effects like euphoria, relaxation, enhanced senses, creativity, increased sociability, pain relief, improved sleep, and increased appetite. Higher doses are more likely to cause anxiety, paranoia, coordination issues, dry mouth, and impaired memory and judgement. Set and setting also greatly influence the type of effects induced. THC causes a very complex set of changes throughout the brain and body that shape the precise user experience.