The Facts About THC

THC, Hemp, terpenes, and cannabinoids: The science behind hemp products can seem confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. Different components of the hemp plant have different effects on the human body and brain, but combining them can sometimes strengthen the benefits of each element. 

What Does THC Stand For?

What does THC stand for THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. It is one of 400 different active substances found in hemp plants. Of the 60 different cannabinoid-specific substances, THC is one of the best-known elements in marijuana. It is a separate compound from cannabidiol or Hemp.

THC Meaning: What Is THC?

THC is known as the main ingredient in marijuana. It is the element that induces a high. THC, like Hemp, is a cannabinoid, meaning that it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Plant cannabinoids are found mostly in the upper leaves and flowers of cannabis. The human endocannabinoid system is a complex signaling network between brain cells and the body. It influences the body’s appetite, mood, sleep cycles, fertility, and how memories are formed and stored. Cannabinoids, like those found in hemp plants, can affect the human endocannabinoid system. The system is always active and sending messages on an intracellular level, whether or not a person uses cannabis products. 

THC Laws

Unlike Hemp, THC is known to be psychoactive and is considered a controlled substance federally. Certain states have legalized THC individually, such as Oregon, California, New Jersey, Maine, Arizona, Alaska, Nevada, Colorado, Michigan, and more. 

THC Effects

Consuming THC, whether in smoke, vapor, edible form, or otherwise, allows the element to attach to the cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Because THC is similar in structure to the brain chemical anandamide, it has a remarkable capacity to influence pleasure receptors, memory centers, nerve cells, coordination, sense of time, and more. The higher THC content an edible, smokeable, or oil contains, the stronger an effect it will have on the brain, and the longer the effects will last.  The effects of THC can vary based on the individual, the amount consumed, and the method of consumption, as well as other factors. However, some common effects that THC usage can have may include:
  • A sense of euphoria
  • Feeling relaxed or sleepy
  • Increased attention to music, color, and sound
  • Laughter
  • Changed perceptions of time
  • Increased appetite
  • Anxiety
  • Fear or paranoia
  • Sleeplessness
  • Panic
  • Hallucinations
  • Delusions

What Is the Difference Between THC and Hemp?

THC and Hemp are both cannabinoids. While they can be derived from the same plant, there are many differences between them. The main difference between Hemp and THC is that Hemp can be used consistently for relaxation, pain relief, and to promote a sense of wellbeing without the risk of having unsettling psychoactive effects.  Hemp has a similar chemical makeup to THC, which allows it to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. The molecular structure is also alike. Both cannabinoids have 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. However, the difference between the organization of the individual atoms allows Hemp to interact more smoothly and more consistently than THC does within the body. 

Does Hemp Oil Get You High?

THC is the element in cannabis that causes a high, not Hemp. Hemp has been known even to mitigate or limit the effects of THC when taken in different varieties and strains.  While researchers are still studying the full benefits of Hemp, it has been considered to ease anxiety, depression, neurodegenerative diseases, inflammatory diseases, infections, certain cancers, chronic pain, and more. The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to study the extensive influence of Hemp on the brain and body but has stated that it does not cause any high that consuming THC has been known to cause. 

Are THC and Hemp Legal?

Hemp is legal nationwide and can be easily ordered online. THC, however, is legal only in amounts less than 0.3%, which is the limit for full-spectrum Hemp products. 

Hemp Oil With THC: The Entourage Effect

It’s not always a simple case of Hemp vs. THC. Consuming Hemp with THC (in small, legal amounts) can strengthen the effects of Hemp oil, gummies, and smokeables. In 2011, a review from the British Journal of Pharmacology stated that consuming phytocannabinoids (like Hemp and THC) alongside natural terpenes (the aromatic compounds that give all plants their odors and flavors) can have a synergistic effect. Namely, the study found that Hemp and THC work together to create a potent yet “tamed” experience for the user. This may be beneficial for managing several conditions, such as pain, anxiety, inflammation, epilepsy, infections, and more, although more research is still underway.  Consuming certain trace amounts of THC with Hemp in products that retain the plant’s natural flavonoids and terpenes can be a more effective way to introduce Hemp into the body than taking it alone. This beneficial connection is known as the “entourage effect.” Hemp can be more quickly and efficiently absorbed into the endocannabinoid system by maintaining a natural balance of the whole plant. 

How to Consume Full-Spectrum Hemp

Pure Relief is an established source for full-spectrum Hemp products, such as oils, smokeables, edibles, topicals, gummies, and more. Pure Relief Full-Spectrum oil contains the naturally occurring compounds extracted from the plant to deliver a product that supports the entourage effect and allows the full benefits of Hemp to be absorbed. Each of the different strengths of Hemp available at Pure Relief is tested by independent labs to ensure that the highest standards for potency and purity are met. Pure Relief oils and products are harvested from organic hemp plants and are 100% all-natural. 

Takeaway

Hemp, THC, and the terpenes from hemp plants can influence the brain, body, and endocannabinoid system. When combined in full-spectrum Hemp products, they can support overall wellness in an all-natural way. Pure Relief is an industry leader in providing full-spectrum Hemp products that deliver consistent, effective relief and relaxation.
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