THC

THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) was first isolated by Israeli chemist Raphael Mechoulam in 1964 — a discovery that opened the entire field of cannabinoid science. THC is one of over 100 cannabinoids produced by cannabis trichomes, but it is the dominant psychoactive compound that creates the characteristic cannabis high. The mechanism: THC binds to CB1 cannabinoid receptors densely concentrated in the brain (particularly the hippocampus, basal ganglia, and cerebellum) and CB2 receptors in the immune system, mimicking the body's natural endocannabinoids (anandamide and 2-AG) but with higher binding affinity and longer effect duration. Effects include: euphoria, altered time perception, increased appetite ("munchies"), short-term memory impairment, reduced pain perception, anti-nausea effects, sleep induction at higher doses, and at sufficient quantities, anxiety or paranoia. Onset and duration vary by consumption method: smoking/vaping — onset 1-5 minutes, peak 30 minutes, duration 1-3 hours; edibles — onset 30-90 minutes, peak 2-4 hours, duration 4-8 hours; sublingual tinctures — onset 15-45 minutes, peak 1-2 hours, duration 2-4 hours. Raw cannabis flower contains THC primarily as THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), the non-psychoactive precursor that converts to active THC through decarboxylation when heated to 220-245°F (104-118°C) via smoking, vaporization, or oven heating. Modern cannabis breeding has dramatically increased THC concentrations: 1970s wild Mexican cannabis tested 2-5% THC; 1990s Dutch hybrids reached 15-20% THC; modern elite strains exceed 30% THC. Concentrates routinely exceed 70-90% THC. Federal law in the US classifies THC over 0.3% as marijuana (vs hemp); state laws vary widely.