Cannabis
Common Names: THC, It, The
Psychoactive Effects
Positive Effects
- Euphoria
- Pleasure
Neutral Effects
- Relaxation
- Enhanced sensory perception
- Altered time perception
- Increased appetite
- Dry mouth
- Red eyes
Negative Effects
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
Dosage Guidelines
| Route | Threshold | Light | Common | Strong | Heavy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smoked | 1-3 mg THC | 3-10 mg THC | 10-30 mg THC | 30-50 mg THC | 50+ mg THC |
| Oral | 2-5 mg THC | 5-15 mg THC | 15-30 mg THC | 30-50 mg THC | 50+ mg THC |
Duration
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Onset | Immediate (smoked) |
| Peak | 15-30 minutes (smoked) |
| Total | 2-4 hours (smoked) |
| After effects | 2-6 hours |
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action: THC acts as a partial agonist at cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are part of the endocannabinoid system. It also affects various neurotransmitter systems including dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate.
Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver primarily by CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 enzymes. Major metabolites include 11-hydroxy-THC and 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC.
Half-life: Approximately 1-3 days for chronic users, with effects typically lasting 2-4 hours when smoked.
Bioavailability: ~25% when smoked, ~10-20% when taken orally due to first-pass metabolism.
Risks and Harm Reduction
⚠️ Important: Always practice harm reduction. Start with low doses, test your substances, and ensure a safe set and setting. Never use alone.
Legal Status
Disclaimer: Legal status varies by jurisdiction and may change. This information is for educational purposes only.
References
- • Pertwee, R. G. (2008). The diverse CB1 and CB2 receptor pharmacology of three plant cannabinoids: Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin. British Journal of Pharmacology, 153(2), 199-215.
- • Volkow, N. D., et al. (2014). Adverse health effects of marijuana use. New England Journal of Medicine, 370(23), 2219-2227.
- • ElSohly, M. A., & Slade, D. (2005). Chemical constituents of marijuana: the complex mixture of natural cannabinoids. Life Sciences, 78(5), 539-548.
- • Information compiled from PsychonautWiki