Psychoactive
Psychoactive substances affect the human mind, altering mood, perception, or consciousness. In medical cannabis, THC is the primary psychoactive compound.
Is CBD psychoactive in the same way as THC?
This is a common misconception that CBD does not have any psychoactive effects. While it may not produce the same intoxicating, euphoric 'high' associated with THC (when taken in large doses), CBD does have psychoactive properties.
The term 'psychoactive' refers to a substance's ability to affect the brain and alter its function. While CBD is often called "non-psychoactive" in common usage, it is technically psychoactive because it does influence the brain and can affect mood, anxiety, and overall mental wellbeing.
In other words, while CBD can have a calming or relaxing effect and may help reduce the impact of conditions like anxiety or stress, it doesn’t lead to intoxication or alter your perception in the same way that THC does
Which components of medical cannabis are psychoactive?
The primary psychoactive component in cannabis is the cannabinoid THC.
THC has been shown to have a strong affinity for the CB1 receptors, which are located in the brain and nervous system. This interaction can result in patients feeling a sense of euphoria, relaxation, and altered perception.
Other components of cannabis, such as terpenes and flavonoids, can also play a role in the psychoactivity of cannabis and THC through the entourage effect. This refers to the synergistic interaction between different compounds in cannabis, which can enhance or modify their individual effects.
How do the psychoactive effects of THC potentially benefit medical conditions?
THC is a fascinating compound, and its psychoactive effects have been shown to have potential medical benefits for patients.
They can potentially help to manage symptoms such as chronic pain, anxiety, appetite stimulation and weight gain in patients suffering from wasting syndromes like HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in cancer patients, and muscle spasticity by altering a patient's perception and response to these issues.
The focus of medical cannabis treatment containing THC is never to induce a "high" feeling, but rather to target specific receptors in the body that play a role in pain management and other therapeutic effects. For many patients, this is possible without producing significant psychoactive effects.
Is THC safe?
Yes, when THC is prescribed as part of a medical treatment plan under the supervision of a prescribing specialist, it is considered to have an extremely high safety profile with a low risk of heavy side effects.
To find out if you are eligible for medical cannabis treatment in the UK, check out our fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker.
If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis in the UK, Releaf is here to help. In addition to this medical cannabis glossary, we have an extensive blog and education hub to explore, both filled with resources that UK medical cannabis patients, prescribers, and educators have been asking for.