Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is a phenolic compound, which has a six carbon ring bonded to a hydroxyl unit. It is in a group called cannabinoids, that are found in the marijuana plant. At least 65 different cannabinoids have been found, but the two most commonly known are cannabidiol, which does not have psychoactive properties, but is a powerful phytonutrient, and tetrahydracannabinol, which gives marijuana its psychoactive properties. The type of marijuana known as hemp is low in THC, so won't get you high, but it is high in cannabidiol. The type of marijuana that is high in THC is what most people are familiar with, the one that gets you high and possibly in trouble with the law.
THC is produced in the trichomes of the marijuana plant, which are the resinous glands covering the buds of the mature female plant. The function of trichomes for the plant is to protect them from animal and insect pests, absorb harmful UV-B light, and inhibit the growth of fungus. Many varieties of plants have trichomes, but only marijuana uses them to produce THC.
THC has anti-emetic, appetite enhancing and relaxing effects, and acts as an analgesic. This makes it popular as a medical treatment for patients suffering from aids, hepatitis, cancer, or other diseases where weight loss is an issue. The analgesic properties can help with diseases that cause chronic or acute pain, such as multiple sclerosis, HIV, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer pain, chronic bowel inflammation and neurlagias. A number of studies done with glaucoma patients have shown that THC can reduce intraocular pressure, sometimes by 50%. Epileptic patients may use cannabis to control otherwise unmanageable seizure disorders. THC has some anti-inflammatory properties, and people have used marijuana to reduce their need for other anti-inflammatory drugs.
In April of 2007, ScienceDaily reported a study at Harvard University that showed THC cuts tumor growth in common lung cancer in half and significantly reduces the ability of the cancer to spread. The British Journal of Cancer published a study in June 2006 showing THC inhibited the proliferation of glioblastoma (brain tumours) in patients who weren't responding to other types of treatment. See the NORML website for recent research on medical marijuana, and an extensive list of conditions that can be treated.
There is a synthetic version of THC available in pill form, which can be prescribed by your doctor. The generic name is dronabinol, brand name Marinol. This pill does produce a "high", but this side effect is much more manageable than those from many of the pain medications that people take. Proponents of natural cannabis instead of Marinol cite the 65 or so other cannabinoids that are present in marijuana. You don't get these with Marinol, and they all work together with their phytochemical properties. For the same reason, it's better to eat lots of colorful vegetables every day than it is to just pop a vitamin pill. Users also report that the effects of Marinol are greater than natural cannabis, with side effects of anxiety or drowsiness. This is partly due to the way this synthetic drug is metabolized through the digestive system, and partly because natural marijuana has substances such as cannabidiol that counteract the psychoactive properties of THC. Marinol also takes a long time to kick in, whereas smoking marijuana gives you immediate effects.
Sativex is a natural marijuana extract that is sprayed into the mouth. Unlike Marinol, it contains all the of cannabinoids that are present in marijuana. Users report that it gives a much more manageable high, and you can alter the dosage as you cannot do with Marinol. On the downside, it also takes a long time to work, over an hour, which would be unacceptable for someone who needs immediate pain relief. You can get Sativex in Canada, but it is illegal in the United States.
Sixteen states in the US have medical marijuana laws. Granted, some are better than others, and some only give protection if you happen to be prosecuted for possession of marijuana. These states are Alaska, Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, California, New Mexico, Nevada, Colorado, Montana, Michigan, Maryland, District of Columbia, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Vermont and Maine. Regulations differ for each state as to how patients are allowed to get their marijuana, who is allowed to grow it, and how much they are allowed to have at a time. Canada allows medical marijuana use. Australia, New Zealand and Ireland do not recognize medical properties of marijuana and also have strict criminal laws. Several European countries such as the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium don't specifically allow medical use, but consumption or possession of a small amount is legal for anyone, or is generally overlooked as not worthy of prosecution. Basically, the laws worldwide are all over the place, and changing all the time. We can only hope that countries and states are becoming more lenient, so that people can use marijuana legally to get the relief it offers for serious medical problems.
The information on this page is not meant to be used in treatment of medical conditions. Please seek the advice of a physician about any medical condition or symptom. Those with medical conditions should consult a medical professional about the appropriateness of taking dietary supplements or diet therapy, and how these methods will interact with their medications.
LINKS
NORML - working to reform marijuana laws.
Questions and answers about Sativex.
World Focus has more on loosening marijuana laws around the globe, including a cool map showing European country restrictions.