What chemical is responsible for marijuana's psychoactive effects?

What chemical is responsible for marijuana's psychoactive effects?

• A. Cannabinol
• B. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
• C. Cannabinoid acid
• D. Cannabidiol

Answer: (B)

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the molecule behind marijuana’s psychoactive effects. It readily enters the brain and binds to CB1 receptors that are abundant in areas controlling memory, mood, movement, and reward. This receptor activation changes neurotransmitter release, producing the characteristic sensations of intoxication—euphoria, altered perception of time, impaired memory, and slowed coordination. In the plant, most cannabinoids exist as acid forms (like THCA) that are not psychoactive until heated. When cannabis is smoked, vaporized, or cooked, THCA is decarboxylated to THC, which then causes the psychoactive effects. Other cannabinoids play different roles: cannabinol is much less potent in producing intoxication, and cannabidiol is largely non-intoxicating and can modulate or counteract some of THC’s effects.

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the molecule behind marijuana’s psychoactive effects. It readily enters the brain and binds to CB1 receptors that are abundant in areas controlling memory, mood, movement, and reward. This receptor activation changes neurotransmitter release, producing the characteristic sensations of intoxication—euphoria, altered perception of time, impaired memory, and slowed coordination.

In the plant, most cannabinoids exist as acid forms (like THCA) that are not psychoactive until heated. When cannabis is smoked, vaporized, or cooked, THCA is decarboxylated to THC, which then causes the psychoactive effects. Other cannabinoids play different roles: cannabinol is much less potent in producing intoxication, and cannabidiol is largely non-intoxicating and can modulate or counteract some of THC’s effects.