THC is ... Tetrahydrocannabinol: properties, application in medicine. List 1 - Prohibited drugs

Narcotic drugs in most countries are considered to be taboo. Their use and distribution is strictly punishable by law. As you know, substances such as hemp and marijuana refer to "light" drugs. Nevertheless, not everyone knows that they have medicinal properties. For example, in American films you can often see people suffering from glaucoma smoking marijuana in order to weaken intraocular pressure. This plant can actually be used as a symptomatic therapy for some pathologies. In some countries, cannabis seeds are used for pharmaceutical purposes. Analogues of this substance are also synthesized in the laboratory.

What is THC?

Preparations based on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are related to narcotic drugs. Therefore, in such countries as Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and many others, they are listed in list 1, intended for banned medicines. It includes the following tools:

• N- (adamantan-1-yl) -1-benzyl-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide and its derivatives.
• Alfameprodil.
• Alfetethadol.
• BDB.
• Benzedidine.
• Hashish.
• Heroin.
• Hydrocodone.
• Dezomorphine.
• Morferidine.
• Norcodein.
• Tebakon.
• Fenadon and others.

The sale, use and purchase of these medicines is prohibited. THC is a substance that belongs to the cannabinoid group. Get this compound from the leaves and flowers of cannabis. After the formation of the pollen on the plant, the substance gradually turns into cannabinol. This compound was first isolated from a plant in the 60s of the 20th century in Israel. Later, synthetic analogues of THC were developed.

As is known, the use of marijuana and cannabis seeds (smoking, adding to food) is prohibited by law. Nevertheless, in Holland this substance is not considered a "serious" drug. There is a free sale and purchase of cannabis. In other countries, the use of marijuana as a drug (to have fun, relax) is prohibited. In addition to the fact that the plant belongs to psychotropic drugs, it has some valuable properties. It is used in veterinary medicine and medicine. Nevertheless, the use of cannabis for these purposes is not widespread and is found only in a small number of states.

The mechanism of action of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on the body

Almost everyone knows that smoking marijuana causes relaxation, euphoria, hallucinations and feelings of hunger. However, not everyone knows about its useful properties. The main effect of cannabinoids is on the brain. In the cells of the nervous system there are several types of receptors that can interact with THC. This, in turn, leads to various changes in perception. As a result, there is a temporary violation of physical and mental activity. Normally, the cannabinoid receptors interact with the neurotransmitter anandomide. But hemp and marijuana, when ingested, break this connection. THC secreted by these substances mimics the effect of anandamide. As a result, the work of the brain is disrupted until this compound is excreted from the body. There are the following effects of cannabinoids:

1. Tachycardia.
2. Violation of balance, coordination of movements.
3. Blurred consciousness.
4. Euphoria.
5. A panic attack or melancholy.
6. Hallucinations.
7. Increased appetite.

Use of THC for medical purposes

Given the adverse effects on the body, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) refers to psychotropic substances. The use of this compound in a "pure" form, or its synthesized analogs, is equated to drug use. Therefore, the medicines containing this substance are listed in list 1. Nevertheless, they have found application in other countries. There, this compound is actively used in medicine. In addition to the adverse effects on the brain, THC also has a beneficial effect. For example, it is used in oncology practice. It helps a large number of people to undergo severe chemotherapy. It also reduces the symptoms of glaucoma.

In addition, the substance is used in certain neurological and psychiatric diseases. Thanks to him, the appetite increases and the menstrual cycle is restored.

Indications for use of THC

Currently, drugs from the cannabinoid group are allowed in several states of America. Among them are all known Hawaii, Washington, Alaska, Arizona and Colorado. There, THC is officially a medicinal product and is used in several fields of medicine. Indications for the appointment of this "narcotic" remedy are the following conditions:

1. Cancer diseases. In this case, THC is not a method of treating oncological pathologies, but only a symptomatic tool that helps to transfer chemotherapy.
2. AIDS. Cydis of secondary human immunodeficiency is often accompanied by loss of appetite and nausea. To combat these symptoms, cannabinoids are used.
3. Increased intraocular pressure (glaucoma), which is not stopped with the help of other medications.
4. Multiple sclerosis. It is believed that drugs containing cannabis seeds, weaken not only muscle pain in neurological pathologies, but also contribute to the relief of hyperkinesia.
5. Some mental illnesses and syndromes. Among them - schizophrenia and Tourette's syndrome, anorexia.
6. Violation of the menstrual cycle.
7. Phantom pain after limb amputation.

Which medicinal products contain THC

Despite the ban on smoking and the use of THC in food, this substance is synthesized in the laboratory and creates drugs based on it. In countries where such medicines are allowed, they can be purchased by prescription in pharmacies. The first drug, which includes cannabinoids, was released in the US in the 1980s. It is a drug called Marinol. The analogue of this drug is Dronabinol. These medications were prescribed to patients who underwent a course of chemotherapy. After the discovery of other beneficial effects of the cannabis, the preparation "Tsezamet" and the spray "Sativex" were released.

The use of cannabinoids in oncology

It is believed that the use of cannabis and cannabis seeds as an anesthetic was extended back in the 19th century. Nevertheless, the evidence that this plant is able to improve the condition, was received only in the 1980s. After the creation of a chemical analogue of cannabis, patients suffering from oncological pathologies confirmed the effectiveness of THC. Given that in addition to pain, this substance helps to get rid of nausea, it has been used as a symptomatic agent prescribed for chemotherapy.

Currently, a new generation of preparations based on cannabinoids is being developed. According to scientists, these medicines can replace opioid drugs.

The effectiveness of THC in glaucoma

Thanks to cannabinoids, you can reduce the pressure in the eyeball, which increases with glaucoma. The effect is achieved due to the action of these substances on CB receptors. Nevertheless, such a method of treatment is resorted only in cases when other medications do not help.