What Are Cannabinoids and Are They Any Good For You?

What are cannabis buds? Many may be puzzled when they hear the term cannabis, but this is simply referring to the plant cannabis sativa. But what is cannabis THC, and why is it so popular? There are many who claim that the plant has healing properties, and it can treat many ailments, including pain. And while there are many things that can be said about the medical benefits of cannabis.

What is THC? If you don't already know, here's the long and short of it. THC is a naturally occurring compound element present in the marijuana or cannabis sativa (grass) but not hemp (seeds and buds). Just about any weed out there can be used as a medium to produce THC; however, not all weed will contain it. Generally speaking, there is no getting high off just about any weed, except what is laced with THC.

When you consider how the body reacts when you consume them, you'll find that its action in the human brain is much more complicated than one might suspect at first. It is actually much more similar to alcohol and tobacco in its action on the body, because both contain dopamine, which is responsible for the feeling of being "high." When you consume thc however, it doesn't provide the same "high" feeling that alcohol and tobacco do. Instead, what happens is that the human brain responds to the presence of THC (which is present in small amounts in marijuana) by releasing dopamine.

The active ingredient in cannabis plants that makes it dangerous to consume is THC. THC is a psychoactive compound that circulates through the body and brain much like an invisible rocket, only a lot less flashy. When a person takes in enough cannabis, the brain begins to recognize the existence of THC and reacts as if it has "chemicals" that it needs. In response, dopamine is released in large amounts, ultimately resulting in a "trip" or altered state of consciousness. This altered state often results in increased physical and mental abilities; and sometimes it can also lead to a state referred to as "high."

Apart from being responsible for a "high" sensation - other effects have been linked to taking in too much cannabis. Most notably are the side effects such as paranoia and anxiety, a pronounced lack of concentration and memory, dry mouth, and a reduction in appetite. Smoking pot often leads to these symptoms because of the high amounts of dopamine in the brain, and what is even worse is that there are serious short-term complications such as psychosis and schizophrenia that can develop.

The best way to avoid these unpleasant side effects is to stick to certain brands of cannabis, especially when you first start smoking. Make sure that you choose a brand that is specifically made for the inexperienced or new smoker, or even better, try making your own pot. Some brands to consider are Green Seal, White Owl, Brain Juice, Shatter Shield and even some of the smaller breeders out there. The point is that the less common cultivars may not have the negative effects that are seen with full-grown cannabis plants; therefore you may be able to get away with using a lesser brand without worrying about losing the desired effects.

What effects it has on your body will most likely vary from person to person. There is even more controversy surrounding what is THC, so it is probably best to stay clear of this topic until more data has been compiled. For the time being, it is safe to say that using small amounts of cannabis is a perfectly safe activity.