How THC Affects Your Body

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant that interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to help regulate processes like mood, appetite, sleep, pain, and memory. By binding primarily to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain, nervous system, and immune tissues, THC can produce a wide range of effects—from euphoria and pain relief to increased appetite and improved sleep. In medical settings, THC may provide therapeutic relief for chronic pain, muscle spasticity, insomnia, nausea, and more. When used responsibly and under the supervision of a licensed physician, THC can be a powerful tool for improving quality of life, but it’s essential to understand its mechanisms, risks, and appropriate applications.

Freedom Road in Oklahoma City is a full service medical marijuana dispensary and licensed grow house deeply committed to empowering consumers through education, ensuring every cannabis experience is safe, informed, and positive. Our knowledgeable staff provides personalized guidance to help our customers select the right products and understand proper usage, whether they’re new to cannabis or seasoned users. At Freedom Road, we also offer comprehensive resources, including detailed guides on consuming edibles, concentrates, and topicals, as well as navigating medical marijuana laws in Oklahoma. By prioritizing education, safety, compliance, and transparency, we can create a supportive environment where customers can make confident choices tailored to their individual needs.

What is THC

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are naturally occurring chemical compounds that interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a vital regulatory network in the body that helps maintain balance in processes like mood, appetite, sleep, memory, and pain perception. When cannabinoids enter the body, they bind to ECS receptors—mainly CB1 and CB2—either activating or blocking specific functions. This interaction is what produces various effects such as relaxation, euphoria, increased hunger, or pain relief.

Cannabinoids can be either:

Endocannabinoids, which are naturally produced in the human body and serve as part of the ECS, or,

Phytocannabinoids, which are found in plants.

While several non-cannabis plants can produce cannabinoid-like compounds, one of the most common and widely researched and recognized is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which comes from the Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica species of the cannabis plant.

THC is produced in the resin-filled trichomes of the cannabis plant, the tiny, crystal-like glands that are most concentrated on the flowers and upper leaves of female plants. While male plants also contain some trichomes, the highest levels of THC are typically found in the flowering buds of females.

Although often associated with recreational use, THC also shows promise in therapeutic and medical marijuana settings. Research suggests that it may help manage conditions like chronic pain, muscle spasticity, and chemotherapy-induced nausea—especially when used alongside other cannabinoids like CBD.

How THC Works in the Body

THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis and the one most responsible for the “high” that many users experience. It works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system–specifically by binding to CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system and CB2 receptors in the immune system–to mimic natural endocannabinoids and interact with their receptors to alter normal signaling processes. This interaction triggers a cascade of effects, which can differ widely between individuals—some people feel calm and sleepy, while others may become more introspective or hungry.

Here’s what this process looks like:

1. Absorption

When inhaled (smoking or vaping), THC enters the bloodstream through the lungs almost immediately.

When consumed orally (edibles or oils), it’s absorbed more slowly through the digestive system and processed by the liver before entering the bloodstream, a process that usually takes between 1 and 2 hours, depending on a variety of factors.

2. Circulation

Once in the bloodstream, THC circulates throughout the body and crosses the blood-brain barrier.

3. Binding to Cannabinoid Receptors

THC primarily binds to CB1 receptors, which are highly concentrated in the brain and central nervous system, and to a lesser extent to CB2 receptors, found mostly in the immune system and peripheral tissues.

4. Effects on the Brain and Body

CB1 receptor activation is responsible for THC’s psychoactive effects (the “high”), as well as:

• Euphoria
• Altered perception of time and space
• Relaxation
• Increased appetite
• Pain relief
• Impaired short-term memory (at high doses)

CB2 receptor activation influences inflammation and immune responses, which may contribute to THC’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

5. Metabolism and Elimination

A group of liver enzymes called cytochrome P450–the same used to metabolize many medications–and the enzymes CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 in particular breaks the THC down into metabolites including THC-COOH, which are then excreted through urine and feces.

Metabolites are essentially smaller pieces of a substance that are better absorbed by the cells in the body so they can then be properly eliminated. Metabolites are also more potent and more bioavailable, meaning they can cross the blood-brain barrier more easily. For example, when you eat an edible, your liver completes what’s called first-pass metabolism, during which THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is converted into the metabolite 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent version of THC which is responsible for producing the strong, long-lasting effects of the edible.

Metabolites can remain in the body for days or weeks, especially in people consume THC regularly, and drug tests can detect THC metabolites even after the initial THC has been metabolized.

Interactions Between THC and Your Body’s Systems

THC interacts with multiple systems throughout the body via the endocannabinoid system, influencing everything from mood and memory to pain perception and immune response. When used appropriately and in appropriate dosages, these broad-sweeping interactions may offer a range of therapeutic benefits.

Here’s how.

Nervous and Immune Systems

In your central and peripheral nervous system, THC interacts with CB1 receptors in the brain to alter pain perception and with CB2 receptors in your immune cells and tissues to modulate inflammation and immune responses.

When it interacts with your nervous system THC may be beneficial in…

• Pain modulation and regulation, by binding to CB1 receptors in the brain and spinal cord and helping to reduce chronic and neuropathic pain, such as that associated with arthritis.
• Protecting your brain cells from Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and traumatic brain injury, the result of THC’s demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Relaxing muscles and relieving muscle spasticity and stiffness, especially in people with conditions like multiple sclerosis.

Digestive System

In the digestive system, THC activates pathways in the hypothalamus, dopamine pathway, and olfactory system to release ghrelin and dopamine, triggering both hunger and the pleasure of eating as well as stimulating appetite. By recreating the sensations we experience when we’re deprived of food, such hunger (caused by the release of the hormone ghrelin), increased sensitivity of smell, more acute taste, and increased dopamine in the presence of food, THC essentially convinces our brain that we’re starving, and our body follows. Then, when we eat the foods our brains already crave—which produce a dopamine effect all their own—your body gets a double-dose of dopamine, making food much more appealing and satisfying.

For some people, such as cancer or chemotherapy patients experiencing reduced appetites, the enthusiasm to eat can be a good thing

These interactions of THC with your digestive system may be beneficial for…

• Stimulating appetite, which can be helpful for patients suffering from cachexia, HIV/AIDS related anorexia, and cancer.
• Suppressing nausea, particularly in reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

Cardiovascular System

THC affects the cardiovascular system by interacting with CB1 receptors in blood vessels and in the heart. When THC binds to these receptors, it can cause vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), leading to a temporary drop in blood pressure.

In the short term, THC may temporarily relieve and regulate high blood pressure in older adults.

Endocrine and Sleep System

THC can also play a role in sleep regulation—specifically by influencing the REM cycle. THC has been found to increase the duration of slow wave sleep, the deepest and most restorative stage of sleep, where the heart rate and breathing slow and the body enters a state of physical recovery. When used in low doses, THC may help people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, supporting overall rest and recovery.

The way THC interacts with your endocrine and sleep system may help produce improved sleep for people suffering from…

• Insomnia or PTSD. Because dreaming occurs during the REM cycle and THC reduces the amount of time spent in the REM cycle, disturbing dreams have less time to develop, allowing for more restful and longer sleep periods.
• Chronic pain. People who suffer from chronic pain often struggle to get to sleep because the central nervous system is actively responding to pain receptors. In order to get to sleep, the central nervous system has to calm down. THC assists the nervous system by suppressing these pain and stress receptors allowing the brain to calm and relax.

Psychological and Emotional Health

THC increases the amount of dopamine (the “feel-good” chemical) released in your brain. In addition to producing feelings of euphoria and relaxation, THC can also reduce overactivity in the amygdala, the brain’s fear center, producing feelings of calm.

The impact of THC on your psychological and emotional health may result in…

• Reduced anxiety and elevated mood
• Reduced symptoms of PTSD, such as flashbacks and nightmares

Things to Consider Before Using THC for Medical Purposes

While THC offers a range of potential therapeutic benefits, it’s important to approach its use with awareness and guidance—especially for medical purposes. The effects of THC can vary significantly depending on the dose, individual physiology, and frequency of use. Low-to-moderate doses are often well-tolerated and beneficial, but high doses may impair memory, cognition, or increase the risk of dependence. Long-term or heavy use can lead to tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, or exacerbate existing conditions like anxiety, psychosis, or cardiovascular issues. THC can also interfere with certain prescription medications or trigger unwanted side effects such as stomach irritation or immune suppression. Because of these caveats, discussing cannabis use with a qualified, licensed physician is essential to ensure it’s safe, effective, and appropriate for your individual health needs.

Trust the Experts at Freedom Road for Your THC Experience

When used responsibly and under medical supervision, THC can offer powerful relief for a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, and nausea. At Freedom Road, we’re committed to helping you explore these benefits with confidence. Our team is here to guide you through the nuances of Oklahoma’s medical marijuana laws and ensure you understand how to use THC safely, properly, and effectively. Whether you’re new to cannabis or a seasoned patient, Freedom Road provides the education, support, and high-quality products you need to make informed decisions about your health and well-being.