31st January 2024

Background

Cannabis is one of the most ingested illicit substances worldwide, and dependence is relatively common. This section will not cover any of the medicinal uses of cannabis.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a cannabinoid compound within cannabis that binds to cannabinoid receptors, modulating inhibition of various neurotransmitters, which in turn influences mood, appetite, etc. It is normally released when cannabis is smoked and distributed throughout the body via perfusion with rapid effect on the neural transmitters described above. When ingested orally, distribution is slower, and peak concentrations are reached later. It is a lipophilic compound and, therefore, can accumulate in the body for a long period of time.