This article explains the effects of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive compound in marijuana, on the brain. THC has a similar chemical structure to a neurotransmitter called anandamide, allowing it to interact with and disrupt normal brain communication.
THC attaches to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, particularly in areas that influence pleasure, memory, thinking, coordination, and perception. By activating these receptors, THC can impair cognitive functions, including memory formation and attention. It also affects the cerebellum and basal ganglia, which control balance, coordination, and reaction time, making activities like driving or playing sports unsafe.
Large doses of THC can lead to acute psychosis, causing hallucinations, delusions, and a loss of personal identity. Additionally, THC stimulates the brain’s reward system by increasing dopamine release, similar to other addictive substances. This reinforces the rewarding behavior associated with marijuana use and contributes to its addictive properties.
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