Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-9)

THC Addiction

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the main psychoactive ingredient that causes people to feel high from consuming marijuana. THC stimulates the release of neurotransmitters in the brain that cause pleasurable, euphoric feelings. The drug is not only habit forming, but addictive. Using THC on a regular basis can lead to learning impairment, decreased memory function and anxiety. Many people believe smoking marijuana is somehow more healthy than smoking cigarettes, but that is simply not true. Smoke from marijuana is harmful to the lungs, according to the American Lung Association. Marijuana smokers tend to inhale deeper and hold the smoke in their lungs longer than people smoking tobacco. THC can also raise your heart rate, increasing your risk of heart attack.

Recent research suggests that 30% of people who consume THC on a regular basis have some degree of substance use disorder, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. People who begin using marijuana before the age of 18 are four to seven time more likely to become addicted to THC. Marijuana use disorders become addictions when someone can’t stop using the drug, even though it’s negatively impacting their life.