The chemical that is responsible for causing psychoactive symptoms in individuals is called D-9- Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. How does THC make a person experience psychotic symptoms? Let me tell you.
Cannabinoids affect the cannabinoid receptors that are in the brain. Receptors catch the neurotransmitters that are released from the brain. Studies have shown that cannabis produces symptoms of mania, delusions, depression, and even panic attacks in individuals who use cannabis. Our brains have two particular structures that are actively
responsible for causing symptoms of depression as well as other psychotic symptoms in those who use marijuana long-term. Anxiety is one of the most common conditions that is seen resulting from cannabis use. Cannabis and its cannabinoid counterparts have been linked to Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Psychosis is another condition that is closely linked to cannabis use. Other conditions that are a direct effect of cannabis use are impaired short-term memory problems, suicidal ideations, delusions, Bipolar disorder, disorientation, hallucinations, paranoia, and of course schizophrenia has also been linked to heavy, repetitive use of cannabis.
Cannabis works on the areas of the brain that are responsible for pleasure, memory, thinking, concentration, movement, coordination, and sensory/time perception. The chemical makeup of THC is similar to a chemical in our brain called anandamide. Because the chemicals are so similar, this allows our bodies to recognize THC. What does this mean? It means that because of the similarities of both THC and anandamide, our body allows THC to alter how our brain communicates. According to a study, D9-THC is the agent that works on the central amygdala, by affecting the “hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical pathway.” THC is then able to hitch a ride with those receptors (cannabinoid) that are connected to the neurons in the areas of the brain that I mentioned above, kickstarting them. The reaction of that process is what causes the interruption in many mental and physical processes. Cannabis doesn’t just affect one area of the brain, it affects many areas of the brain, wreaking havoc. As a result, THC causes much irreversible damage and loss of intellect.
NIDA. 2021, April 13. How does marijuana produce its effects?. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/how-does-marijuana-produce-its-effects on 2024, March 28
Kancherla, N., Jeyanthi, K. M., Abbas, R., Sathi, T. S. C. R., Upadhyay, A., & Garlapati, S. K. P. (2021). Cannabis Associated Mental Health Effects: A Review. Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences, 13(Suppl 2), S943–S946. https://doi.org/10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_388_21