THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol, is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant, also known as marijuana. When used, either through ingestion or inhalation, THC binds to specific receptors in the brain called cannabinoid receptors. In low doses, THC causes some pain reduction, may reduce aggression, can stimulate appetite, and help reduce nausea. Higher doses may cause the “high” associated with marijuana, leading to altered perception of time and space, feelings of happiness, or feelings of fatigue.

Lab-produced forms of THC are often preferable in countries where the use of cannabis is illegal. The prescription drug Marinol, containing lab created THC is used to treat eating disorders, to help relieve the side effects of chemotherapy, and the devastating effects of full-blown AIDs. THC has also been researched for its possible benefits in reducing the tics caused by people with Tourette Syndrome, and early research in this area suggests THC or Marinol may be beneficial in this regard.

It should be noted that many people who take Marinol and who have also used THC in more natural forms, feel that THC derived from cannabis is significantly more effective than Marinol. This has been a growing problem as the uses of THC have now been proven to have specific benefit to people with a variety of conditions. The war on drugs in the US makes it very difficult to obtain cannabis legally, though there are a few states or cities that provide limited access for people with certain illnesses. Yet many willfully break the law because they feel that THC provides better relief from their symptoms than Marinol.

The negative associations with drug use have, according to many patients physicians, led to prejudice against THC. Physicians note that we use and legally prescribe medications that could have far more devastating effects than marijuana. Further, medical researchers are now also finding that THC may provide relief for other extremely serious conditions. In several studies on mice, THC has been found to reduce tumor growth. A 2006 study also suggests that THC might reduce plaque formation in the brain and either delay the onset or reduce the severity of Alzheimer’s disease. Additional studies indicate THC could reduce painful spasms in people with Multiple Sclerosis, and may help control the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Although it is addictive, marijuana is also not considered a highly addictive drug, and studies that suggest extended use of marijuana disrupts brain function have recently been called into question. Control group studies on habitual marijuana users show very little difference in MRI scans than in those who do not use marijuana. Many cannabis advocacy groups, and many medical researchers continue to advocate for people to have, at the very least, prescription access to THC derived from cannabis. It remains to be seen whether these groups will ever be able to successfully legalize cannabis as medication, given the public opinion that exists against it.