Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis, responsible for the "high" typically associated with marijuana use. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, specifically binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which influences mood, memory, appetite, and pain sensation. THC has potential medicinal benefits, including pain relief and nausea reduction, but it can also cause side effects like anxiety and altered perception. The legality and use of THC vary by region, as it is often regulated in the context of both recreational and medicinal cannabis.