What Is THC? Plus How To Use THC Effectively

by | Mar 31, 2021 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

What Is THC? Plus How To Use THC Effectively | Uncustomary

Did you know that 12% of the United States population are now regular cannabis users? These days people use the plant for everything from recreational to medicinal therapy. The compound known as THC is often at the center of this experience. There’s no denying that some people have a relaxing, enjoyable time using products with the cannabinoid in them.

However, others experience feelings of social anxiety and brain fog when they use THC. So why is there a discrepancy? To understand why it’s important that we first answer the question, What is THC?

Luckily, we’ve organized this article to provide you with everything you need to know about the substance. In it, we’ll be answering popular questions, and give you some tips on how to use them most effectively. Let’s get started!

What is THC?

THC, which also goes by the name tetrahydrocannabinol, is one of many compounds found in most types of cannabis plants. Specifically, it’s found in resin produced by that plant’s glands. The chemical is famous for providing the high, psychotropic feelings often associated with a marijuana buzz. So how does THC cause this buzz?

Well, it has to do with the unique way the substance interacts with our brains. When THC enters our system it mimics many of the chemicals our body produces naturally in the endocannabinoid system. Specifically, it mimics the chemical known as anandamide. This chemical is responsible for brain communication through the use of neurons.

It also attaches to the cannabinoid receptors that are responsible for feelings of pleasure, memory, coordination, time perception, and movement. Unfortunately, there is a stigma surrounding the usage of THC. When many people think of it, they picture some stoner couch-locked with a bag of Cheetos.

While this certainly encompasses some people’s experience with the chemical, the reality is that many people can function quite normally on THC. Not only that, but it comes with a variety of health benefits, especially for people struggling with painful conditions like cancer, eating disorders, epilepsy, and PTSD. 

What Are the Different Types of THC?

Many people make the common mistake of think there is only one type of THC. However, in actuality, there are three main types of THC: Delta 9 THC, 11-Hydroxy-THC, and Delta 8 THC. Let’s start with Delta 9. This is perhaps the most famous THC in the small cannabinoid family. It occurs naturally when you heat THCa (THC in its raw form).

Delta 9 THC provides an intense, euphoric high. However, it can also cause some feelings of anxiety and cloudiness in people, especially those with a low tolerance. The next variant of THC is 11-Hydroxy-THC. This version of the chemical occurs when you ingest cannabis. It takes longer to feel the effects, but when the effects kick in it lasts longer.

This makes it more ideal for people with chronic pain conditions that require long-lasting relief. The final THC is Delta 8. Delta 8 is one of the lesser-known variants. That’s partly because it occurs in small quantities in the cannabis plant. It’s also remarkably similar to Delta 9. Despite these similarities, the two chemicals have different effects.

Many people refer to Delta 8 as diet Delta 9. That’s because it’s a less intense version (usually ½ to ¾ the potency) of Delta 9. However, it also binds with both our C1 receptors and C2 receptors.

This means that it also provides a lot of the same benefits as its popular cousin CBD. As such, Delta 8 is a more ideal version for people who still want to get high, but don’t enjoy the paranoia and anxiety that comes with taking Delta 9. Make sure to check out this article if you want to learn more about the Delta 8 experience.

The Effect of THC on the Body

When THC interacts with our C2 receptor it cause our cells to release dopamine. This in turn provides the user with a sense of euphoria. THC has also been known to stimulate the appetite, making users hungry. This makes it ideal for people with eating disorders, or individuals taking medication that affects their eating habits. 

Some early studies even suggest that THC can help fight memory conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. THC can also help with pain tolerance. As such, it can be used for cancer patients and other people with conditions that cause chronic pain. The chemical also interacts with the hippocampus. This is the portion of the brain that’s responsible for forming memories.

As such, heavy THC users often have difficulty remember short-term facts. Since THC affects our movement and causes sedation, it’s important to never operate heavy machinery when you use it.

In some cases, THC can cause hallucinations or other types of delusions. However, this typically occurs when the individual takes an exceptional amount. Typically, the effects of THC can be felt for around two hours. However, some ingestion methods (like edibles) take longer to kick in and last longer. 

How Is THC Different From CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol, and it’s another one of the cannabinoids found in weed. CBD accounts for 40% of the plant’s extract. Even though THC and CBD are chemically similar, they react quite differently. CBD counteracts a lot of the effects that come with THC. CBD doesn’t give you a psychotropic high like THC will.

CBD helps moderate some of the stress and anxiety that comes naturally from taking THC. While THC can make you sleepy, CBD will wake you up. If you want therapeutic benefits like antiinflammation, pain, or anxiety without the high that comes from THC, then CBD is your best option. 

How to Use THC Effectively 

If you want the most efficient way to use THC, then your best bet is smoking it or vaping it. These methods allow for the quickest absorption since the smoke or vapor is absorbed by the lungs and enters the bloodstream immediately. Among popular types of inhaling products are distinguished Delta 8 THC vapes. Delta 8 is one of 100 components of cannabis that is distinguished with high levels of THC. To explore different types of ingredient-contained here is a variety of verified products https://www.drganja.com/cake. Unfortunately, this way is also the most addictive. Because the sensation is immediate and usually euphoric, it’s easy to do it again and again.

The reinforcing effect of this can be damaging to people with addicting tendencies. Another efficient method is to use a THC tincture for sublingual administration. This means palace the substance under your tongue and letting it sit there. The chemical is then absorbed by the blood vessels found under the tongue.

This way is efficient because it avoids metabolism by the liver. Instead, it enters the bloodstream directly by flowing straight into the superior vena cava. Similarly, topical solutions are ideal for efficiency. That’s thanks to the fact that they bypass the liver by penetrating directly into the skin.

The final popular method of consuming THC is through edibles or drinks. Unfortunately, this is perhaps the least efficient way to take in THC. Only the THC content from the edible or drink will end up making it into your bloodstream.

Why? The problem lies in the stomach acids. When THC enters your stomach it degrades. So, by the time it reaches the liver, to metabolize, it’s already lost a lot of its potency. So, if you care about efficiency when it comes to THC, then edibles probably aren’t your best bet. 

How Much THC Should I Take?

There’s no easy answer to the question, How much THC should I take? That’s due to the variety of factors that influence the result. Here are just some of them:

  • The potency of the strain (the percentage of THC in the product)
  • The type of strain (Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid strain)
  • Age of individual
  • Weight of individual
  • Tolerance of individual
  • How often the individual uses THC
  • The method of ingestion that the individual chooses

As such, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer for how much THC you should take. However, there are some general guidelines that you can follow. If it’s your first time, then you should try not to consume more than five milligrams. From there you can gradually increase to ten milligrams, then twenty. But how do you measure milligrams when your smoking?

Unfortunately, you can’t always do this. Instead, try taking one hit and seeing how you feel. If you want more than fifteen minutes, then you can take another. As you can see there’s a lot of trial and error when it comes to finding the right amount of THC for your needs. However, as long as you stick with it, then you’ll eventually find the amount that works best for you. 

Negative THC Side Effects

As we mentioned, anxiety and brain fog are some of the common negative side effects that can come with taking too much THC. Besides, a subtle loss in motor control can make it difficult to move and dangerous to operate heavy machinery. However, other negative side effects can come from prolonged usage of the substance.

Some reports suggest that heavy usage of THC can cause schizophrenia patients to relapse. If you suffer from bipolar disorder, then there’s a chance that THC can trigger manic episodes. However, the biggest health concern comes from smoking the substance. When you smoke cannabis you’re getting the THC, but you’re also getting a lot of other smoke particles.

When you’re a heavy, daily user this can begin to cause respiratory problems. Some doctors believe that heavy THC smoking is directly related to lung conditions like chronic bronchitis in heavy smokers.

It’s not yet clear, but some researchers also suggested that it could cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is typically associated with tobacco smoke. If you want to avoid these negative health conditions, then your best bet is to not smoke them. Instead, use a method like edibles, tinctures, or topical solutions. 

What Should I Do If Cannabis Is Illegal In My State? 

When the Hemp Farming Act of 2018 passed federally it made all hemp products legal to sell and manufacturer. This means that CBD and Delta 8 THC products are legally everywhere (with a few exceptions). The only caveat is that the hemp products must contain less than .03% of Delta 9 THC.

As such, if you want to purchase Delta 9 THC, then you will need to live in a state that offers legalized recreational cannabis. Or, if your state offers medical marijuana, then you will need a medical marijuana card.  If your state requires a medical card, there are resources available as to how to get a medical marijuana card in Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Texas, etc., making it accessible to everyone.  

If not, then your best bet is a CBD or Delta 8 THC product. The bad news is that there are three states and territories where cannabis is outright illegal in every form: Idaho, Nebraska, and American Samoa. Other states allow it for medical use, but with limited THC content. Here’s a list of those states: 

  • Alabama
  • Georgia
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • North Carolina
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

If cannabis is illegal, or limited, where you live, then don’t panic. Frequently changing cannabis laws means that legislation is by no means set in stone. With any luck, the substance will soon become legal federally. Until then, it’s best to abide by whatever laws your state has in place. 

Want More Content Keep Exploring

We hope this article helped you answer the question, What is THC? As you can see, there are a lot of things to love about the substance. And while THC might not be for everyone, there is certainly a place for it in the lives of the individuals who need it most. As such, if you think you might enjoy the substance, then give it a try.

Whether you’re interested in it recreationally or medically, everyone should consider trying it at least once. Experiment until you find the right combination of products that work best for you. Who knows? You might be surprised by what you find! Did you enjoy this article? If the answer is yes, then you’re in the right place. Keep reading to find more topics that you’re sure to love.




In Columbia, Maryland, there’s a former grocery store that has been transformed into a department store for mythical creatures, time travelers, and intergalactic tourists.

It’s called DoodleHATCH.

You can groom a unicorn, visit an intergalactic space station, climb onto a giant’s bed, meet guinea pigs, explore an artist’s studio, and discover approximately a million other things that somebody actually sat down and made.

It’s a nonprofit interactive art museum, a community project, an educational resource, and one of my favorite places I’ve ever discovered.

And it could be demolished as part of a proposed redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center.

But there’s still an opportunity to help.

You don’t need to donate money. You don’t need to live in Maryland. And you don’t need to know anything about zoning laws.

You can start by writing an email.

🚨 Here's what's happening

Developer Columbia Concepts has proposed redeveloping the Long Reach Village Center in Columbia, Maryland.

The proposal would replace existing buildings with new housing, recreational facilities, and other development.

Unfortunately, that puts a whole collection of existing community resources at risk of being demolished, including:

  • DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum
  • Maryland Fashion Institute
  • A makerspace used for community education
  • Local restaurants, shops, and service businesses
  • Early childhood education and community programs
  • A 140-foot-long mural created by approximately 100 community members

This isn’t just about losing a fabulous museum. It’s about losing an entire collection of places that people have built, supported, and relied on.

And there’s another possibility!

🌈 Meet The REALM

Lee Andersen, the founder of DoodleHATCH, and her nonprofit ManneqART want to preserve the existing community resources and transform the village center into an arts and culture destination called The REALM.

Imagine a place where artists have studios, children have room to explore, students can learn creative skills, people can attend performances, and local businesses continue serving their neighbors.

There are plans for a performing arts space, more opportunities for artists, and a Witches Kitchen that might serve you a horrible-disgusting breakfast.

Which, personally, I think sounds promising.

The people behind DoodleHATCH are gathering support to oppose the developer’s zoning proposal and advocate for The REALM.

And they’d love your help.

💌 How to help in about two minutes

If you live in Howard County, Maryland

If you’re 18 or older, DoodleHATCH is asking eligible county residents to visit the museum and sign their petition in person.

📍DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum

8775 Cloudleap Court, Unit 101
Columbia, MD 21045

⏱️ Museum hours: Friday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM.

And while you’re there, I highly recommend exploring the museum. Bring someone who needs a reminder that being an adult doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying ridiculous things.

If you don't live in Howard County

You can still help!

DoodleHATCH is collecting emails from people who oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and support preserving the existing arts and community resources through The REALM.

Send your email to: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com

Suggested subject: Support The REALM | Oppose Columbia Concepts Zoning Proposal ZB 1132M

You can write your own message or use one of the templates below.

You don’t need to write an essay. A short, genuine message explaining what you support and why is enough to participate in this email campaign.

✍️ What should your email say?

To make your position clear, include these three things:

1. Say what you’re opposing.

State that you oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center, case ZB 1132M.

2. Say what you’re supporting.

Express your support for preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, existing community resources, and the proposed arts and culture center called The REALM.

3. Explain why you care.

This is the part that makes your email yours.

Maybe you’ve visited DoodleHATCH. Maybe you’re a parent who wants more creative places for children. Maybe you’re an artist, an educator, or someone who thinks it’s important to protect the few spaces where people can explore and make things without needing to buy something.

Maybe you live across the country and just learned that there’s a department store for mythical creatures in Maryland, and you think the world would be a little less interesting without it.

That’s a perfectly good reason to care.

Automatically Build Your Email!

💌 Email templates you can copy

Option 1: Short, simple, and effective

Subject: Support The REALM | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts zoning amendment and redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M).

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the existing community services and small businesses, as well as the proposal to create The REALM arts and culture center.

Creative and educational spaces like these provide valuable opportunities for families, artists, students, and the wider community. I believe they deserve to be protected.

Please include my email with the messages of support being collected for DoodleHATCH and The REALM.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 2: For artists, creatives, and fellow merriment makers

Subject: Please Protect DoodleHATCH and Support The REALM

Hello,

I’m writing in opposition to Columbia Concepts’ proposed redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and in support of The REALM.

I believe communities need places where creativity, imagination, and play are actively encouraged.

DoodleHATCH is an extraordinary example of what can happen when artists and community members are given room to create something that doesn’t fit into an ordinary commercial space.

Places like this are rare. They encourage people of all ages to experiment, learn, explore, and connect with one another.

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, the existing community resources, and the vision for The REALM.

Thank you for collecting these messages and advocating for the creative community.

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 3: For people who've visited DoodleHATCH

Subject: Please Save DoodleHATCH | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and my support for The REALM.

I’ve personally visited DoodleHATCH, and I want to share why I believe it’s worth preserving.

[Write two or three sentences about your experience. What did you see? Who did you bring? What surprised you? What made you want to return?]

DoodleHATCH is more than a collection of exhibits. It’s a place where creativity is something people can actively participate in, and I believe losing it would be a tremendous loss to the community.

I support preserving the museum, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the other existing community resources through the proposed arts and culture center, The REALM.

Please include my email with the messages of support you’re collecting.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

A few tips before you hit send

Automatically Build Your Email!

DO:

  • Use your real name.

  • Include your city and state so organizers can understand where support is coming from.

  • Clearly identify the redevelopment proposal you’re opposing.

  • Specifically mention your support for The REALM.

  • Add a personal sentence or two if you can.

  • Be respectful, even if you’re frustrated.

  • Share this page with other people who might want to help.

DON’T:

  • Pretend to be a Howard County resident if you’re not.

  • Claim to have visited DoodleHATCH if you haven’t.

  • Make up experiences or information.

  • Send threatening, insulting, or harassing messages.

  • Assume your email is the same thing as signing the official petition.

  • Worry about making your message sound impressive. Clear and genuine is better than elaborate.

💌 The Save DoodleHATCH Email Machine

A few clicks, a little personality, and an email that helps support DoodleHATCH and The REALM. No account or signup required.

What's your connection to DoodleHATCH?
Why does protecting places like this matter to you?
✨ Your email preview
To: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com
Subject: 


✉️ Open in My Email App




Your information stays in your browser until you choose to copy or open the message. The email does not send automatically. Emails support DoodleHATCH's advocacy campaign; they are not the same as official petition signatures or zoning testimony. Please review the message before sending.
 





			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
🐹 Wait. What exactly is DoodleHATCH?

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
I’m so glad you asked.


DoodleHATCH is an interactive art museum in Columbia, Maryland, created by artist, designer, and professional generator of wildly ambitious ideas, Lee Andersen.


The museum is designed as a pretend department store for mythological creatures, time travelers, and galactic tourists.


There are dozens of installations, and unlike most museums, you’re encouraged to touch things, explore, and participate.


There’s also an artist’s studio full of fabric and handmade garments, workshops, special events, birthday parties, free books, and opportunities for local artists to share their work.


The museum welcomes families and children, but adults are absolutely allowed to enjoy themselves, too.


And the woman behind it has spent decades bringing creativity into the community through fashion, festivals, education, and public art.


I discovered DoodleHATCH in 2020 and loved it so much that I started volunteering.


I’ve been back multiple times, and there are still things I haven’t seen.


That’s part of what makes it special. You can keep discovering things because people keep creating them.

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
You don't have to live near DoodleHATCH to care about it.

			

				
				
				
				
				
There are Merriment Makers everywhere.


People turning empty buildings into art spaces. People organizing parades. People teaching kids how to sew, paint, dance, or build things. People putting enormous amounts of time into projects that make their communities more interesting.


Sometimes they’re running nonprofits. Sometimes they’re working out of their garages. Sometimes they’re making something weird in a strip mall that you might drive past a hundred times without realizing what’s inside.


I hope you’ll help protect DoodleHATCH.


And I hope you’ll look around your own community, too. Visit the strange little museum. Go to the local art show. Find the person who makes giant puppets or organizes an absurd annual festival. Spend your money at the independent shop with the handmade things.


There are people everywhere creating reasons for us to be curious about being alive.


I’d like them to be able to keep doing that.

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
Help save DoodleHATCH. Help protect The REALM. Help keep the world interesting.

			

				
				
				
				
				
💌 Email: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com


🌈 Visit: DoodleHATCH.com


🦄 Share: Uncustomary.org/Doodle