To feel euphoric is to feel happy. You can reach euphoria in so many healthy ways. However, reaching euphoria by using THC is not one of those ways.
Tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC, is a psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants. This compound causes the euphoric or ‘high’ symptoms that people experience when they consume cannabis.
When consumed, THC interacts with specific receptors in the brain and nervous system. These receptors are responsible for the transmission of commands to the different parts of the body.
These interactions produce an array of effects that can be both physical and physiological.
The ‘feel-good’ symptoms include the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure, motivation, learning, euphoric feelings, feeling relaxed, and mood changes.
The imperfect symptoms include impairments of mind skills, the impairment of memory, and attention, and loss of control over one’s behavior.
Think of the imperfect symptoms as losing control of your body while you sleep. Then, when you wake up and have control of your body again, you are somewhere you never knew.
Apart from the symptoms you receive while ‘high’ on THC, there are also long-term effects associated with it.
Addiction is one of those long-term symptoms you receive. Once you become addicted to THC, it is a long and hard process to get rid of it. The more you take, the more you want.
Addiction is one of the main causes of homelessness in the United States. There are people who waste all their resources to get their hands on THC. At some point, these people lose all their resources and unfortunately end up on the streets.
Respiratory problems are one of the long-term symptoms as well. The consumption of THC is commonly done by smoking it. In turn, over time our lung tissue starts declining and so does our lung function.
While our lungs lose their function, they also become the targets for cancer and emphysema. People with respiratory problems are also known to experience severe wheezing and bronchitis as well as an increased risk of respiratory infections such as bronchitis.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in 2020, about 20.4% of 10th graders and 28.4% of 12th graders admitted to using cannabis. Now let us think about how many more students went unreported.
Moreover, CBS News reported that in a school in Broward County, three students were hospitalized due to an overdose linked to THC.
11th grader, Gabriela Reyes said, “I had a friend who almost died from THC. I’m pretty sure it was an overdose. Since then, he still going at it, but I don’t know what the hype is.”
In Florida, laws regarding the use of THC are not as strict as in other states. Medical THC is legal in Florida, but recreational use remains illegal.
If a person is found in possession of between 0-20 grams or 0-64 ounces of THC, they can face fines of up to $1000 and up to a one-year prison sentence. If a person is found carrying more than 64 ounces of THC, they can face up to a $5000 fine or up to a five-year prison sentence.
During our adolescent years, or even later in life, it is best to stay away from THC. It is important to understand that the consumption of it is harmful and can even lead to death. If you or someone you know feels that they need to use THC to ‘lighten up,’ talk to a trusted adult. They’ll provide the support you need to overcome your challenges.
