The Common Room

Hello. For anyone who doesn't know me, I am Devin. I live on the fourth floor in room 408A. I am Uhall's substances Peer Educator. I will be posting a bi-weekly column answering your questions about Drugs and Alcohol.
This week I am going to answer one of the questions that seems to be the most popular. Most people have heard of THC, but they don't know what it is. For those of you who have heard of it, but don't know what it is, or for those of you who have never heard of it before, THC (which stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main active chemical in Marijuana.
THC is what creates the "high" produced by the Marijuana. There are membranes of particular nerve cells in the brain that have special protein receptors called, cannabinoid receptors, that binds with the THC. When the THC binds to these nerve receptors, a series of chemical reactions occur that alter the function of those nerve cells. The majority of brain cells that have cannabinoid receptors are located in the parts of the brain that affect pleasure, sensory, concentration, time perception, and coordinated movement.
However, THC doesn't just affect the brain. Once inhaled, THC travels from the lungs, through the bloodstream, all over the body. One of the most common effects of smoking Marijuana is an increased appetite, or "the munchies." This is because THC acts as a stomach relaxant. This is why it is sometimes used for medicinal purposes to suppress nausea in chemotherapy patients.
THC can also affect your heart. When under the influence of Marijuana, blood vessels in the body constrict, which increases blood pressure and heart rate, as well as limits the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood.
If you want to know anything more about THC, Marijuana, or any other substance come see me in room 408A or send me an email at dke208@nyu.edu. I am always here to talk, and love getting your questions. Welcome back from break, and have a great semester!