3 Dimensional THC Molecule

[Dizzydusk]

Ah i see, thank you. But is it possible to genetically modify the resin on a molecular scale into a new plant that would be of the same family like hops or hackberry trees or is that crazy talk?

[Soniq420]

To my knowledge, cannabis is the only type of plant that produces THC.

Many plants have trichomes and produce resins, they just don't contain cannabinoids (by definition).

These resins are both part of the plant's natural defense system and a means of capturing airborne pollen for propagation of the species.

[fungun]

Originally Posted by Soniq420

The THC molecule along with around 66 other cannabinoids are just components of the resin that is formed within the head of the trichome (the bulbous tip). The tip itself doesn't plug into your brain's receptors, it's several orders of magnitude larger than the form of THC that causes the primary effect we all love so much.

holy.

Thanks soniq but what do you mean.. "its orders of magnitude larger that the form of thc itself that get us high''? I mean I dont know about you but thc gets me high, and thc molecules are a' flowin in my brain, thus making me high.

not questioning your logic, just trying to comprehend it

[Soniq420]

I'm saying that the THC molecule is far far smaller than the tip of the trichome.

It's not the trichome that docks with the brain's receptor, it's the THC molecule that is formed inside the trichomes tip.

Here's a technical description of the process that I found w/photo



THC, or delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary chemical found in marijuana. Once inhaled, this substance readily binds to cannabinoid receptors located in the central nervous system and the immune system. The two subtypes of cannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2,. [snip]


Endocannabinoid neurotransmitters activate these cannabinoid receptors, and are naturally generated in the brain. Anandamide was the first endogenous cannabinoid discovered. This neurotransmitter stimulates dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area-mesolimbic pathway. Dopamine is primary chemical released through the psychoactive affects of THC. This chemical is related to the pleasurable feelings associated with marijuana. The brain reward system promotes the release of dopamine in the brain and is necessary for survival. THC can bind with opioid receptors that release natural sedating chemicals in the nucleus accumbens, such as dopamine, producing euphoria.

When a user smokes marijuana, THC rapidly moves towards the brain. The mechanism of how THC interacts with the brain is not fully understood. An influx of calcium ions at the post-synaptic neuron causes a depolarization of the neuron and the generation of endocannabinoids, dopamine or other neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters are released into the synapse and bind to the CB1 or CB2, receptors on the pre-synaptic neuron depending on the location of the neuron. This action causes a reduction in the amount of GABA released. The pre-synaptic receptor on GABA interneurons most likely control the release of dopamine. Even though cannabinoid receptors are located in are areas of the brain linked to the release of dopamine, there are no cannabinoid receptors directly in neurons that produce dopamine

[Soniq420]

In this illustration the THC is represented as the small black bits stuck to the inside of the bulb of the trichome

[granny420]

Originally Posted by Soniq420

I'm saying that the THC molecule is far far smaller than the tip of the trichome.

It's not the trichome that docks with the brain's receptor, it's the THC molecule that is formed inside the trichomes tip.

Here's a technical description of the process that I found w/photo



THC, or delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary chemical found in marijuana. Once inhaled, this substance readily binds to cannabinoid receptors located in the central nervous system and the immune system. The two subtypes of cannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2,. [snip]


Endocannabinoid neurotransmitters activate these cannabinoid receptors, and are naturally generated in the brain. Anandamide was the first endogenous cannabinoid discovered. This neurotransmitter stimulates dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area-mesolimbic pathway. Dopamine is primary chemical released through the psychoactive affects of THC. This chemical is related to the pleasurable feelings associated with marijuana. The brain reward system promotes the release of dopamine in the brain and is necessary for survival. THC can bind with opioid receptors that release natural sedating chemicals in the nucleus accumbens, such as dopamine, producing euphoria.

When a user smokes marijuana, THC rapidly moves towards the brain. The mechanism of how THC interacts with the brain is not fully understood. An influx of calcium ions at the post-synaptic neuron causes a depolarization of the neuron and the generation of endocannabinoids, dopamine or other neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters are released into the synapse and bind to the CB1 or CB2, receptors on the pre-synaptic neuron depending on the location of the neuron. This action causes a reduction in the amount of GABA released. The pre-synaptic receptor on GABA interneurons most likely control the release of dopamine. Even though cannabinoid receptors are located in are areas of the brain linked to the release of dopamine, there are no cannabinoid receptors directly in neurons that produce dopamine

Thank you Soniq420! Although this may be a bit more technical than many smokers want for info - I LOVED IT! I am a retired RN and found this to be of GREAT interest!

There are also many pharmaceuticals that stimulate dopamine production. One that most people have heard of is Ritalin which is used to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) to control the jittery unfocused behaviour. This may help some of the lay people to understand a little about dopamine effects (but there is a whole lot more to dopamine effects than just this).

To me it was very interesting to know the details of how marijuana effects our brains. Thanks Soniq!!! Interesting reading!

[Flurple]

wow i had no idea stuff was still happening in the trichomes. i thought that was just THC ooze leaking out, very cool that its part of the plants cell structure

[Flurple]

just for a little more fun... to give you an ideal of how tiny these particles are and how many are reacting when they enter the brain, if you had 314.45 grams (11.2 oz) of pure THC that would be 6.022 multiplied by 10 to the 24th power or

6,022,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 THC molecules

dont try to count them :D

[evanescence]

I wonder how similar thc is when compared to the natural cannabinoids in the brain..