Smokin Moose
Fallen Cannabis Warrior & Ex Moderator
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Sweet, I can look at these types of photos all day...love that stuff.This is the one I use for my background. Someone has colored in a scanning electron microscope picture.
electron microscope photo of trichomes - 420 Magazine Photo Gallery
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.
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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
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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