The Wisdom of Nature: How THC Mimics the Human Bliss Molecule (Part 4 of 5) M3/U3
Nature’s Design: How THC and Anandamide Work to Shape A Blissful Human Experience. However, This is Not All Good.
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How brilliant is this plant and the way it synergizes with our body? Looking back to Part 1, we explored the fig wasp—an intricate piece of the jungle’s balance, a testament to the billions of ways nature showcases its brilliance. This same harmony exists between cannabis and the human body. THC interacts seamlessly with our endocannabinoid system, reinforcing the idea that nature designed this plant for an essential role in human life and development.
Cannabis is one of the first crops ever cultivated by humans, dating back over 10,000 years. Ancient civilizations—from China and India to the Middle East and Africa—recognized its medicinal, spiritual, and practical applications. As trade routes expanded, so did cannabis, spreading its influence across cultures and generations. This deep-rooted connection between cannabis, humanity and our biology suggests that, much like the fig wasp in the jungle, cannabis has always had a purpose within the grand design of nature.
THC (Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol)
THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for the euphoric sensation commonly referred to as being "high." However, it doesn’t directly create mood enhancement, sedation, or energy—it simply shifts perception, alters time sensitivity, and enhances mental awareness. At lower doses, it can create a sense of upliftment and creativity, while higher doses may lead to a more sedative or “stoned” effect.
Just know that THC is not the only compound that gives you the feeling you have, it’s other cannabinoids and possibly, more importantly, terpenes which we get into in module 4. This combination of molecules THC interacts with is called the entourage effect which we will talk about in module 4.
What the Compound Looks Like
THC has the molecular formula C₂₁H₃₀O₂ and shares a structural similarity with anandamide, a naturally occurring endocannabinoid in the human body. This resemblance is why THC binds so effectively to CB1 receptors in the brain, producing its signature psychoactive effects.
Anandamide: The "Bliss Molecule"
Anandamide: The "Bliss Molecule" Anandamide is an endocannabinoid named after the Sanskrit word ananda, meaning “bliss” or “joy.” Discovered by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam this neurotransmitter plays a key role in mood regulation, cognitive function, and pleasure.
Happiness & Euphoria – Anandamide binds to CB1 receptors much like THC, creating feelings of well-being and reducing stress (Piomelli, 2003).
Memory – Anandamide helps regulate memory processing and forgetting, which is essential for learning (Lu & Mackie, 2016).
Appetite – It stimulates hunger and food intake, similar to the “munchies” effect seen with THC (Di Marzo et al., 2004).
Sleep – Anandamide influences sleep patterns and REM cycles, playing a role in sleep regulation (Di Marzo et al., 2004).
Pain Relief – Anandamide has analgesic properties, reducing pain perception by interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors (Piomelli, 2003).
Runner’s High – Research suggests that the “runner’s high” experienced after intense exercise is partially due to a surge in anandamide (Lu & Mackie, 2016).
Short-Lived Effects – Unlike THC, anandamide is quickly broken down in the body by the enzyme FAAH, making its effects brief (Di Marzo et al., 2004).
When THC enters the system, it mimics anandamide but lingers longer, leading to extended euphoria, altered perception, and relaxation. This explains why cannabis can have a prolonged impact on consciousness (potentially good and/or bad) compared to the fleeting effects of our body’s natural bliss molecule.
How it Processes THC in raw cannabis exists as THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid), which is non-psychoactive. To activate its psychoactive effects, decarboxylation (heating) is required.
Inhalation (smoking/vaping): THC enters the bloodstream quickly via the lungs, delivering almost immediate effects.
Ingestion (edibles/tinctures): THC is processed by the liver, converting into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent and longer-lasting form of THC. This is why edibles are a completely different high and tolerances from smoking don’t cross over leading to longtime smokers having bad experiences. “Oh, I smoke all the time. I can handle this”.
Activated THC & Its Effects on the Mind Once THC is activated and enters the bloodstream, it binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, influencing:
Euphoria – A general sense of well-being.
Perception & Awareness – Alters time perception and enhances sensory experiences.
Memory & Cognition – Can temporarily disrupt short-term memory.
Creativity & Thought Expansion – May stimulate creative thinking and new perspectives.
There’s a thought that you can gain new perspectives because you aren’t remembering the short term. We get into this a lot in module 8.
Relaxation or Anxiety – Effects vary based on strain, dosage, and individual chemistry.
THC Percentages & Potency
Low THC (5-10%) – Mild psychoactive effects.
Medium THC (10-20%) – Balanced experience, common in many strains.
High THC (20%+) – Strong psychoactive effects, better for experienced users.
Concentrates (50-90%) – Extremely potent, mainly used in extracts and dabs.
THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid) Before being exposed to heat, THC is in its acidic form, THCA, which is non-psychoactive but has potential therapeutic benefits:
Anti-inflammatory properties
Neuroprotective effects
Potential anti-nausea and anti-seizure benefits
Just because THC can provide us with euphoric feelings doesn’t mean we need to rely on them. At times, cannabis may serve as a tool—whether for momentary insight, deep healing, or lifelong support for those with certain conditions. There are many people who truly need to consume cannabis all the time, but there are also many who abuse this feeling. With concentrates providing high amounts of THC we also don’t yet fully understand the long-term effects of high THC concentrations on the endocannabinoid system. Concentrates are great, but this is important to consider.
There are also natural ways to stimulate anandamide production without cannabis, fostering a steadier, self-sustaining sense of well-being. Rather than experiencing intense peaks and valleys, these methods may promote a balanced state of harmony within the body.
Just like in nature, balance is key. If fig wasps overpopulate an area where they are not needed, they can disrupt the ecosystem rather than support it. Nature isn’t bound by human logic, yet it operates with an inherent brilliance—a wisdom that comes from something beyond the logical mind. Perhaps our relationship with cannabis should follow the same principle: guided not just by desire, but by a deeper understanding of what truly serves our well-being.