THC capsules offer a convenient, precisely dosed method for enjoying cannabis. But how exactly do these seemingly simple pills produce such profound effects on the body and mind? Modern scientific research is finally unveiling the complex secrets behind how THC capsules work their magic.
Decoding THC’s psychoactive effects
THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for the characteristic high. THC mimics the structure of our brain’s endogenous cannabinoids or endocannabinoid. By binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, THC triggers the same changes in neurotransmission and physiology normally modulated by endocannabinoid. The highest density of cannabinoid receptors is found in the hippocampus, cerebellum, basal ganglia, and prefrontal cortex. THC’s activation of these receptors disrupts coordination, movement, cognition, memory, and pleasure.
THC boosts dopamine levels through heightened neuron firing in the brain’s reward system. It modulates serotonin, the neurotransmitter regulating mood, appetite, and sleep. This explains the euphoric, mind-altering effects of THC ranging from sensory enhancement to impaired motor control and time perception based on changes in neurochemistry and neural activity For thc capsules in best online boost levels.
Metabolic conversion from THC to 11-OH-THC
- When taken orally in capsules, thc capsules undergoes significant first-pass liver metabolism. Exposure to liver enzymes converts THC into a more potent metabolite called 11-hydroxy-THC.
- 11-OH-THC exhibits higher bioavailability and blood-brain barrier permeability compared to THC. It binds cannabinoid receptors more readily and selectively, enhancing the intoxicating effects.
- First-pass liver conversion means only 10-20% of oral THC reaches circulation unchanged. However the metabolized 11-OH-THC ultimately produces much stronger psychoactivity than inhaled THC alone when equating doses.
Extended Release
Another secret behind the THC capsule’s prolonged effects is extended-release. Capsules dissolve slowly in the intestines compared to rapid absorption in the lungs when smoking. The encapsulated THC does not immediately enter circulation, resulting in a delayed onset of about 60-90 minutes as the pill gradually disintegrates. But this also steadily meters THC into the blood over several hours. THC capsules provide the longest-lasting high of any ingestion method, up to 8 hours compared to just 2-3 hours for smoking.
Boosting bioavailability
Bioavailability describes how efficiently a drug is absorbed and utilized by the body. Encapsulation boosts oral THC bioavailability in a few key ways. First, it protects THC from degradation by stomach acid. Second, the hydrophobic capsule shell facilitates passage across the intestinal lining into blood. Some capsule formulations also now employ nanoparticle or liposomal encapsulation. These advanced methods further increase bioavailability by optimizing absorption.
Entourage effect of full-spectrum formulas
Whole plant THC capsules harness the entourage effect for maximum therapeutic benefit. THC acts synergistically with other cannabis compounds like CBD, CBN, terpenes, and over 100 more plant phytochemicals. Full-spectrum capsules containing these other elements in proportional balance to THC create an ensemble effect greater than pure, isolated THC. Each component complements and rounds out the benefits of the others. This holistic entourage effect makes the medicine more than the sum of its parts.
