Exploring Psychedelic Properties: Contrasting the Neural Effects of THC and Classic Psychedelics”

In 1857, Fitz Hugh Ludlow, THC an American writer, detailed his encounters with hashish in his memoir, “The Hasheesh Eater: Being Passages from the Life of a Pythagorean.” Ludlow described how hashish bestowed significance beyond mere matter or form, infusing everyday objects with meaning and revealing new dimensions of the mind, whether blissful or terrifying. In 1956, psychiatrist Humphrey Osmond coined the term “psychedelic” to encapsulate such mind-manifesting phenomena, commonly associated with powerful perception-altering drugs like LSD.

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THC

While “classic psychedelics” such as LSD and psilocybin primarily act on the 5HT2a neurotransmitter receptor, triggering hallucinations and altering perception, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active compound in cannabis, acts differently. THC affects endocannabinoids, regulating neuronal firing and inducing changes in perception, appetite, and mood. The question arises: is the experience with THC truly “psychedelic”?

Recent research led by Conor Murray at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) explored the effects of oral TH on neural complexity. In contrast to LSD, which significantly increased brain activity complexity, TH did not produce a significant alteration. The study involved healthy volunteers taking THC pills, a microdose of LSD, or a stimulant drug. Subjectively, THC induced the strongest feeling of being “high,” but its impact on neural complexity was minimal compared to LSD.

The study raises questions about whether oral TH and cannabis products are truly psychedelic. The term psychedelic, meaning “mind-manifesting,” encompasses various experiences beyond drug-induced ones, including meditation, breathwork, and sensory reduction float tank experiences. Despite TH distinct pharmacology from classic psychedelics, the study suggests it may serve as an active placebo in psychedelic therapy trials.

The study’s findings highlight the need for caution and respect when considering psychoactive substances, emphasizing the importance of understanding their effects for therapeutic or harmful purposes. Whether cannabis is deemed psychedelic or not, its unique properties and potential similarities with classic psychedelics warrant careful consideration in clinical trials and discussions surrounding mental health treatments.