National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC I) Practice Exam

What is the primary psychoactive component of marijuana?

1. Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol

2. Cannabidiol

3. Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol

4. Cannabinol

The correct answer is: Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol

The primary psychoactive component of marijuana is Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly referred to as THC. This compound is responsible for the characteristic effects of marijuana use, such as euphoria, altered perception, and increased appetite. THC achieves its psychoactive impact by interacting with the endocannabinoid system in the brain, particularly binding to CB1 receptors, which are densely located in areas associated with pleasure, memory, and coordination. While Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol is another cannabinoid that can produce psychoactive effects, it is present in much smaller amounts in the cannabis plant and is less potent than Delta-9-THC. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive component that has gained popularity for its potential therapeutic effects, such as reducing anxiety and inflammation, but it does not produce the "high" associated with marijuana use. Cannabinol is another cannabinoid that arises from the degradation of THC, and while it can have some psychoactive properties, it is significantly less potent than Delta-9-THC. Therefore, Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol is recognized as the primary agent responsible for the plant's psychoactive effects.