1. THE BENEFITS OF THC IN THE SOCIETY

Tetrahydrocannabinol is abbreviated as THC. It is the primary ingredient in cannabis and is what gives certain cannabis products their euphoric “high.”

THC’s possible health advantages, in addition to its intoxicating effects, have prompted researchers and patients to investigate its potential as a therapy for specific ailments and symptoms.

What is THC?

THC is a type of cannabis compound known as a cannabinoid. It’s the dominant compound in most cannabis plants, which means that it occurs in higher concentrations than any other compound.

Cannabis plants are frequently referred to as “marijuana” when they contain enough THC to induce intoxication. These days, smokable flowers from these plants often contain 15% to 35% THC.

When cannabis plants contain no more than 0.3% THC, they’re legally classified as hemp.

How does THC work?

Cannabinoids like THC affect your body’s endocannabinoid system. This bodywide system helps regulate various processes, including:

• Pain
• Inflammation
• Mood
• Sleep
• Energy levels
• Brain functions, such as learning, focus, and memory

THC works by binding to receptors in your endocannabinoid system, leading to changes in your perception of pain, appetite, and other functions.

THC is intoxicating because it interacts with brain receptors in a way that can produce psychoactive effects. These effects include noticeable changes in perception, feelings, and consciousness, among others.

Is THC legal?

Cannabis plants are frequently referred to as “marijuana” when they contain enough THC to induce intoxication. These days, smokable flowers from these plants often contain 15% to 35% THC.

States differ in the legal status of cannabis, which is the source of THC.

At the federal level, cannabis with more than 0.3% THC is prohibited. Nonetheless, cannabis usage for medical and/or recreational purposes is now legal in dozens of states.

Since hemp is permitted at the federal level, hemp-derived goods with a THC content of 0.3% or less are likewise legal.

What is a high dose of THC?

For someone who doesn’t regularly use cannabis products, any quantity of THC greater than 10 milligrams (mg) may be regarded as a large dosage. For beginning cannabis users, 3 to 5 milligrams of THC is sufficient to induce intoxication.

That said, there are no universal standards to determine what is a high or low dose.

A dosage that is deemed high for one person may be modest or moderate for another. This is due to the fact that the intensity of THC’s effects can vary depending on a number of factors, including tolerance, frequency of usage, and mode of ingestion.

Work with a cannabis-trained healthcare professional to determine the best dose of THC for your health needs.

What is a low dose of THC?

It is recommended that most individuals begin with 3 to 5 milligrams of THC or less. This quantity is often modest enough to avoid major intoxication effects.

Before choosing a beginning dosage, consult your doctor if you’re taking medicinal cannabis to treat a medical condition. Depending on your health requirements, they can recommend a different quantity.

Benefits and uses of THC

Studies show that THC may offer certain health benefits:

• Lowers inflammation: A review of studies reports that THC may help reduce inflammation. That said, most research in this area has been done in cells or animals, not humans.
• Eases pain: Research shows that THC may help manage chronic pain.
• Reduces nausea and vomiting: THC may help with nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy, according to a review of studies.
• Improves appetite: Studies show that THC can increase appetite.
• Supports positive mood: According to some animal studies, THC may have antidepressant effects, but more human studies are needed to confirm this benefit.

Prescription drugs that contain THC

Although cannabis is federally illegal, there are some prescription medications that contain a synthetic form of THC:

• Dronabinol: Prescribed to treat nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss in individuals undergoing treatment for cancer or HIV. The brand-name version, called Marinol, has been discontinued.
• Nabilone: Also prescribed to treat nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss in individuals undergoing treatment for cancer or HIV, nabilone is considered more potent than dronabinol. The brand-name version, called Cesamet, has been discontinued.
• Sativex (nabiximols): A medication that contains equal parts THC and CBD prescribed to help treat symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Nabiximols is not currently available in the U.S.

Risks and side effects of THC

When used as directed, THC is generally well-tolerated by most individuals. That said, it can cause some side effects, especially if consumed in high doses.

Side effects of THC include:

• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Impairment
• Anxiety
• Paranoia

Starting with a low dose of THC, like 3 to 5 mg or less, may help lower the risk of these side effects.

Additionally, THC may interfere with several drugs. Before taking THC, consult your doctor if you are prescribed any drugs.

Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, a rare illness that can result from excessive, long-term THC usage, can cause severe and continuous vomiting.

Types of THC products

THC is found in several cannabis product types.

Cannabis flower

Cannabis flower is commonly smoked. It can also be vaporized or used to make edibles.

Amounts of THC vary between different cannabis strains. Most strains contain between 15% and 35% THC, although some contain as little as 1% THC.

Vaporizers

Cannabis vaporizers offer an alternative to smoking cannabis flower. Most vaporizers are handheld devices containing cannabis extracts, including THC.

Edibles

Cannabis edibles, such as gummies and baked goods, come in a variety of THC strengths.

Edibles may produce stronger effects than other methods of consumption because of how they’re metabolized in the body

Tinctures

Cannabis tinctures contain extract that’s diluted in a carrier oil. They’re administered under the tongue, which allows THC and other cannabis compounds to absorb into the bloodstream quickly.

Topicals

Cannabis topicals are commonly used to provide localized relief to painful areas of the body.

The effects of THC in cannabis topicals stay localized, so they’re unlikely to cause intoxication, unless you use a transdermal patch.

How long does THC take to work?

It can take minutes or hours to feel the effects of THC. How long it takes THC to work depends on:

• Your dose: Higher doses of THC tend to take effect more quickly.
• The product type: Some products take effect more quickly than others because of how they are broken down and absorbed into your body. For example, vaporized products can take effect in 15 minutes or less, while edibles may take up to 2 hours to cause effects.
• Your unique traits: Some people’s bodies absorb THC more quickly than others because of differences in metabolism, tolerance, and other factors.

Frequently asked questions

What does THC do to you?

THC is the main intoxicating compound in cannabis. This means that it can produce a high. THC may also offer some health benefits, such as pain and nausea relief.

Does THC get you high?

Yes, THC can get you high. THC’s high can feel euphoric and/or relaxing. However, some people may experience anxiety, confusion, or drowsiness after consuming THC, especially in high doses.

What is considered high THC?

Everyone’s tolerance to THC is different depending on factors like their frequency of use and metabolism. That said, 10 milligrams (mg) of THC is generally considered a high dose for new users.

Where is THC legal?

THC is the main compound in marijuana, a type of cannabis plant that is illegal under federal law. However, marijuana is legal in several states for medical and/or recreational use.