The term “THC” is common amongst cannabis connoisseurs, but not many know what it means. Understanding the why and the how of cannabis can enhance your experience to a new level.
This guide covers key information to learn about THC and THC-infused goods.
What is THC?
Cannabis is typically categorized by sativa and indica, as well as their hybrid crossbreeds. One of the main differences between them is the cannabinoid content and terpene profiles.
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in cannabis plants. THC, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, is the most understood and well-known cannabinoid when it comes to intoxicating effects, but other cannabinoids and terpenes also play a major role in the entourage effect.
Delta-9 THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. It’s responsible for the intoxicating feelings associated with consuming cannabis products that contain THC.
First discovered in the 1960s by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam1, THC is one of the most thoroughly studied cannabinoids. Over the last 60 years, THC has been studied for its potential properties to help aid certain medical conditions such as nausea, chronic pain, anxiety, lack of appetite, and inflammation, among other ailments.
How THC interacts with the body
Research is ongoing into the precise mechanism of action by which cannabinoids, including THC, influence our bodies. Current evidence suggests that THC works by binding to receptors in the endogenous cannabinoids system (ECS).
The ECS is composed of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids produced by your body, and enzymes that work together to regulate your mood, appetite, digestion, and more major functions. This system is responsible for many of the therapeutic effects of cannabis.
As of now, two types of receptors have been identified in the ECS: the CB1 receptor and the CB2 receptor. These receptors are located throughout your body, with particularly large concentrations in your nervous system, skin, immune system, and other places. They’re responsible for regulating many psychological functions, like mood, appetite, sleep, and pain management.
When you consume cannabis, THC binds directly to these receptors and influences things like our mood, sleep, and memory. In fact, THC closely resembles anandamide, an endocannabinoid produced by our bodies, in structure2. There’s also research that suggests THC stimulates neurons in the reward system to release higher levels of dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for functions like pleasurable reward and motivation.
What is CBD?
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) isn’t the only cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. There are over 100 different cannabinoids, each with potential therapeutic benefits, including pain relief, appetite stimulation, and anti-stress.
The second-most important cannabinoid is CBD (cannabidiol). The structure is like THC, but both cannabinoids interact with different receptors in the body.
CBD is mainly derived from the hemp plant, a variant of the Cannabis Sativa plant. The difference between regular cannabis plants and hemp is the THC content. Any plant with less than 0.3 percent of THC is considered hemp.
Some cannabis products are balanced in their cannabinoid content, while others are THC-dominant or CBD-dominant.
Other well-known cannabinoids include:
- CBG (cannabigerol): A nonintoxicating cannabinoid that may reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and potentially helps with glaucoma and inflammation
- CBN (cannabinol): A cannabinoid that can produce mild psychoactive effects when taken in higher doses and offers sedating effects, pain reduction, and neuroprotective benefits
- CBC (cannabichromene): A nonintoxicating cannabinoid with potential anti-inflammatory, pain relief, and mood regulation benefits
- THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin): A mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that may reduce appetite
THC vs. CBD: A comparative view
Both THC and CBD interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), each interacting with specific cannabinoid receptors in different ways. The main difference between the two cannabinoids is how CBD and THC affect the body, as one of them is intoxicating and the other is not.
| THC | CBD | |
| Produces a high | Yes | No |
| Pain management | Yes | Yes |
| Reduces nausea and vomiting | Yes | Yes |
| Helps with seizures | No | Yes |
| Helps with insomnia | Yes | Yes |
| Managing depression symptoms | Depends | Yes |
| Shows up on a drug test | Yes | CBD can result in a positive test if the product contains THC, which is common in full-spectrum formulas |
| Side effects | Dry mouth, dry eyes, increased anxiety, and paranoia | Fatigue, dry mouth, dry eyes |
| Legality | Depends on the state | Legal in most states |
Legality of THC and other cannabinoids
Currently, there is no federal law allowing the legal use of THC across the United States. Each state has specific laws and regulations regarding the use of medical and recreational cannabis. Checking state laws is crucial before buying and consuming THC products to avoid breaking any laws.
Many CBD products contain THC, but those products are legal at the federal level if they contain less than 0.3 percent THC and if they are considered to be hemp-derived CBD products. Under the federal law, CBD products that contain more than 0.3 percent THC are considered marijuana-derived CBD products.
THC is a psychoactive compound in cannabis, known for producing different effects and therapeutic benefits, which makes it a key element of cannabis consumption.
Potential benefits of THC based on research findings
There is still much research to be done into THC to determine more specifically how it affects our bodies and how it could serve as a therapeutic agent for a wide range of symptoms.
Research is promising, however, and the following are all among the potential benefits of THC’s application.
Chronic pain relief
Recent studies have shown that products with more THC can be helpful in the treatment of chronic pain. A study from April 2021 found that increased exposure to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, appeared to be closely related to improvements in pain3.
Nausea and vomiting relief
In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, researchers showed that 96% of patients using cannabis to treat nausea experienced relief4. Delta-9 THC also appears to be effective at preventing nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy as well5.
PTSD
A 2021 study by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) explored whether three different concentrations of cannabis could help reduce PTSD symptoms in 76 US veterans who did not respond to conventional treatment6.
The research showed improvements in samples containing 11 percent CBD, as well as mixed samples containing eight percent of both THC and CBD. The cannabis treatments, however, did not outperform placebo.
A separate study from 2020 found that those who consumed cannabis were more than 2.5 times as likely to no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD as those who did not consume cannabis7.
Appetite stimulation
Cannabis research has continuously suggested THC has the ability to stimulate appetite. This is potentially valuable for those suffering from illnesses related to appetite loss, such as cancer and HIV.
Researchers from Washington State University recently reported research that found cannabis consumption triggers hunger hormones and alters eating behaviors in rats8. This could glean insight into why many cannabis consumers get “the munchies” after consuming.
Stress alleviation
Research supports that low amounts THC can help alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety9. When consumed in higher amounts, however, THC may worsen feelings of anxiety, especially in those living with an anxiety disorder.
If this is a concern for you, it’s important to look for cannabis products with a balanced ratio of THC to cannabidiol (CBD) or higher amounts of CBD to THC, as CBD can modify THC’s effects.
Neuroprotective properties
Some research into cannabis shows that THC can serve as a neuroprotectant by activating the CB1 receptor. According to one study, a single treatment with an ultra-low dose of THC can modify brain plasticity and induce long-term behavioral and developmental effects in the brain.
Methods of consuming THC
There is a plethora of different THC products to choose from, each with unique methods of consumption. The way you consume cannabis can impact the experience, especially the onset of effects and their duration.
THC products can be used for medical and recreational purposes. Below are the common ways to consume them.
Smoking
Smoking involves using a smoking device such as a pipe, bong, or joint, which absorbs THC through the lungs by inhaling the smoke. The effects are fast-acting and can be felt after a few minutes of inhaling the smoke.
Vaping
This form of consumption uses a suitable vaporizer or vape pen, absorbing THC through the lungs by inhaling the vapor. The effects are fast-acting and can be felt after a few minutes of inhaling the vapor.
Concentrates
Concentrates are a highly potent concentration of THC. They’re commonly consumed via dabbing or by topping off joints and bowls for extra potency and flavor.
Edibles
By eating THC-infused edibles, such as gummies, chocolates, baked goods, or drinks, THC is absorbed through the digestive system. Depending on the dose and the individual’s tolerance to cannabis, the effects are usually delayed and last for prolonged periods.
Topicals
THC-infused lotions, oils, and patches are applied directly to the skin. The THC is absorbed topically and may provide localized relief for hours.
Topicals are non-intoxicating because they act locally and aren’t absorbed into the bloodstream in significant amounts.
Types of THC products you’ll find in a dispensary
The type of cannabis product you choose is an important part of your experience, as each product type has a different effect on your body and mind.
High-THC flower
The classic cannabis flower is available in many cultivars, each of which carries a unique phytocannabinoid and terpene profile.
It’s important to remember there are several cultivars bred to contain higher levels of THC. You’ll find cultivars with more than 15% THC content — some even go as high as 30%! Examples of high-THC flower cultivars include Banana Kush and Ghost Train Haze.
Vapes
THC vape cartridges offer one of the quickest and easiest ways to consume cannabis oil. They’re a great option if you prioritize discretion, convenience, and potency.
Vapes contain higher concentrations of THC than flower. They’re available in cartridge form attached to a battery, and there are disposable forms available as well.
Concentrates
A large category that spans many product forms, concentrates contain elevated levels of THC. To make concentrates, THC and other phytocannabinoids and terpenes are extracted from cannabis flower.
Each concentrate type has its own unique form and advantages, due to the many ways these products are made. For example, the glass-like shatter is thin and brittle because the cannabis extract is laid flat on a sheet to settle, while fluffy budder is “whipped” into its airy consistency.
Ingestibles
Edibles and beverages containing THC are a growing favorite among consumers. Most ingestible products take longer to have an effect, but last longer than inhaled products like flower and vapes.
Ingestibles are an excellent option if you don’t want to inhale combustibles. They’re also great if you’re carefully monitoring the amount of THC you’re consuming per session, as that can be hard to measure when inhaling.
Tinctures
Produced by infusing cannabis extract into a carrier oil, tinctures are taken orally and often have a biphasic effect, meaning it absorbs through your mouth tissue and also makes its way through your digestive system once swallowed. This combines to offer fast-acting relief with long-term effects.
Topicals
THC-infused topicals and lotions can be helpful in the management of chronic pain symptoms and other conditions. Because they’re applied topically, they typically offer a localized effect than orally ingestible products.
Aside from transdermal patches, which allow cannabinoids to enter your bloodstream and offer systemic effects, most topicals will only be felt where they’re applied and not throughout the entire body.
RSO
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a thick cannabis concentrate known for its potency. Packaged in a syringe for easy measuring, only a small amount of RSO, often consumed sublingually or ingested, is needed to experience its effects.
How to choose the right THC product for you
When it comes time to choose which THC product is right for you, you’ll want to pay attention to a few key factors.
Your reason for trying THC
Knowing which product or approach to take with THC entirely depends on your basis for trying it. Since many products offer differing applications and effects, understanding your goal or desired outcome is vital before picking something off the shelf.
For example, if you’re looking for long-lasting relief, you may want to try sublingual or ingestible products.
Product types
THC products can be found in many forms at the dispensary, from inhalable vape cartridges to localized topicals. Because each product has a different application and onset time, understanding these pros and cons is necessary to know what’s right for you. Visit the Ethos guide to product types to learn more about product onset and duration.
Cannabinoid profile
Many of the products you’ll find at a dispensary contain a variety of cannabinoids in addition to THC. This can significantly change your experience, as cannabinoids interact with each other to alter their characteristics in a process known as the entourage effect.
Understanding the complete cannabinoid profile and what that means for you is key to making the right choice.
Terpene profile
Much like the cannabinoid profile, the terpene profile of a cannabis product matters. Terpenes are volatile organic compounds known for their scents and flavors, but they’re also thought to augment the effects of the cannabinoids. For example, myrcene is often associated with drowsiness, while limonene may offer an energetic boost.
Pay attention to how different terpenes interact with one another and cannabinoids when choosing a cannabis product.
Did you know there are other types of THC out there, like delta 8 THC, delta 10 THC, and THC-O? Learn more about these compounds in our handy guides, which explain how they differ from delta-9 and how these compounds might be helpful for you.
Sources:
- https://weedmaps.com/learn/cannabis-and-its-evolution/who-discovered-thc
- https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/cannabis-marijuana
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33764103/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35258504/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21175589/
- https://maps.org/marijuana/marijuana-us/
- https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/can.2020.0056
- https://ssib.org/web/press2018.php
- https://adai.uw.edu/pubs/pdf/2017mjanxiety.pdf
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22821081/
