THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol, is one of the main active chemicals in the cannabis plant. It’s primarily found in the resin produced by the plant’s glands. Alongside THC, another common compound found in cannabis products is CBD, or cannabidiol.
THC Potency
The potency of a cannabis product is determined by the amount of THC it contains, typically expressed as a percentage of milligrams per gram of cannabis. In Ontario, it’s a legal requirement for the packaging of every cannabis product to clearly state its THC content. For instance, if a product is labeled as 10% THC, it means each gram of marijuana contains 100 milligrams of THC. Generally, anything above 17% THC is considered ‘strong,’ while anything above 20% is labeled as ‘very strong.’ Currently, the highest potency available is 33%. And just so you know, it’s not possible to have dried flower cannabis that’s 100% THC.
How does THC work in the body?
THC is a psychoactive compound, meaning it affects how a person’s brain and body react to marijuana, leading to changes in behavior. It’s famous for its ‘mind-altering’ effects, like the feeling of being high or intoxicated that many users report.
THC changes human behavior by attaching to cannabinoid receptors found in specific areas of the brain and central nervous system, particularly those associated with:
- thinking
- memory
- pleasure
- sensory and time perception
- concentration
- coordination
- sense of smell, eyesight and hearing
Benefits of THC
- Alleviates pain
- Reduces nausea from chemotherapy
- Reduces muscle spasms in paraplegics
- Improves sleep
What are the effects of ingesting THC?
The level of THC in a cannabis product plays a big role in the type of effects it produces in the body. However, other factors like age, gender, medical history, how it’s consumed, and the amount consumed also influence these effects.
The effects of ingesting THC can vary widely and include:
- elation or euphoria
- relaxation
- memory impairment
- increase in appetite
- increased heart rate
- red eyes
- dizziness
- paranoia
- feeling of intoxication
- pain relief
- increased energy
- drowsiness
- dry mouth
- slowed perception of time
- anxiety
Moreover, THC’s impact on psychotic disorders in individuals can manifest in various ways, such as:
- the ability to perform certain tasks, such as driving, may be compromised.
- Cognitive function, including the ability to learn and retain new information, can also be affected.
How long do the effects last?
On average, it can take up to 30 minutes after ingesting cannabis containing THC for the effects to kick in, and they typically last about two hours. However, this can vary depending on several factors, such as:
- the potency of the THC
- how frequently cannabis is used
- an individual’s age, gender and biology
- how it was consumed (smoked, vaped, ingested as an edible)
- how much THC was ingested
Medicinal effects
THC in cannabis can also offer therapeutic and medicinal benefits, such as:
- prevent nausea and vomiting in patients
- treatment for PTSD
- help with insomnia
- increasing appetite
- help with chronic pain
- help reduce epileptic seizures
Some people believe it can benefit other specific conditions, such as:
- Azheimer’s disease
- Arthritis
- ADHD
- Migraines
- Crohn’s Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Migraines
- Glaucoma
