What Is THC? Effects, Uses, Benefits & Safety Info

The way in which your brain cells communicate with one another is influenced by both factors. In the U.S. — THC is more challenging to locate compared to CBD, yet each state has various laws and limitations regarding the sale of CBD. Three prevalent forms of THC include hash/hashish (herbs or flowers), and hash oil.

This weed strain is 90% sativa and contains about 18%-26% THC. Users have stated that Blue Dream can be uplifting and energizing, assisting them in coping with chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Many cannabis consumers appreciate its sweet and peppery flavor. While sativa strains are frequently characterized as energizing, not all strains of sativa produce this effect. Sativa, a type of weed strain, is recognized for its tall stature and slender leaves. The sensation of being intoxicated, commonly referred to as a “high,” is caused by THC when consuming cannabis.

Cannabis can cause altered time perception, and impaired thinking, memory, and body movement. Synthetic cannabinoids, which are lab-made substances that are chemically similar to compounds found in the what is cali weed cannabis plant, can produce serious negative health effects.10 These products (which are also known as Spice or K2), may have a much higher concentration of THC and can be much more powerful. Between 1995 and 2022 the delta-9 THC potency , strength, in illegal cannabis products seized by law enforcement quadrupled from 3.96% to 16.14%. People commonly use cannabis by smoking dried plant material , “buds” or “herb”, in joints like a cigarette, in blunts—cigars or cigar wrappers that have been partly or completely refilled with cannabis—or in pipes or bongs (water pipes). Unless mentioned otherwise, the information on this webpage is only about cannabis products containing intoxicating amounts of delta-9 THC.

Timeline of Cannabis Laws in the UK

Medical cannabis products are included in this, unless they have been prescribed for you. Your personal information, such as your name and address, along with the name and contact details of the prescribing doctor, should be included in the letter. Doctors need to regularly monitor you because CBD can also influence liver function. Should you encounter any side effects from medical cannabis, it is essential to inform your medical team. CBD-only products (like Epidyolex), do not carry the same unknown risks associated with THC.

Drowsiness, light-headedness, appetite changes, and digestive discomfort are among the potential side effects, and these may influence how other medications are metabolized. With over 7 years of experience, she has developed and edited high-quality drug information publications and educational resources for patients and healthcare professionals. Her background includes considerable expertise in pediatrics (alternative medicine), drug information, and the creation of clinical content. It remains uncertain whether consuming alcohol affects cannabis.

A review article co-authored by Dr. Ethan Russo — MD, suggests that generally, inexperienced cannabis users might start with a dosage of 2.5mg of THC. Marijuana is fully legal and available in some countries (while in others), possessing small amounts can lead to incarceration. Cannabis policies significantly differ across various countries outside the United States. Despite progress in research, the medical community lacks a consensus on the health impacts of cannabis use and which conditions it may treat.

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system more indirectly and also affects other receptor systems in the body. This is why raw marijuana generally does not produce the same intoxicating effect as smoked, vaped or cooked marijuana. It can also happen slowly over time as cannabis ages, but heat speeds up the process significantly. THC gets you high because it activates CB1 receptors in areas of the brain involved in pleasure — memory, movement, sensory processing and time perception. THC can also bind to these receptors — which is why marijuana can produce noticeable physical and mental effects.

The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction indicated that in 2008 (typical cannabis retail prices in Europe ranged from €2 to €20 per gram), with most countries reporting prices between €4 and €10. Afghanistan (Canada), China, Colombia, India, Jamaica, Lebanon, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Paraguay, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States are the main cannabis-producing nations. The term “Skunk” is used to denote several specific strains of potent cannabis developed through selective breeding and, at times, hydroponic methods. In certain countries — individuals can face penalties for having used cannabis in another nation, including South Korea and Singapore.

Participation in research may be hindered by cannabis being illegal in numerous countries (and even when individuals agree to participate), they might not disclose the true quantity of cannabis they consume.

Synthetic Cannabinoids Are Something Else Entirely

The method of consumption is significant, as it can influence the speed of effects and their duration. You might not identify the optimal method for yourself during your first attempt at using it. The role of serotonin in the peripheral nervous system is crucial for regulating respiration, which is a chemical process aiding energy production in our bodies.

Cannabicyclol — or CBL, is a minor cannabinoid that arises when CBC is exposed to light and degrades over time. This enzyme was shown by researchers to convert CBGA into CBCA, clarifying the biochemical pathway through which CBC is generated by the plant. Using an enzyme called cannabichromenic acid synthase (or CBCAS), the plant synthesizes CBCA from CBGA. In an animal model of nephropathy — one study indicated that CBGA diminished kidney injury and inhibited inflammatory signaling. Particularly intriguing findings concerning inflammation and neurological conditions have emerged from preclinical research. Researchers discovered in a double-blind, placebo-controlled human laboratory study conducted in 2025 that CBDA was rapidly absorbed from an oral full-spectrum cannabinoid product, achieving significantly higher peak blood concentrations than CBD.