THC is a chemical commonly associated with cannabis due to its psychoactive properties. It is mainly found in marijuana plants, although it can also be extracted from hemp. In addition to causing people to feel “high”, recent studies are also suggesting that the chemical may have positive health benefits when consumed in the right way and dosage.

As such, it’s important to learn more about THC as its role in the medical field grows. Understanding how THC works on a molecular level helps us better comprehend its effects and benefits. Keep reading as we cover everything you need to know about THC here.

What is THC?

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants. It’s responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana use and is one of more than 100 compounds, known as cannabinoids, that have been identified in the cannabis plant. THC can also be consumed via edibles and oils, which are believed to produce longer-lasting effects than smoking.

When consumed, THC enters the bloodstream and binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body, resulting in a variety of physical and mental effects. THC is known to produce feelings of euphoria, relaxation, increased appetite, and altered senses when ingested or inhaled. These effects vary depending on how much is taken and by whom—the same amount will affect different people differently due to differences in metabolism, weight, genetics, and other health factors.

Unlike other drugs like alcohol or opioids, THC binds directly to receptors found throughout many parts of our bodies — specifically in the central nervous system and most abundantly in areas such as our brainstem (which affects respiration) and hippocampus (which affects learning and memory). This action causes a wide range of physiological changes, which is why ingesting or inhaling THC can create both short-term and long-term effects.

What are the Effects of THC?

Short-term effects of THC include heightened senses (such as enhanced sight, hearing, smell and taste), increased heart rate, lowered blood pressure, increased appetite, and difficulty concentrating.

Long-term effects may include impaired learning and memory functions, decreased ability to perform complex tasks such as multitasking or problem solving, increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia or depression if used heavily for extended periods of time. Additionally, chronic use has been associated with an increase in respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis.

It’s important to note that THC can affect people differently depending on their health, age and other factors. For instance, someone with a compromised immune system may experience more severe side effects than someone without an underlying condition. Additionally, the potency of THC in cannabis products can vary greatly, so it’s important to check the labels before using marijuana products.

Also keep in mind that the long-term effects of cannabis use are still not fully understood and further research is needed to determine its safety and efficacy for medical purposes. In addition, while some studies have suggested potential benefits from marijuana use, there is still much work to be done in understanding how these substances interact with the body and brain.

It is recommended that individuals who are considering using cannabis products for medical purposes consult with their doctor and do research in order to make an informed decision. Ultimately, it is important to remember that cannabis products can have potential risks associated with their use and should be used responsibly.

Ways THC Can Be Consumed

THC can be consumed in a variety of ways depending on the dosage and what is convenient for a user. Some of the most common ways for THC consumption are listed below.

Smoking

Smoking is the fastest and most common way of consuming THC. It can be done with either a joint, blunt, or pipe. Smoking THC can give users an intense high that wears off quickly and is usually preferred by experienced users.

Vaping/Dabbing

Vaping is the process of inhaling THC vapour from an electronic device like a vape pen or vaporizer. Dabbing is when concentrated cannabis products are placed on a hot surface and then inhaled. Vaping and dabbing are usually preferred by more experienced users as it can give them more intense highs with fewer health risks associated with smoking cannabis.

Edibles

Edibles are cannabis-infused foods and drinks. They can be made at home or purchased from a dispensary. Edibles generally take longer to kick in, but the effects tend to last much longer than smoking or vaping. This is why edibles can be preferable for some users who want a more relaxed experience. However, it’s important to remember that edibles contain higher levels of THC than other methods of consumption, so novice users should start with small doses.

Sublinguals/Tinctures

Sublinguals and tinctures are liquid forms of THC cannabis that are placed under the tongue or added to food or drink. They usually work more quickly than edibles and have less health risks than smoking or vaping. Some users find sublinguals and tinctures to be more discreet and easier to dose than other forms of cannabis.

Topicals

Topicals are products that can be applied directly to the skin for localized effects, usually pain relief and inflammation. They come in a variety of forms, such as gels, lotions, salves, patches, and sprays. Topicals are non-psychoactive and do not produce any effect on the mind or body aside from their intended purpose. They can provide targeted relief without any intoxicating effects or potential risks associated with smoking or vaping THC cannabis.

Capsules/Pills

Capsules or pills are another popular form of THC cannabis consumption. They are ingested orally and absorbed through the digestive system, providing the same effects as other forms of cannabis without any inhalation or smoke. Capsules provide an easy and discreet way to consume cannabis products with known, predictable doses. They can be used for medical purposes or for recreational use as well.

Is THC Safe and Effective?

THC is generally considered safe and effective when used responsibly. THC has been studied extensively and is known to have a variety of health benefits, including relief from chronic pain, nausea, and anxiety. THC has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties as well as being an antioxidant.

THC can be addictive if consumed in large amounts or over a long period of time. It’s important to consult your doctor before consuming THC products to make sure that it’s appropriate for you. As with any medication, it’s important to use THC responsibly and follow all instructions on the label.

THC Vs. CBD

CBD is another cannabinoid found in cannabis plants, but unlike THC, it does not produce any psychoactive effects. CBD is non-intoxicating and has many potential therapeutic applications. It’s been studied for its use in treating pain, inflammation, anxiety, depression, and a variety of other conditions.

CBD can be used in conjunction with THC to enhance the effects of THC while reducing some of its more intense side effects. However, THC and CBD don’t always work together synergistically; it’s important to consult your doctor or a knowledgeable cannabis professional before combining CBD and THC.

When it comes to their differences from a medicinal standpoint, THC cannabis is used for its ability to produce a stronger psychoactive effect. THC-dominant products are usually recommended for pain, inflammation, insomnia, and other conditions that can benefit from this type of relief.

CBD-dominant products are favoured for their lack of psychotropic effects but still possess many medicinal properties. CBD has been found to be effective in treating anxiety and depression, as well as reducing inflammation and relieving pain. It can also help to regulate appetite and improve sleep quality.

THC in Australia

In Australia, THC cannabis is legal for medicinal purposes. THC as a chemical is regulated by state medical cannabis laws and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), and must be prescribed by a doctor or specialist. The TGA is responsible for setting the rules, regulations, and restrictions on THC. THC medicinal cannabis products are available in forms such as edibles, oils, capsules, tinctures and more.

There are strict limits on the amount of THC allowed to be used both medically and recreationally in Australia. It is illegal to purchase medicinal THC without a prescription from a medical professional and it is important to ensure you are purchasing THC legally from an approved supplier. Prescribing medicinal cannabis is permitted for selected doctors. Possession of THC without approval may lead to serious legal consequences in Australia.

Recreational cannabis is also limited in Australia, with different laws and regulations between states and territories. It is important to check your local state or territory’s laws before attempting to purchase THC for recreational purposes as it may be illegal. THC can be found in cannabis products such as oils, waxes, edibles and concentrates but these are still only available through approved suppliers.

The use of THC medicinally has been found to have beneficial effects for individuals with certain conditions including chronic pain, nausea, epilepsy, anxiety and depression. Consult with your doctor or specialist if you think THC may be able to help you with your condition. It is important to be aware of the potential side effects and risks that THC use can cause, as well as possible interactions with other medications. Your doctor will be able to discuss this with you in more detail and prescribe medicinal cannabis if THC or medical marijuana is deemed an appropriate treatment option for you.

The Future of THC

Currently, THC is only legally available in certain countries with strict regulations. THC products must be sourced from approved suppliers and it is important to ensure that you are buying from a reputable source. As THC use becomes increasingly popular, more research into the potential medicinal benefits of THC will be conducted which may lead to changes in legislation surrounding THC use in more countries worldwide.

It is important to keep up-to-date with current scientific research concerning THC and its potential uses for therapeutic purposes. This can help inform responsible decision making when considering THC as a treatment option. With increased knowledge of THC, more people may gain access to treatments that can positively improve their quality of life.

It is also important to note that THC can have adverse effects on an individual’s mental and physical well-being if used in excess. It is recommended to consult with a medical professional before making any decisions regarding THC consumption, as they will be able to provide the best advice on responsible use. THC can cause intoxication or even overdose if taken in too high of doses, so taking the recommended dose is essential.

Ultimately it is important to stay informed about THC usage and research when considering using THC for medicinal purposes, and always ensure that you speak with a healthcare professional beforehand. With proper education on its potential applications, individuals may be able to gain access to treatments that could improve their lives significantly.

THC FAQs

Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding THC and medicinal cannabis in Australia.

Is THC legal in Australia?

THC is currently classified as a Schedule 8 drug under the Poisons Standard in Australia, meaning that it is illegal. However, medical cannabis containing THC may be approved for medical use with the prescription of a doctor.

What are the benefits of THC?

THC can have various medicinal applications such as reducing inflammation, improving sleep, and relieving pain and nausea associated with certain conditions or treatments. It has also been studied for its potential to reduce anxiety and depression.

Are there any side effects associated with THC?

Some possible side effects include dry mouth, increased heart rate, impairment of motor coordination, reduced short-term memory, anxiety, and paranoia. THC can also interact with certain medications, so it’s important to talk to a doctor before taking THC if you are currently taking any other medications.

THC can also accumulate in the body over time, so it’s important to be aware of how much THC you are consuming and take breaks from THC if necessary. THC also has a potentially addictive component, as with any substance that affects the brain’s reward system. It’s important to use THC responsibly and in moderation.