THC Side Effects: Explained

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant. It's what causes the "high." THC interacts with your brain's cannabinoid receptors, influencing mood, perception, and coordination.

Delta-9 THC is the most common type, but delta-8 also exists. Delta-8 THC is less abundant and typically milder than delta-9. However, it's unregulated, and its safety hasn't been European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved.

Let's begin with typical short-term health effects. These are usually short-lived and generally not a serious concern. Many users seek the effects cannabis has such as euphoria and relaxation.

• Euphoria or Relaxation
• Sensory Enhancement: Colors or music might seem more vivid.
• Altered Sense of Time: Time may feel distorted.
• Mild Disorientation or Confusion: You might feel "fuzzy."
• Impaired Thinking, Learning, and Memory
• Slower Reaction Times and Impaired Hand-Eye Coordination: This makes activities requiring quick thinking and reflexes dangerous, such as driving. Driving a car when high is dangerous.
• Increased Heart Rate: This usually normalizes after the "high." It can be a short-term health effect, too. It's less noticeable in regular users.
• Dry Mouth and Dry Eyes
• Increased Appetite ("The Munchies")
• Dizziness

Less frequent, more intense side effects can occur. This is especially important for those with pre-existing health or mental health conditions. Knowing why severe symptoms sometimes occur can promote safer consumption.

Perhaps you're a first-time user, or you're trying a high-THC product for the first time. Consume safely.

• Anxiety, Panic, or Paranoia.

• Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) can develop in heavy users, causing recurring vomiting episodes. This condition stops once cannabis use ceases. Hot showers offer relief, and stopping marijuana is essential.

• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real): This is more likely with high THC doses. High doses of cannabis may have negative effects on those with pre-existing mental health disorders, including schizophrenia.

Frequent, long-term THC use may have lasting effects beyond the initial high. Heavy cannabis use, especially at high doses and for extended periods of time, can lead to long-term effects on your body.

It is advisable to use cannabis products responsibly and be aware of the potential short-term health and long-term health risks.

Smoking cannabis, especially in large amounts, may have adverse effects on your lung health, especially for those who already have breathing problems. Be cautious and seek treatment if needed.

• Respiratory Problems: Smoking or vaping cannabis is similar to smoking cigarettes or vaping other substances. Both can irritate the lungs, increasing the risk of chronic coughing, bronchitis, and respiratory infections.

• Mental Health Concerns: While some cannabis strains and quantities may initially reduce anxiety, long-term use has been linked to worsening mood or anxiety disorders. It may also increase the risk of psychotic disorders, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions like schizophrenia. Smoking cannabis may introduce toxins similar to those found in tobacco smoke.

• Cardiovascular Issues: Increased heart rate is a common short-term reaction to THC. Long-term use may stress the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

• Cognitive Decline and Brain Development: Regular use starting at a young age may disrupt gray matter development, impacting learning, memory, attention, speech, and overall brain maturation.

Studies found that average illegal delta-9 THC potency quadrupled between 1995 and 2022. Higher delta-9 THC concentrations are associated with increased use, dependence, and risk of adverse effects.

While high delta-9 THC may offer short-term relaxation and altered perceptions, stronger products (greater than 0.3% THC) may carry increased long-term risks, including cannabis use disorder. There are ongoing concerns about the potential for physical and psychological addiction.

1. Start Low and Go Slow: Begin with a small dose, especially if you're new to cannabis or trying a new product. Wait to see how you react before consuming more, especially with edibles. Edibles, such as gummies, may affect birth weight and cause other complications if you are pregnant. Smoking or vaping THC or any other cannabinoid products (HHC, 10-OH-HHC, THCP, etc.) products introduces substances like tobacco smoke into your lungs and could result in long-term respiratory issues.

2. Choose the Right Strain and Consumption Method: Different strains have varying THC and CBD levels. CBD can moderate some THC effects, making the psychoactive experience less intense. Research your strain beforehand for safer consumption. Consider factors like CBD content and potential interactions with medical conditions. Even if they contain no or small amounts of THC, there can be potential long-term health effects from heavy use. Lab-tested CBD products can provide reliable information about the content of cannabis products.

3. Hydration and Snacks: Keep water and light snacks handy to address dry mouth and increased appetite.

4. Environment and Company: Choose a safe and supportive setting for your first experience. Your initial environment can significantly influence your reaction to THC. Negative effects like anxiety and paranoia may be amplified in uncomfortable settings. Do you need community care?

5. Take a Break or Seek Support: If side effects become difficult to manage, consider abstaining. Cannabis can worsen existing mental health conditions. Seek immediate medical or mental health crisis support if needed. Avoid cannabis if you're undergoing anesthesia treatment or recovering from surgery, as it may hinder the healing process.

Cannabis is not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or reproductive therapy. It can disrupt hormone levels crucial for fetal development and may be present in breast milk for up to 24 hours after consumption.

Early exposure to THC can negatively impact the developing brain. The Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD Study) found links between prenatal cannabis exposure and adverse reactions in adolescence and young adulthood.