Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC, is the main psychoactive component in cannabis. This means that it’s the main reason behind cannabis’s psychoactive effects. The THC content of a cannabis plant depends mostly on its genetics, and in a lesser measure, on the growing conditions. So, what exactly is THC?
What is THC? The Most Common Cannabinoid
Strain
When it comes to selecting and crossing plants, breeders at seed banks create strains that adapt to the needs and preferences of growers.
These plants are increasing in potency over time, and their THC concentration in flowers tends to be over 20%.
There are also many breeders that recognize the importance of terpene profiles (flavours and aromas) of each strain, as these tend to determine the final effect produced (the entourage effect).
Plus, there are various industrial hemp strains grown to produce fibre, chosen due to the fact that their THC percentage is lower than 1%.
Of course, there are also cannabis strains considered to be medicinal due to their low THC and high CBD content, a cannabinoid with many possible therapeutic uses. In order to simplify, these strains are called medicinal, although as you’ll find out if you keep reading, THC also has medicinal uses, and strains with high CBD content (less than 1% THC) can also be consumed recreationally without producing the psychoactive effect that we associate with cannabis.
Growing Conditions
Cannabis needs certain base conditions in order to grow correctly. When grown under bad conditions, your plants may not produce as much THC as they should, while also producing less flowers.
We recommend checking out our grow guide in order to learn exactly what your cannabis plants need.
What is THC – Effects
Keep in mind that the effects produced by THC when vaporizes or smoked (when using cannabis flowers) are different than when you consume THC on its own.
Flowers also contain other cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids that contribute to THC’s effect and modify it, making it more varied.
This is why there are Strains that produce euphoric and happy effects, and then there are others which can couch-lock you with a smile.
Main Effects
Among some of the effects produced by THC, are: euphoria, happiness, physical relaxation, and increase in sensory perception, an increase in libido and an increase in appetite.
THC stimulates creativity and abstract thinking.
Plus, it also allows you to enjoy artistic endeavors even more, as well as music and comedy, as it amplifies some of the senses.
Secondary Effects
However, not all consumers tolerate THC well, especially when we’re talking about high-THC strains. Some secondary effects of THC include:
- Anxiety: excessive THC consumption can provoke anxiety, especially in beginner consumers. This can be avoided by consuming strains rich in CBD, as this cannabinoid reduces the sensation of anxiety and the effects of THC. Many consumers use e-liquids with CBD or flowers and extracts with CBD in order to reduce the effects of THC.
- Short-term memory loss.
- Lowered concentration; some strains can help you to concentrate on certain things, such as artistic creation or recreational activities. It’s better to be lucid for other activities. If you need to stay concentrated but you want to smoke, we recommend strains with high amounts of CBD that don’t cause psychoactivity.
- Cotton mouth.
- Altered movement.
- Increased heart rate.
Therapeutic Effects
THC’s medicinal properties include:
- THC can help to relieve pain.
- Stimulates the appetite.
- Can be used to treat PTSD.
- Fights insomnia.
- Can calm nausea.
- Anti-tumoral.
What is THC – How to Consume it
There are various ways to consume THC, some of them with thousands of years of tradition behind them, such as ingesting or smoking cannabis in pipes and bongs, as well as more recent trends such as rolling joints with papers, vaporizers, and dab rigs.
Smoking Cannabis or Hash
This is the most common way to consume THC, whether it’s in a joint, bong, pipe, blunt etc. When smoked, THC gets to the blood stream extremely quickly via the lungs.
Benefits
- The effect is faster, allowing you to adjust your dose easily.
- Fast effects and satisfaction.
Downsides
- Smoking is generally damaging to your health, especially if you mix tobacco with your cannabis.
- This method is not discreet and produces quite an aroma.
Vaporizing Cannabis or Hash
After smoking, the second most popular method to consume cannabinoids is vaporizing.
Benefits
- Vaporizing cannabis is the healthiest way to consume cannabis via your lungs.
- This is one of the more discreet ways to consume cannabis, as portable vapes look like e-liquid vapes and don’t produce smoke.
- Vaporizers allow you to increase or decrease the temperature at which to vape in order to modify the effects, vaporizing certain terpenes and cannabinoids.
Downsides
Some consumers that are used to smoking may find it hard to get used to vaporizing.
Ingesting Cannabis
When ingested, THC goes through the stomach and liver, where it turns into 11-hydroxi-THC. When it gets to your blood stream, it has subtle differences compared to THC when smoked.
It takes longer to have an effect, but the effect is stronger and last longer. If you’re going to ingest THC-rich food, start with a small dose and wait for the effect to take hold after half an hour to an hour; if it isn’t happening, try a bit more and wait another half an hour.
Benefits
- It doesn’t affect the throat or lungs.
- More potent effects.
- Highly discreet.
Downsides
- Harder to adjust the dose.
- You need to decarb your cannabis before consuming it by heating it for 30 – 45 minutes at 110°C in an oven or water bath.
- When adding THC to food, you’re turning it into a way to ingest psychoactive drugs. However, the fact that it’s in food can easily make you forget about this and consume too much. Make sure to have other food on hand and don’t use the wrong one for munchies.
Vaporizing THC Concentrates
Extracts and concentrates such as BHO, wax, shatter or Rosin aren’t usually burnt, they’re vaporized in a pipe or dab rig using indirect heat.
Benefits
- Vaporizing concentrates is less harmful than smoking (even less if you smoke tobacco).
- The effect is faster.
Downsides
- It may be too potent for consumers that don’t have high tolerance.
At La Huerta Grow Shop, we recommend responsible THC consumption, allowing you to enjoy its effects fully without experiencing a bad trip or any negative issues.
If it’s your first time, remember to start off small, choose an environment in which you feel comfortable, and if possible, with experienced people.
Until next time!
La Huerta Grow Shop, since 2001
