THC Explained

THC Explained: What is THC?

THC is the abbreviation for the compound tetrahydrocannabinol. It is one of the more than 400 known cannabinoid compounds produced by the cannabis plant. When you consume a cannabis product, such as an Indica, Sativa, or hybrid flower, edible, or tincture, if it includes tetrahydrocannabinol, you will get that euphoric or “high” feeling. THC is effective within the body because it mimics the natural compound anandamide produced by the human brain. When THC is introduced to the body from the outside, it travels to the brain where it begins interacting with neurons and neurotransmitters found throughout the endocannabinoid system. This disruption then provides our clients with the sought-after therapeutic effects and medical benefits of THC.

THC Dosing

Finding the right dose for you and your condition is paramount when using THC therapeutically. You’ll notice that typical doses among cannabis products include 5, 10, 80, and 100mg increments with percentages applied to cannabis flower. Cannabis Indica flower labeled as 22% THC will have 22% of the flower volume made up by THC. An edible labeled as 100mg will contain 100mg of THC.

Depending upon the route of administration and the product, our clients will need to consider the milligrams and percentages to achieve dosing precision. Also of importance is to start low and build up the dose when using THC for the first time and finding the dose that’s right for you.

THC Medical Uses

THC is found throughout the cannabis industry across most product types, including cannabis flower, tinctures, edibles, lotions, balms, and topicals. THC is also found in a prescription drug, Marinol, which is synthetic THC approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

It is practically impossible to overdose on THC despite its attractive range of applications, which demonstrates that THC is a very safe intervention for a variety of conditions.

The National Cancer Institute has found that THC has been used as a medical intervention for over 3,000 years, but when considering THC and how it is commonly used today, it has been shown to help our clients with for the following conditions:

  • Inflammation
  • Pain
  • Nausea and losses to appetite
  • Eating disorders
  • Posttraumatic stress disorder
  • Stress
  • Mental health conditions such as anxiety & depression

How Else Can THC Help?

Here at Strains Dispensary of Perris, our knowledgeable budtenders will tell you that THC helps by mimicking some of the same chemicals made inside the human body. The human body has an endocannabinoid system where THC does its magic. Although research continues to define the many ways that THC can help, we have research that has shown that THC helps by; reducing anxiety, relieving pain through reduced inflammation, controlling nausea and vomiting among cancer patients facing chemotherapy, killing cancer cells and stunting tumor growth, relaxing rigid muscles in MS patients, and stimulating appetite and weight gain among cancer and AIDS patients.

Difference Between Sativa, Indica & Hybrid

Sativa, Indica & Hybrid Cannabinoid Content

Cannabis’s efficacy as a holistic comes down to the cannabinoids found in the flower. While genetics guide the development of Sativa, Indica, or hybrid varieties, genetics also guide the production of cannabinoids that offer our customers the holistic relief that they seek. 

Genetic Differences Between Sativa, Indica & Hybrid

The cannabis plant has evolved across the globe under variable climates, and recently in labs and greenhouses. This wide variety has created different types of plants. The three main varieties are Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid.

Indica varieties can trace their genetic roots back to the Hindu Kush region, where the plant evolved in a mountainous climate. This climate promotes a shorter and bushier plant with dark and broad leaves.

In tropical regions such as Hawaii, cannabis adopted a taller and leaner stature with lighter green leaves. Their buds are also concentrated at the top of the plant.

Hybrids are a genetic blend of Sativa and Indica made famous by today’s rapidly growing cannabis market. 

Which Strain is Best for You?

It is the subtle variation in cannabinoid content among cannabis strains that cause the difference in effect among consumers. Although our Strains Dispensary budtenders recommend safe trial and error to determine what is best for each individual patient, there are general guidelines when it comes to the differences in effect between strains. 

Here is an overview of the different effect profiles that our customers generally use to guide their decision:

Sativa

Known for promoting a more uplifting effect. Sativas are generally recommended for daytime use and ailments when wakefulness is necessary or for supporting productivity and creativity.

"Cerebral" and "Uplifting" are commonly used words to describe sativas’ effect. These differing results can be traced to how sativas generally hold a higher THC ratio.

Indica

Commonly considered more relaxing. Indicas tend to cause a more profound relaxation effect that has been proven to be fantastic for pain, anxiety, increasing appetite, and reducing nausea for medical patients.

"In-da-couch" is a term used to describe the powerful relaxing effect common to potent indicas known for having a higher ratio of cannabinoids promoting relaxation and tiredness.

Hybrid

Right down the middle. Hybrids represent the vast majority of strains on the market today; daytime or nighttime use is usually at the discretion of the user. Hybrids are often preferred due to their balanced cannabinoid and THC profile. They are most associated with balanced effects.