Delta 9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. It binds CB1 receptors in the brain and CB2 receptors in the immune system and gut. Inhaled effects start in seconds. Oral effects start in 30 to 90 minutes. Inhaled effects last 2 to 4 hours. Oral effects last 4 to 8 hours, and longer after a high-fat meal.
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Common Effects
- Euphoria and relaxation
- Altered time and sound perception
- Increased appetite
- Dry mouth and red eyes
- Short-term memory changes
- Reduced motor coordination
- Heart rate increase of 20 to 50 beats per minute, starting within minutes and lasting up to 3 hours
Side Effects
Anxiety, paranoia, and panic are the most reported side effects. Dizziness, nausea, headache, and low blood pressure occur at higher doses. Fainting is rare but reported.
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Edible overdose sends people to emergency rooms for vomiting, chest pain, and panic. Symptoms peak 2 to 4 hours after eating and can last a day.
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Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome appears in long-term daily users. Signs are repeated vomiting, abdominal pain, and hot showers for relief. The cause is not established.
Dose and Potency
Flower tests at 15 to 25 percent THC. Concentrates test at 60 to 90 percent. Regulated markets cap edibles at 5 to 10 mg per serving and 100 mg per package. The liver converts oral THC to 11-hydroxy-THC, a metabolite with stronger effects that reach the brain faster.
Interactions and Risk Groups
THC is metabolized by CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 enzymes. Blood levels of warfarin and clobazam change with THC use. Alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines add to sedation and coordination loss.
Groups that should avoid THC: people who are pregnant, people under 21, and people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Adolescent brain development continues past age 20.
Driving impairment lasts up to 4 hours after inhaled use. Blood THC level does not track impairment well. No legal threshold exists for THC in most US states.
Tolerance builds with daily use. Stopping causes irritability, insomnia, appetite loss, and cravings for 1 to 2 weeks.
Convenience Formats and Dose Control
Vapes, beverages, gummies, and pills package THC in fixed units. Inhaled products let a user titrate puff by puff. Edibles do not, and a second dose adds to the first. Beverage emulsions start in 15 to 30 minutes, faster than fat-based edibles.
Label details that matter: mg per serving, mg per package, and total cannabinoids. A package with 100 mg and 10 pieces holds 10 mg per piece.