THC: The Primary Active Ingredient in Cannabis

THC (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the most well-known cannabis active ingredient. It is what creates the psychoactive effects of this plant. THC works with our brain’s endocannabinoid system to create the classic “high” that is synonymous with the use of marijuana.

The Science of THC

This active ingredient works by mimicking the cannabinoids made naturally by our bodies. When THC goes into the bloodstream of a person, it binds to receptors (mostly in the brain and nervous system) called CB1. When bound to the receptor, it triggers the release of dopamine which creates feelings of euphoria along with altered perception.

It was first isolated by an Israeli chemist named Raphael Mechoulam in 1964, but patients have been using this active ingredient for over 4,000 years.

Concentration Levels in Cannabis Products

Product Type	THC Concentration	Effects Duration
Dried Flower	15–30%	hours
Concentrates	60–90%	hours
Edibles	5–20%	hours
Tinctures	10–50%	hours
Vape Cartridges	70–95%	hours

Key Effects on the Human Body

The active ingredient cannabis causes a wide variety of physiological and psychological effects:

• Euphoria and Relaxation – Euphoria, elevated mood, reduced stress
• Altered Sensory Perception – Changes in sight, sound and how you perceive time
• Increased Appetite – The famous “munchies”
• Pain Relief – Natural analgesic
• Sleep – Sedative at high doses
• Impaired Memory – Temporary, short-term memory disruption
• Changes in Coordination – Reduction in motor skills and reaction time

Modern Research and Medical Uses

Research shows that this ingredient of cannabis has potential to address chronic pain, epilepsy and PTSD. The therapeutic window can still be quite variable among people, with factors such as body weight, tolerance, and metabolism influencing individual responses.

Certain medical professionals now recognize that its efficacy is often determined by the entourage effect between THC and other cannabinoids (CBG, CBD) and the terpenes found in cannabis itself.

Dr. Sarah Chen, Pain Management Specialist, says: “Interestingly enough, elderly patients (I said ‘Old’) patients tend to require much lower THC doses than I would have anticipated and certainly less than younger adults. We have treated a 70-year-old arthritis patient with 2.5 mg of THC that had significant relief while the 25-year-old patient with comparable pain needed 10–15 mg.”

The active ingredient of cannabis keeps us puzzled about our understanding of plant medicine with the potential health benefits it provides, whilst needing to also create guidelines for responsible use.

Elevate Your Experience With Canna City

Want to experience THC in enjoyable forms? At Canna City, we offer premium cannabis flowers, pre-rolls, mouthwatering edibles and more, intended to give you the best possible experience with your products.

👉 Visit us today and find a variety of high-quality cannabis products with quick, discreet shipping within the UK.