THC

noun

ˌtē-(ˌ)āch-ˈsē 

: either of two physiologically active isomers C₂₁H₃₀O₂ from hemp plant resin

especially : one that is the chief intoxicant in marijuana

When a person tokes, eats or vapes cannabis, a wave of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, washes into the brain.

—Laura Sanders

THC, the main chemical component of marijuana, has been shown to reduce nausea and increase appetite in chemotherapy patients.

—Andrew Weil

THC disappears from blood quickly as it is absorbed in the brain, making blood tests a more reliable measure of recent use but not a great correlate of impairment.

—Eliza Gray

Examples of THC in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some studies show that the level of THC, the main intoxicant in marijuana, being sold to consumers today is significantly higher than what was available decades ago, and high THC levels are known to pose more health risks. —Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR, 3 May 2024

Hemp is a variety of the cannabis plant that has low levels of delta-9 THC, the psychoactive compound that gets people high. —Jessie Opoien, Journal Sentinel, 3 May 2024

This Federal statute contrasts with the claims of therapeutic benefits of cannabis’ biochemical constituents such as cannabidiol and THC (tetra-hydro-cannabinol) when the sole FDA indication for their use is a rare childhood (Lennox-Gasteau) seizure disorder. —Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman, TIME, 3 May 2024

Alternatively, Cann Social Tonic’s zero-proof Roadie pouches, infused with 2 milligrams of THC, travel easily to the beach. —Jamie Sims Angela Koh Caitie Kelly Gage Daughdrill Shannon Adducci Ella Riley-Adams Caitie Kelly Angela Koh, New York Times, 2 May 2024

A number of new rules could soon go into effect in Washington County parks, including a ban on marijuana and THC products. —Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2024

Its effects are weaker than delta-9 THC, the intoxicating component found in marijuana. —John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 20 Apr. 2024

Various people interviewed for this article said that 3- to 5-milligram products were good for beginners, and more experienced THC consumers could start with products that have 10 milligrams of THC. —Jordyn Noennig, Journal Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2024

The mother further told police that a caseworker visited the home because her newborn had tested positive for THC, the chief intoxicant in marijuana. —Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 15 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

tetrahydrocannabinol

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

THC

noun

ˌtē-ˌāch-ˈsē 

: either of two physiologically active isomers C₂₁H₃₀O₂ that occur naturally in hemp plant resin or are synthetically prepared:

a

: one that is the chief intoxicant in marijuana and is used medicinally

called also delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, delta-9-THC

see dronabinol

b

: one that is present in marijuana only in minute quantities