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

As of July 1, individuals 21 and older can legally use, possess and consume up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis flower, 12 grams of concentrated cannabis, or a total amount of cannabis products that does not exceed 750 mg of THC in Maryland. —Sherry Greenfield, Baltimore Sun, 10 Sep. 2023

The Benefits of Delta-8 The benefits of delta-8 THC are not as extensively studied as those of delta-9 THC or other cannabinoids like CBD (cannabidiol). —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 9 Sep. 2023

The saleswoman recommends Bedtime Betty’s, a cannabis fruit chew, with doses of the cannabinoids THC, CBD, and CBN. —Erick Trickey, BostonGlobe.com, 22 Aug. 2023

But she was suspended and missed Tokyo after testing positive for THC, the chemical in cannabis. —Nick Zaccardi, NBC News, 21 Aug. 2023

One of those compounds, delta-8 THC, offers a less-potent alternative to delta-9 THC, which is the primary psychoactive compound found in marijuana. —Dale Ellis, Arkansas Online, 21 Aug. 2023

Derived from hemp, Delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid that offers a milder psychoactive experience compared to its cousin, Delta 9 THC. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 12 Aug. 2023

The bill would have allowed patients to get a prescription for products like edibles and oils, which contain low amounts of THC. —Irving Mejia-Hilario, Dallas News, 8 Aug. 2023

Broad-spectrum: Benefits: Retains beneficial cannabinoids without THC content, suitable for those who want to avoid THC. Drawbacks: May not provide as robust an entourage effect as full-spectrum options. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 4 Aug. 2023

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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