tetrahydrocannabinol

noun

tet·​ra·​hy·​dro·​can·​nab·​i·​nol ˌte-trə-ˌhī-drə-kə-ˈna-bə-ˌnȯl  -ˌnōl 

: thc

… more and more people are advocating for increased research into cannabis. Today, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is used in the medical field to deal with certain types of pain, muscle cramps, dizziness and loss of appetite.

—Indian Agriculture News

… gummy bears infused with THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive ingredient in pot.

—Marshall Allen

Examples of tetrahydrocannabinol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Understanding the Power of Cannabis Cannabis has a wide range of effects depending on the strain, with various compounds such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) playing a role in shaping the experience. —Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 5 June 2025

Currently, products cannot contain more than 1 percent by weight of tetrahydrocannabinols, rather than by milligram, as is common for other medications. —Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 May 2025

Marijuana encompasses a broad range of products derived from the Cannabis sativa plant that contain the highest levels of tetrahydrocannabinol, more commonly known as THC. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025

For example, a urine test for marijuana may test positive for up to 30 days, while a hair test can detect tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in marijuana, for up to 90 days. —Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 29 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

tetrahydro- (combined with four atoms of hydrogen) + cannabin + -ol entry 1

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tetrahydrocannabinol

• phosphatidylinositol
• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• catarrhal
• cortisol
• ethanol
• fireball

Medical Definition

tetrahydrocannabinol

noun

tet·​ra·​hy·​dro·​can·​nab·​i·​nol -kə-ˈnab-ə-ˌnȯl  -ˌnōl 

: thc

especially : thc sense a