Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most widely researched and discussed component of cannabis – and for good reason. THC is why cannabis makes you feel what’s commonly referred to as a ‘high,’ but it also has several medical applications.
You might be wondering whether a high THC product is right for you. Depending on your condition and experience level with cannabis, a doctor may prescribe a high-THC product or one that has a more balanced cannabinoid ratio.
Regardless, knowing how THC works and the potential risks, benefits of high THC products is vital when you’re starting out with medical cannabis.
Why Is A Strain’s THC Content Important?
Generally speaking, the higher a cannabis strain’s THC content the more intense the psychotropic effects will be. When you consume medical cannabis the THC binds to the CB1 receptors in your endocannabinoid system (ECS). It’s through modulating the ECS in this way that THC influences our mood and perception.
THC content isn’t the whole story though.
Medical cannabis contains over 100 different cannabinoids and terpenes, all of which subtly contribute to the overall experience of a particular cannabis strain.
Cannabinoids and terpenes are thought to work together in a phenomenon known as the ‘entourage effect’. For example, cannabidiol (CBD) is thought to synchronise with THC by reducing some of its less desirable effects such as anxiety and drowsiness. This is why high-CBD strains, or ‘weaker’ strains might suit some people better. High amounts of CBD may contribute to a smoother, more manageable experience.
Doctors will carefully assess your experience level with cannabis, condition and personal preference when deciding which strain to prescribe.
What Are The Effects Of High THC Medical Cannabis?
THC can produce a range of effects depending on your experience level, personality, mood and the method of consumption. When you consume a product high in THC, some of the following effects might occur:
- relaxation
- altered sensory perception
- altered perception of time
- mood changes
- increased appetite
Some of these effects, such as muscle relaxation, have important medical applications. An example of this is Sativex, a TGA-approved medical cannabis product with a balanced ratio of THC and CBD designed to help ease muscle spasticity in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
When Will A Doctor Prescribe High THC Medical Cannabis?
The medical cannabis product a doctor might prescribe you will primarily depend on your condition and symptoms, but your experience level with cannabis will also contribute to their decision.
It's important to let your doctor know if you are already a regular cannabis user, as you may require a product with an increased level of THC or a more targeted terpene profile to achieve specific therapeutic effects. This is because regularly using cannabis can increase your tolerance to THC.
A 2022 meta-analysis found that high THC products may lead to moderate levels of pain reduction, while products with more balanced cannabinoid ratios caused slight improvements. The authors did note that the high THC products tended to cause more side effects and that more research is needed.
Managing nausea and vomiting is another common reason THC products are prescribed, especially for people undergoing cancer treatment. In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) states that medical cannabis could have some use in managing and preventing nausea, but that more research is needed.
What Are The Risks Of Using Strains With High THC?
Side effects from THC may include fatigue, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, fever, decreased or increased appetite, dry mouth and diarrhoea. However, most of these side effects are rare – medical cannabis is usually well-tolerated or mitigated with increased dosing support and guidance.
In some vulnerable people, THC may cause paranoia, delusions, hallucinations and possibly psychosis. The risk of experiencing psychosis may increase with high potency cannabis products.
Medical cannabis is not prescribed to people with a history of psychosis for this reason.
If you’re new to cannabis, it’s important to ‘start low and go slow.’ Never take more than your prescribed dose, especially if you’re prescribed a high-THC product. Instead, it’s best to start with a very low dose and gradually increase it until you find relief from your condition.
Discussing Prescription Options With Your Doctor
If you’re interested in medical cannabis, you can either book an appointment with your regular healthcare provider or a medical cannabis clinic. To be eligible for a medical cannabis prescription, you need to have tried some conventional treatments first and found them to be ineffective or that they caused unwanted side effects.
Whether you’re prescribed a medical cannabis strain with a high THC content will be a discussion you have during your initial consultation. Many factors influence whether high THC products are suitable for a patient, such as their experience level, condition and their personal preference.
Make sure to be honest with your doctor about what you’re hoping to get out of medical cannabis treatment, so that you receive a prescription that has the highest chance of helping you find relief.
