What are the Health Benefits of THC?

Table of Contents

• What is THC and How Does It Work?
• THC Health Benefits, According to Clinical Evidence
• THC Risks and Considerations
• THC Delivery Methods: Tincture, Capsules, Gummies, Drinks
• Final Thoughts: THC Health Benefits

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is pretty famous in its own right. It’s the psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant, and it’s responsible for the signature “high” we associate with marijuana. But as cannabis continues moving into the mainstream and stigmas (slowly) fade, its most controversial cannabinoid is increasingly getting a little credit for its therapeutic potential. If you’re wondering what THC can do for your health, you’re in the right place.

What is THC and How Does It Work?

First things first—what exactly is THC, and how does it work in our bodies at all? There are over 100 identified cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, and THC is probably the one most people recognize. CBD, or cannabidiol, isn’t far behind. But it’s THC that has the psychoactive effects that make people feel euphoric, giggly, deeply relaxed, even sleepy. Those effects are entirely related to how THC interacts with the endocannabinoid system, or ECS, an amazingly complex network tasked with maintaining balance across the entire body.

The Endocannabinoid System

Whether you’re an enthusiastic cannabis fan or you’ve never tried it in your life, your body’s ECS is nonetheless working diligently to regulate all kinds of things in your body. That includes your mood, ability to sleep, appetite, immune function, memory, and your response to pain, inflammation, and stress. The ECS has three main components that work together: endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes. 

• Endocannabinoids are naturally occurring in the body, and they’re very similar to the phytocannabinoids in the cannabis plant (yes, we’re talking about THC and CBD).

• Cannabinoid receptors can be found throughout the body and are generally categorized into two groups. CB1 receptors are primarily clustered in the brain and central nervous system (that’s your brain and spinal cord), and CB2 receptors are typically found in immune cells and what’s known as the peripheral nervous system, or the parts outside the brain and spine.

• Enzymes are used to break down cannabinoids after they bind to receptors.

You may already have an inkling as to how THC interacts with the ECS. Since it mimics the endocannabinoids your body naturally produces, THC can and does bind to receptors in the ECS. It primarily binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, which is why it has such a significant psychoactive effect. That’s also why it may offer therapeutic benefits, such as managing pain, nausea, and appetite, which we explore more comprehensively below.

THC vs CBD

We’ll detour here for a quick comparison of THC and CBD, the other famous cannabinoid. If you haven’t tried it, you probably still know it, and that’s thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. This bill legalized hemp on a federal level, which led to the booming CBD industry. Individual states followed suit with their own laws about hemp and marijuana, which is why some products are legal in some states and forbidden in others.

From a structural perspective, CBD and THC are identical. They both have 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms, but their arrangements differ slightly. That alters how these compounds, known as cannabinoids, interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The big differentiator between CBD and THC is that CBD isn't intoxicating, nor does it have the psychoactive effects of THC. Some people want or need to avoid THC entirely, so CBD can be really appealing. Thanks to the Farm Bill, CBD is also widely available across the country. Today, many people use this cannabinoid as part of a wellness routine for benefits like anxiety and stress relief, pain management, as an anti-inflammatory, and for sleep support.

THC Health Benefits, According to Clinical Evidence

The Farm Bill led to a surge in scientific research on CBD, which makes sense, as it’s federally legal, making it much easier to study. Still, THC has been pretty extensively studied for years as part of the medical cannabis space, and we do know quite a bit about how this cannabinoid affects things like the pain response, appetite stimulation, nausea relief, and sleep support.

In states with medical cannabis use, common qualifying conditions for THC use often include cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, seizures and epilepsy, and chronic pain disorders. Let's take a closer look at how THC may help.

Pain Relief

Many people use THC specifically for pain relief. It’s one of the most common reasons for medical cannabis use, and there’s plenty of anecdotal and scientific evidence to support its efficacy. A lot of it has to do with the psychoactive effect, which makes people feel more relaxed and euphoric. That alone can make it easier to deal with pain symptoms.

Remember, the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) exists to help maintain equilibrium, and it responds quickly in cases of pain or inflammation. But THC, like the body’s own endocannabinoids, binds to CB1 receptors. In doing so, it triggers that psychoactive response, but it also changes how pain signals are processed. For some people, that can mean a decrease in pain. That’s why people often use THC to manage symptoms of pain-related conditions like arthritis, neuropathy, and even cancer. 

The thing is, effects from cannabis and THC specifically are pretty personal. Everyone responds in their own way, and a 2022 review and meta-analysis may shed some light on why this is the case. There is some question as to whether it’s truly the THC that’s relieving pain, or if it’s simply a placebo effect. Because people believe it will help, it really does.

Appetite Stimulation

Increasing appetite was one of the earliest recognized medical benefits of THC. Known colloquially as the “munchies,” simply put, consuming THC makes you hungry. Again, it’s related to how THC interacts with CB1 receptors in a part of the brain that manages food cravings.

While this may not be a welcome effect for the average THC user, increasing appetite can be significant for people who are receiving chemotherapy treatment or living with AIDs or HIV. THC is so effective at stimulating appetite that a synthetic version has its own FDA approval for this benefit.

Easing Nausea and Vomiting

Chemo patients often experience nausea and vomiting as a side effect of treatment. Studies have shown that THC, very often combined with CBD, can offer relief, making it an effective antiemetic for chemo-induced nausea and vomiting.

A 2021 study found that general nausea symptoms can also be eased with THC consumption. The same FDA-approved version we mentioned above is also used to treat nausea and vomiting.

Sleep Support

There are a lot of potential hurdles to a good night’s sleep. Issues like stress, anxiety, chronic pain, physical discomfort, poor sleep habits, an overactive mind, to mention actual sleep disorders, can make it hard to fall and stay asleep. And even then, sleep quality itself can suffer.

Many people use THC for sleep support, and it can indeed help with sleep latency (that’s how long it takes to fall asleep). For some people, sleep woes stem from chronic pain, and the physical and mental relaxation THC provides can be beneficial for feeling comfortable enough to drift off. Still, more research is needed to fully understand THC’s role in sleep.

Other Benefits

Research suggests that THC (especially in combination with CBD) helps ease muscle spasms and pain in people with multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease. There's also evidence that THC may play a role in combating treatment-resistant PTSD, or posttraumatic stress disorder. Many users also report taking THC to reduce anxiety.

THC Risks and Considerations

You may be considering THC for recreational enjoyment, like relaxing after a long day or as an alternative to alcohol, or because you’re hoping to address specific conditions, like chronic pain or side effects from cancer treatments. Either way, it’s important to know that not all THC products are created equally, so it’s essential to find a brand you can trust.

Cornbread Hemp got its start as the very first USDA organic CBD company, and our THC products meet federal standards for sourcing and THC content. Our products are exclusively made with Bluegrass Basin Hemp™ and an organic sugarcane ethanol extraction process.

Our Flower Only™ commitment means that no stems, stalks, leaves, or other plant parts are used, resulting in a higher-quality, full-spectrum extract. Every batch is rigorously third-party lab tested for safety, purity, and consistency. In short, we don’t cut corners and we’re committed to ensuring the very best products.

Legality

Depending on where you live, THC may not be legally available to you. Some states have legalized cannabis for recreational use, but others only permit THC as part of their medical marijuana laws. It's up to you, as the consumer, to know what's allowed.

Because THC is still classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, the Drug Enforcement Administration and federal law technically treat it the same as other psychoactive drugs. However, hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC, like ours, are legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. That’s opened the door to broader access to cannabis-derived compounds for folks seeking to treat symptoms or support mental health without relying on prescription drugs or other substances that may pose a higher risk of addiction or abuse.

Bottom line? Before making a THC purchase of any kind, make sure you're clear on what's legal in your state.

THC Delivery Methods: Tinctures, Capsules, Gummies, Drinks

When it comes to THC, dosing and consumption method both play key roles in the overall experience. The golden rule of cannabis is to start and go slow, since too much THC can trigger anxiety, physical discomfort, and even panic attacks. Plus, the effects of cannabis and THC are personal, which means experiences tend to vary. Details like body type, body composition, tolerance level, and frequency of use all play a role.

Choosing the most appropriate delivery method is just as important. The onset and duration of effects and even the intensity of those effects vary depending on whether you ingest or inhale THC.

THC Tinctures

A THC tincture or oil combines a hemp extract with a carrier oil, like MCT (coconut oil). It's a fast-acting delivery method because it's intended to work sublingually, or beneath the tongue. When you hold the tincture under your tongue for 30 to 60 seconds, the THC is absorbed directly through the mucous membranes into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and liver. In most cases, effects typically kick in anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes and can last for roughly four to six hours.

THC tinctures can also be ingested orally, similar to traditional edibles. Keep in mind that ingestion refers to digestion, which is a slower process. It takes time for the effects of ingested THC to become apparent, so be prepared to wait between 45 and 90 minutes or so. Another consideration with digestion is what happens in the liver. The THC is converted to 11-hydroxy-THC, which is more potent. That can mean a stronger, longer-lasting high.

Cornbread Hemp has a full-spectrum CBD oil available in three strengths with up to 4mg of THC per serving. It's an easy way to precisely dose for quick relief.

THC Capsules

Some people prefer to avoid the taste of hemp-derived THC and CBD products, which makes capsules ideal. They're similar to edibles in terms of onset and duration of effects, but they tend to be a little more consistent, and dosing is very precise.

Cornbread Hemp has full-spectrum CBD capsules that have 1 milligram of THC per capsule. They're quick, convenient, and easy to swallow, minus the taste and mess.

THC Gummies

If you’re new to THC or to a specific product, it’s best practice to start with a low dose, up to about 5 milligrams. That’s especially true with edibles, like THC gummies. The slower onset of effects and the stronger overall experience mean it's crucial to be patient and allow plenty of time to see how you react before increasing your dose.

That’s a trade-off if you’re considering THC gummies for something like pain relief or to ease nausea. Effects last longer, but they’re slower to kick in. Depending on your needs, there may be other methods of consumption worth considering.

On the plus side, THC Gummies are precisely dosed. Cornbread Hemp THC Gummies have 10 milligrams of THC and 10 milligrams of CBD apiece for a balanced, mellow effect, and they can be cut in half for a beginner-friendly 5-milligram dose. They're derived from hemp and meet the federal requirement of no more than 0.3% THC, so they can be shipped to most states in the nation. And the best part? They're USDA-certified organic, like all Cornbread Hemp products.

THC Drinks

Technically, drinks like THC seltzers fall into the edibles category. But there's some nifty technology at work in many THC drinks that means rapid absorption and a quick onset of effects, in the neighborhood of 10 to 15 minutes. Results can linger for a few hours.

Cornbread Hemp THC Drinks have 5 milligrams of THC apiece and just 25 calories.

Final Thoughts: THC Health Benefits

There’s a lot of evidence that THC has value beyond its recreational use, and many people are using it for specific health benefits. That includes pain management, sleep support, and relief from symptoms of cancer treatment, like nausea and vomiting, all of which are related to how THC interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system and receptors in the brain. That's why it's included in medical cannabis programs across the nation.

If you're considering medical cannabis and THC for its health benefits, remember to choose a reputable brand, start with a low dose, allow time to assess results, and consider speaking with your doctor. There's no one-size-fits-all recommendation when it comes to THC, so starting with the correct information is an essential first step.