THC is a common substance present in cannabis-based products. Hemp also contains THC, but this substance is present more in marijuana. THC is the ingredient that gives a “high” as compared to many other chemicals present in the plant. Owing to its ability to influence moods and mental health, its use is more common for effective management of pains, feelings as well as mental conditions. THC is distinctly different from CBD. CBD is not known to bring about a “high” feeling; instead, it works to bring about a feeling of wellness or euphoria all over. Several states in the US have started letting the use of THC-based products for recreational purposes. It hence becomes essential to know the right way to use it as well as its likely side effects.
The key difference between CBD and THC is – the former is not a psychoactive substance. This is the reason why THC alters your sense of reality and can also distort your senses. With such a distorted awareness of the ambience, you are more likely to have an unrealistic perception of your surroundings as well as your own self. But, what really occurs when you use THC oil? A network known as endocannabinoid system (ECS) is present in your central nervous system (CNS), brain and also in your peripheral nerves. This system helps maintain your body-balance as well as ensures optimal working of various parameters. The various parameters include – concentration levels of ions of sodium, calcium or potassium, levels of blood sugars, temperature of body, etc. This system is also responsible for the efficacy of your immunity system, mental conditions, sleeping patterns, ability to withstand pain, appetite levels – to name a few.
THC binds with select types of receptors, and thus alters the communication between others parts of your body and brain cells. An alteration in this communication can slowdown the time taken to react as well as removes you from actual reality. The good news however is – THC can help influence your sleeping patterns. This oil can assist those living with sleep disorders or insomnia. Also, those living with a few autoimmune conditions can revive their appetite levels with the use of THC. This is a reason why people suffering from eating disorders (such as anorexia) can benefit from several active ingredients of THC.
Side effects of THC oil
States with legalized medical marijuana program(s) provide ample room to explore the likely side effects and adverse reactions of THC. The most common side effects of THC oil are discoloration of eyes, dryness of mouth, migraines, mood swings – including depression or anxiety, weariness, tiredness and lethargy – to name a few.
Reddening of eyes
Your eyes may take a sizeable part of the side effects. Reddening of your eyes is a very common side effect of THC oil. But, apart from witnessing redness in your eyes, you may also experience itchiness as well as dryness of eyes. These side effects are only a mild irritation, and may not lead to a serious ocular condition. These can be managed with relatively simpler measures such as use of an eye-moisturizer. Your doctor may advise using the moisturizer as and when you encounter any of these side effects. In general, you are advised to keep these eye drops by your side. In general, these eye drops are not very expensive and administering them at home is relatively easy.
Dryness of mouth
This side effect is another very common discomfort, often associated with the use of THC oil. It is also a side effect which can be remedied without hassles. It occurs mostly due to insufficient secretion of saliva. Your doctor will recommend intake of needful amounts of fluids such as water every day. Consumption of fluids is necessary before using THC oil and also after its use. It is a safe practice to keep your body well-hydrated while using THC oil. Medical experts often claim that a well-hydrated body is the best known method to keep this adverse side effect of THC oil from showing up. Needless to say, keeping your system hydrated can also help in keeping away likely risks of migraines, being lightheaded and a few other discomforts.
Dizziness and being lightheaded
Light-headedness is a state wherein your body is under severe stress, and it shows up with making you dizzy. One proven way to control this side effect is to stay away from stressful conditions. The cause of stress is dependent on the way THC is consumed. If dizziness is recurring each time you use this oil, it is highly recommended to change the way it is used.
In some people, dizziness may lead to passing out. As a safety measure, you are advised not to do activities that demand a high level of mental energy, focus or concentration. For instance, you are strongly advised to refrain from driving, working on heavy machinery and such activities – either at work or at home.
Migraines
This adverse side effect is linked to lack of needful amounts of water in your system. The best way to handle this reaction is to drink more water or fluids. Another possible reason for acute headache is the presence of a strain or anxieties. Take needful medical help if headaches persist for a longer span of time. Your medical team can also help handle such anxieties, and reduce or eliminate episodes of headache or migraines.
Lethargy and sleepiness
This is often an outcome of feeling excessively sleepy, soon after consuming or vaping THC. This can adversely impact your productivity levels and your ability to stay focused. If acute levels of sleepiness are noticed, it is better to use other variants of THC – for example the sativa variant is known to have rejuvenating properties. People who have used such variants have experienced an increase in their energy levels and have also found their motivation levels at an enhanced level.
Mood swings or mental conditions
This is not a very common occurrence; however, in a few users of THC oil, mood related disorders have been observed. If your medical history or your family’s clinical history includes mental conditions or mood related problems such as depression, anxieties or being paranoid, you need to take additional precautions. Physicians often state that intake of larger doses of THC are likely to lead to these mental conditions. It is hence strongly recommended to start taking it in very small doses; the doses can then be increased once your system gets used to the active ingredients of THC.
People opt for either THC or CBD for many reasons. On the whole, the outcomes of THC are found to bring more relaxation than its counterparts – such as say, CBD. Added to this, THC’s ability to handle medical symptoms such as sleeplessness or insomnia, presence of acute levels of pains as well as loss of appetite levels is more pronounced than CBD. In most cases, it is the underlying need that determines which product to inhale or consume. In this milieu, it is very important to note that THC is an intoxicant. On the other hand, CBD is not one. So, if intoxicants are not for you, there are thankfully a few substitutes and alternatives available for help. You can try variants of CBD which does contain minor traces of THC – but, not at a marked level. These are made from a few sub-types or species of hemp; these categories are known to be non-intoxicants. Such CBD-based items are widely available in almost all regions of the US.
Last but not least, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises against the use of vaping goods such as those based on THC oil. Medical studies indicate that vaping it sparsely can also adversely influence the health of your lungs. The irony is – the odds of witnessing adverse side effects tend to get more when you use THC-based products in an occasional manner or while you use it for the first time. However, many people believe that vaping THC oil may not be harmful. Contrary to such popular beliefs, inhaling the oil can result in disorders similar to those triggered by substance abuse.
In sum, THC changes the idea of reality by distorting your senses. The medical benefits of THC include – properties to resist pains, ability to boost your appetite levels as well as mental wellbeing. Common side effects of THC oil include discomforts in the eyes, drying of mouth, headache, mood-shifts such as depression, anxiety and weariness or lethargy. Generally, it is recommended to opt for either THC or CBD based on your geography (i.e., based on the region / state in which you are residing), the underlying condition as well as your prior clinical conditions. In this light, it is a safe practice to talk to a qualified medical practitioner before starting to use THC oil.
Education: Master’s in Nursing (MSN) from Johns Hopkins University. Experience: 7 years writing for online health portals and nursing journals, specializing in patient education and chronic illness management.
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