What You Need to Know About Low THC Cannabis

Heard about low-THC cannabis and wondered what it’s all about? Here is everything you need to know about it. The cannabis plant is chemically complex, containing hundreds of compounds. However, studies have shown that most of the beneficial effects of medical marijuana can be attributed to two key compounds; cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

THC Levels in Marijuana Naturally Vary

Different strains of marijuana have different THC to CBD ratios. For example, Cannabis indica naturally contains a high amount of THC while Cannabis ruderalis contains a low amount. Asides the strain, the part of the plant used in making the extract may also affect the THC to CBD ratio. Storage and processing could also affect the THC content in cannabis. Essentially, low THC cannabis refers to a strain of the plant whose flowers, resins, seeds, or any other product contain no more than 0.8% THC and not less than 10% CBD

THC is Responsible for the High

THC is the psychoactive component in cannabis. It is the compound that is responsible for the euphoria that one feels after smoking cannabis. The psychoactive effect also means it is chiefly responsible for the addiction.

THC is also Responsible for the Side Effects

The euphoria and feel-good factor THC causes come at a price. Studies have shown that THC is the compound that causes most of the dreaded side effects of cannabis. THC is known to cause impaired motor skills, panic attacks, higher heart rate, dizziness, impaired memory function, etc. However, these side effects do not occur in everyone. We all have varying capacities to tolerate drugs because our bodies do not respond to drugs in the same way.

THC has Immense Therapeutic Benefits

With all the side effects listed above, one would wonder why we do not start growing THC free cannabis strains. The simple answer to this is that THC has numerous therapeutic effects. Studies have shown that it has analgesic properties and it especially works well for neuropathic pain. It could also prove useful as an antiemetic, appetite stimulant, sleep inducer, antispasticity, among other therapeutic benefits. Moreover, CBD and THC are known to work synergistically, otherwise known as the 'entourage effect'. Thus, many of the therapeutic effects of cannabis may not be achievable in the total absence of THC.

Low THC Cannabis May Prove Beneficial Overall

Due to the side effects of THC, doctors often prescribe low THC cannabis for many patients. The drug would contain just enough THC to elicit the therapeutic effects but not enough to cause most of the side effects. Consuming high levels of THC has also been associated with long-term unpleasant psychiatric effects. Overall, you may benefit more from taking low THC cannabis.

Medical marijuana is legal in the state of Florida but you’ll need a medical marijuana card form a licensed CBD doctor. The doctor may prescribe low THC cannabis if the evaluation results show that is what would benefit you the most. Whether you’ll be taking low THC cannabis or high THC cannabis, it is important to ensure you only obtain your medical marijuana via the appropriate process.