What Does THC Do? A Deep Dive Into the High

THC is one of the most talked-about parts of cannabis. But what does THC do? Why does it make you feel high? And how does it work inside your body?

If you’ve ever been curious about how cannabis affects you—or are just learning the basics—this guide will break it all down in a clear and simple way.

Let’s start with the basics.

What Is THC?

THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol.

It’s the main psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. That means it’s the part of the plant that causes the “high” feeling when you smoke, vape, or eat weed.

THC is just one of many cannabinoids found in cannabis, but it’s the one that most people recognize because of its strong effects on the brain and body.

So, when people ask what is THC, the short answer is: it’s the chemical in cannabis that makes you feel high.

What Does THC Do in the Body?

When you use cannabis, THC enters your body—usually through your lungs (if you smoke or vape) or your stomach (if you eat an edible).

From there, THC makes its way into your bloodstream, and then to your brain. That’s where things start to change.

Here’s how it works:

Your body has something called the endocannabinoid system. It’s made up of receptors (called CB1 and CB2) that help control things like mood, memory, pain, and appetite.

THC binds to these receptors, especially the CB1 receptors in your brain. This binding is what causes the “high” and many of the effects you feel after using weed.

What Are the Effects of THC?

THC affects everyone a little differently. Some people feel relaxed and happy. Others might feel anxious or sleepy.

Here are the most common THC effects:

Euphoria (a happy, uplifted mood)
Relaxation
Heightened senses (colors may look brighter, sounds may seem louder)
Increased appetite (aka the munchies)
Altered sense of time
Sleepiness
Short-term memory issues
Dry mouth and red eyes

Some effects are more noticeable at higher doses, especially if you’re new to THC or using edibles. Everyone’s body reacts differently based on things like tolerance, body weight, and the strain of cannabis used.

How Long Do THC Effects Last?

How long THC lasts in your system depends on how you take it.

Smoking or vaping: You’ll feel the effects within minutes. They usually peak around 30 minutes and can last 2 to 3 hours.
Edibles: These take longer to kick in—anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. But the effects last longer, often 4 to 8 hours, sometimes more.

Even after the high wears off, small amounts of THC can stay in your body for days or even weeks. That’s why it can show up on drug tests long after you last used it.

Why Does THC Make You High?

The high you feel from THC is caused by how it changes brain activity.

When THC binds to the CB1 receptors in your brain, it alters how your neurons send signals. This leads to changes in mood, perception, and coordination.

For example:

THC increases dopamine, a chemical linked to pleasure.
It slows down reaction time and affects your balance.
It can also change how your brain forms short-term memories.

That’s why it’s harder to concentrate or remember things when you’re high.

What’s the Meaning of THC Compared to CBD?

Many people ask about THC meaning in relation to CBD, another major cannabis compound.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Compound	Psychoactive?	Main Effects
THC	Yes	Causes a high, changes mood and perception
CBD	No	May reduce anxiety, pain, and inflammation without a high

While THC makes you feel high, CBD does not. In fact, CBD may help balance or reduce some of THC’s stronger effects.

That’s why some strains of cannabis are bred to have both THC and CBD, so users get a smoother experience.

Is THC Safe?

THC is generally safe for most adults, especially when used in moderation.

But like anything, too much THC can cause problems. High doses can lead to:

Anxiety or paranoia
Rapid heartbeat
Nausea or vomiting (in rare cases)
Feeling “too high” or overwhelmed

This is especially common with edibles, where it’s easy to eat more than you meant to.

If you ever feel like you’ve had too much THC, stay calm, drink water, and try to rest. The feeling usually passes with time.

Can THC Help With Medical Conditions?

Yes. THC is used in many medical marijuana treatments.

Some studies and patient reports suggest THC may help with:

Chronic pain
Nausea and vomiting (especially from chemotherapy)
Appetite loss
Insomnia
Muscle spasms
PTSD

However, not all medical uses are approved in every state or country. Always talk to a healthcare provider before using THC for medical reasons.

How Is THC Taken?

There are many ways to use THC. The method you choose affects how fast it kicks in and how long it lasts.

Common methods include:

Smoking (joints, blunts, bongs)
Vaping (vape pens, cartridges)
Edibles (gummies, chocolates, baked goods)
Tinctures (drops under the tongue)
Topicals (lotions, creams—these don’t make you high)

Each method has its own benefits and drawbacks. For example, vaping is fast and discreet, while edibles are long-lasting but slower to kick in.

How Much THC Is in Weed?

The amount of THC in cannabis has changed over time.

Modern weed is often stronger than it used to be. Some strains now contain 20–30% THC or more. Edibles are usually labeled in milligrams of THC, with a common dose being 5–10 mg.

If you’re new to THC, start with low amounts and go slow. This will help you avoid taking too much.

What Are the Different Types of THC Products?

At dispensaries like Dank Mart, you’ll find many types of THC products. They vary in strength, format, and effect.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Flower: Dried cannabis buds you can smoke or vape.
Pre-rolls: Cannabis pre-roll joints that are ready to smoke.
Vape carts: Concentrated THC oil in disposable THC vape cartridges.
Edibles: Weed gummies, cannabis chocolates, and baked goods infused with THC.
Concentrates: Strong forms of THC like wax, shatter, and live resin.
Tinctures: THC drops you place under your tongue.
Capsules: Pills with a specific THC dose.

Quick Facts About THC

Here’s a helpful list to remember what THC does and how it works:

THC is short for tetrahydrocannabinol
It’s the main compound that causes the cannabis high
It affects mood, memory, and senses
Works by binding to CB1 receptors in the brain
Effects include relaxation, euphoria, and increased appetite
Highs last longer with edibles than with smoking
CBD can reduce THC’s psychoactive effects
Too much THC can cause anxiety or paranoia
It can stay in your system for days or weeks
Start low and slow if you’re new to THC

Final Thoughts: THC and You

Now that you know what THC is and what it does, you can make more informed choices.

Whether you’re looking for something to help you unwind, relieve pain, or just explore cannabis, it helps to understand how THC works and how it might affect you.

Always buy your THC products from trusted online weed dispensaries like Dank Mart, where you can explore lab-tested products and find the right fit for your needs.

Curious to try THC for yourself? Visit our shop to explore top-quality strains, edibles, and vapes.

REFERENCES:

Ng, T., Gupta, V. (2023, November 12). Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563174/

Pietrangelo, A., Medically reviewed by Chen J., MD, MBA (2023, May 24). The Effects of Cannabis on Your Body. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/effects-of-cannabis-on-body

Jenna Fletcher, J., Medically reviewed by Wilson D.R., Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. (2023, January 10). How marijuana (cannabis) affects the body. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324948

Dr. Louisa Degenhardt, Ph.D. AO, FAA, FASSA, FAHMS: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louisa_Degenhardt