THC

noun

ˌtē-(ˌ)āch-ˈsē 

: either of two physiologically active isomers C₂₁H₃₀O₂ from hemp plant resin

especially : one that is the chief intoxicant in marijuana

When a person tokes, eats or vapes cannabis, a wave of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, washes into the brain.

—Laura Sanders

THC, the main chemical component of marijuana, has been shown to reduce nausea and increase appetite in chemotherapy patients.

—Andrew Weil

THC disappears from blood quickly as it is absorbed in the brain, making blood tests a more reliable measure of recent use but not a great correlate of impairment.

—Eliza Gray

Examples of THC in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Matthew Bratcher, executive director of Kentucky NORML, a cannabis advocacy organization, said employers in the commonwealth are still able to enforce drug-free workplace policies, including testing for THC. —Marina Johnson, The Enquirer, 1 Jan. 2025

What To Know Tennessee defines legal hemp as a flower containing less than 0.3 percent Delta-9 THC, according to Channel 9 News. —Ewan Palmer, Newsweek, 25 Dec. 2024

By consuming small amounts of cannabis, typically 1 to 2.5 milligrams of THC, individuals can experience mood-enhancing effects without feeling intoxicated. —Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 20 Dec. 2024

Infinite developed a test to detect artificial THC, a tool that could encourage compliance with regulations that prohibit the synthetic compound. —Paige St. John, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

tetrahydrocannabinol

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

THC

noun

ˌtē-ˌāch-ˈsē 

: either of two physiologically active isomers C₂₁H₃₀O₂ that occur naturally in hemp plant resin or are synthetically prepared:

a

: one that is the chief intoxicant in marijuana and is used medicinally

called also delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, delta-9-THC

see dronabinol

b

: one that is present in marijuana only in minute quantities