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

Openly Owning Your Relationship with THC is Advised Of course, THC also has benefits which a lot of people—especially those with medical struggles—can experience. —Sarah Bregel, Parents, 10 Dec. 2024

Toxicology tests showed cannabinoids, including Delta-9 and THC, in Whitfield’s system. —Ryan Murphy, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Dec. 2024

The commercialization of hemp products with trace amount of non-intoxicating Delta 9 THC was legalized by House Bill 1325, with the intention of strengthening Texas agriculture. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 5 Dec. 2024

She was additionally charged with four misdemeanors, including disorderly conduct and possession of THC, drug paraphernalia, and illegally obtained prescription drugs. —Shania Russell, EW.com, 3 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