Cannabis: what is THC and what are its side effects

By Isabella TortaAugust 18, 2025

agrilab cannabis: cos'é il THC e gli effetti collaterali

In recent years, medical cannabis has been at the center of a heated debate. In particular, THC has been promoted as a natural solution for numerous disorders.

But is it truly risk-free?

THC: what it is and what its therapeutic significance is

The THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. When we ask what THC is, we mean a substance capable of temporarily altering perception, mood, and consciousness.

Originally introduced by doctors in medical cannabis to alleviate nausea and pain in terminally ill cancer patients, today THC is also used for chronic, non-terminal pathologies. However, this expansion of use is not always justified by solid evidence.

THC cannabis effects: what studies really say

Despite marketing promoting its alleged benefits, the scientific literature expresses caution. According to a review published by the National Library of Medicine (PMC), the benefits of THC are limited and the risks are underestimated.

Documented risks:

Addiction (9–20%, up to 50% in adolescents who use it daily)
Cognitive deficits: impaired attention, memory, and learning
Increased risk of psychosis and schizophrenia
Cardiovascular events even in young and healthy subjects
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: cyclic vomiting and dehydration

As also confirmed by a meta-analysis on the effects of cannabis on the brain Lancet Psychiatry, the risk of psychosis is greater in habitual users of high-potency THC.

THC significance and clinical limits

The clinical significance of THC lies in its ability to act on certain acute symptoms. However, in clinical practice, its use must be limited to:

refractory chemotherapy-induced nausea
appetite stimulation in HIV or advanced cancer
neuropathic pain in resistant cases

Outside of these contexts, the effects of cannabis containing THC can be counterproductive, especially in fragile patients.

CBD vs THC: clarifying the difference is a priority

The difference between CBD and THC is not only chemical but, above all, functional.

CBD:

is not psychoactive
does not create addiction or tolerance
modulates inflammation without altering the mind

The benefits of CBD are documented in numerous conditions: epilepsy, inflammation, chronic pain, anxiety. This is why, in long-term treatments, CBD for pain and CBD for inflammation are now considered a safer and more sustainable choice.

Cannabis effects and “wellness” misinformation

The rhetoric of THC as a “natural and beneficial” substance is often the result of marketing campaigns. Only 22% of sites promoting medical cannabis mention the risks of THC.

Here is what needs to be done:

Review the clinical approach based on evidence
Provide correct information on neurological, psychiatric, and cardiac risks
Emphasize that THC is not free from serious side effects
Avoid confusion between recreational THC and therapeutic CBD isolate

Conclusion

The narrative presenting THC as a “natural and safe” cure is scientifically fragile. Its risks are real and documented.

👉 Medical cannabis has value, but only if used with awareness, clearly distinguishing between the two main molecules: CBD vs THC.

✅ Promoting CBD isolate as a reliable therapeutic choice means protecting public health and rebuilding trust in the sector.

Discover how CBD Isolate can help with various pathologies

👉 Continue following us on the blog: in the next articles we will talk about all the pathologies that can be supported by CBD isolate.

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