If you are new to medical cannabis, you may have questions about what it contains and how it works. One of the most common questions is whether medical cannabis contains THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis.
Understanding what THC is, how it differs from other compounds and why it may be prescribed in medical treatment can help you feel more confident when discussing options with your doctor.
Yes, many cannabis based medicines contain THC, but not all of them.
The amount of THC varies. Your doctor will recommend the best option for you after carefully considering your health needs.
THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol. It’s the main psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant
THC interacts with a system in your body called the endocannabinoid system. This system helps regulate several everyday functions, including sleep, appetite, mood and how you experience pain.
Researchers continue to study how THC may help with different medical conditions. Whether it’s appropriate for you depends on your individual circumstances and our specialist doctor’s assessment.
Medical cannabis products can contain different amounts of THC, and some contain none at all.
The main types include:
The right type of medicine depends on your symptoms, medical history and treatment needs. There isn’t one formulation that’s suitable for everyone.
If you’re considering medical cannabis, our specialist doctors can explain the available options and whether a product containing THC may be appropriate for you.
THC and CBD are natural compounds found in cannabis, but they affect the body differently.
THC) can change how you feel and perceive things, depending on the amount you take and how your body responds.
CBD (cannabidiol) doesn’t cause the same effects as THC. It is used in certain prescription medicines and can also be bought over the counter in the UK.
Medical cannabis can contain both compounds. The ratio is often displayed like this: THC 17:0 CBD, which would mean the medicine contains 17% THC and 0% CBD.
It’s important to remember that neither compound works in exactly the same way for everyone. Your doctor can help you understand the potential benefits and risks of a particular treatment.
The amount of THC depends on which medicine your doctor prescribes for you
Medical cannabis flower is usually labelled with a THC percentage. For example, a product labelled as containing 20% THC has a THC concentration of 20% by weight.
Medical cannabis oils are labelled differently. Their strength is often shown in milligrams per millilitre (mg/ml), which tells you how much THC is present in a measured amount of oil.
These figures can look complicated at first, but they simply describe how much THC a product contains.
A higher THC percentage doesn’t automatically mean a product is better or more suitable for you. Indeed, depending on your condition some patients will respond better to medical cannabis with low levels of THC.
Most patients do not experience impairment after taking medical cannabis. Depending on your condition, most patients start on a low dose of THC which is reviewed as treatment progresses. And because the quality of medical cannabis is consistent, most patients are able to take their medication without feeling impaired in any way.
If you do experience side effects, please contact our Patient Support Team.
Your doctor will discuss these potential effects with you before treatment. Follow your prescription carefully, and don’t change your dose without medical advice.
Yes. Cannabis-based medicines containing THC can legally be prescribed in the UK under specific medical prescribing rules.
Since November 2018, specialist doctors on the General Medical Council’s Specialist Register have been able to prescribe cannabis-based medicines to some patients when they consider it clinically appropriate.
This doesn’t mean medical cannabis is suitable for everyone or that every product can be prescribed. You can check your eligibility quickly and easily here.
Your doctor will decide if medical cannabis is right for you after taking into account your medical history and individual risks and benefits.
Medical cannabis isn’t suitable for everyone. Some patients may be considered for treatments containing THC, while others may be better suited to products with lower THC levels or no meaningful THC at all.
If you’re unsure about THC or worried about its effects, it’s important to ask questions. You don’t need to understand all the scientific terminology before speaking to one of our doctors.
At Wellford Clinics, understanding your treatment options starts with a conversation about your health needs and concerns.
Your doctor will discuss whether medical cannabis is right for you and will help you find the right medication for your individual needs.
