

Is THC Bad For You?

Also Known As: Tetrahydrocannabinol



Short answer

Simply put, THC is not bad for you. Despite being illegal and the government waging a massive campaign against it, the fact is THC is a safe way to reduce pain and treat a host of ailments.



Long answer

THC, the shortened form for tetrahydrocannabinol, is one of the dozens of active substances found in marijuana and the most well-known. While it is primarily associated with giving people a high, THC may, in fact, produce no high on its own. THC has a wide range of benefits with any drawbacks being rare and nonlethal.

THC is a cannabinoid with a similar composition to other cannabinoids found naturally in the body, most notably anandamide, which is found in the brain. Contrary to popular belief, THC has been found to protect brain cells from inflammation and oxidative stress while also promoting brain cell growth.

THC has also been shown to alleviate pain, stress, nausea, depression and a host of other problems. Due to its analgesic effects, it is often used by people suffering from AIDs and by those coping with chemotherapy treatment. THC is also sometimes used by people who have multiple sclerosis to treat spasticity and neuropathic pain. The chemical has also been found to have a positive effect on some people in treating glaucoma.

While many people may think of marijuana when THC is brought up, the fact is that THC is responsible for many (if not most) of the positive effects that occur from smoking marijuana. THC also has stand-alone benefits, as evidenced by the inclusion of synthetic THC in FDA approved medicines such as Marinol, which is used to treat nausea and vomiting arising from chemotherapy.

There are also no recorded deaths due to THC use. While it is possible to overdose on THC, such would require taking in massive amounts that is almost impossible to do. Unlike other drugs, addiction to and withdrawal from THC is rare, affecting less than 20% of people using it and mostly being mental - not physical.

Possible short-term side effects

  • anxiety in high doses
  • poor coordination
  • decreased reaction time
  • increased heartbeat

Possible long-term side effects

  • addiction (uncommon)
  • personality change

Big is thc bad for you.


  • treats glaucoma
  • relieves pain
  • relieves stress
  • relieves nausea
  • promotes brain cell growth
  • protects brain cells
  • combats aggression
  • aids sleep
  • fights asthma

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Written by Jeff Volling | 12-28-2015

Written by Jeff Volling
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