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.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
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
Benefits
- treats glaucoma
-
relieves pain
-
relieves stress
-
relieves nausea
-
promotes brain cell growth
-
protects brain cells
-
combats aggression
-
aids sleep
-
fights asthma
Please turn your Ad Blocker off to see this content. Thank you!
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Approved by 
