Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
| ‘Illegal’ drugs (‘accidental exposure’ – zero tolerance approach) | Threshold limit in microgrammes per litre of blood (µg/L) |
|---|---|
| Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Cannabis) | 2µg/L |
This drug is found in cannabis and it what causes the cells in the brain to release the pleasure chemical “dopamine” which gives the user a sense of euphoria. THC’s chemical structure is like one of the brain’s natural chemicals anandamide. Similarity in structure allows drugs to be recognized by the body and to alter normal brain communication. On the downside it can also cause memory loss and induce hallucinations and create feelings of paranoia.
The amount of THC found in cannabis is usually less than 1%, whereas the concentration of the drug in marijuana is between 1-5% and in hashish you can expect to find between 5-15%. In hashish oil a massive 20% of the content is likely to be THC.
Reported health risks
- If smoking THC as marijuana, similar health risks as with smoking tobacco although without a proper cigarette filter, the damage to lungs can be more extreme;
- Paranoid episodes during and after use; and
- Memory loss and difficulties with concentration.
How long does Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) stay in the system?
This test really depends on the user as the THC can be detected in heavy users several weeks after use. The rate of elimination varies significantly per individual depending on the amount of THC consumed and the individual metabolic makeup of the consumer. Typical elimination is reported as:
- 7 to 30 days in urine
- Up to 90 days in hair
- Up to 14 days in blood
The quantities of THC in various preparations:
- 5 mg to 30 mg THC- per reefer
- 10 mg to 20 mg THC – smoke from a pipe or joint
Medical drugs:
- Sativex spray – 2.7 mg THC
