What Does THC Do? THC Effects Explained

What Does THC Do? THC Effects Explained

Written by Brandon Topp

Tetrahydrocannabinol—better known as THC—is the primary reason people experience a high when consuming cannabis.

Whether you're curious about how it works, what it feels like, or how it affects your body, understanding THC is essential for making informed choices about cannabis usage.

Before diving into the effects of cannabis, let’s clarify one important thing: how to purchase weed legally online. Mood only sells hemp-derived cannabis.

That means our products contain cannabinoids that come from hemp, not marijuana, though the experience is just as legit. All of our THC products are legal under the 2018 Farm Bill and deliver powerful, psychoactive effects.

Want to explore legal THC products for yourself? Try Mood's premium hemp cannabis flower and delicious THC gummies today.

Table of Contents

  • What Is THC?

  • Hemp vs. Marijuana: What's the Difference?

  • How THC Works in the Body

  • Short-Term THC Effects

  • Long-Term THC Effects

  • Why THC Feels Different for Everyone

  • THC vs. Other Cannabinoids

  • Choosing the Right THC Product

  • Final Thoughts

  • FAQs

  • Shop Mood’s THC Products

What Is THC?

THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol, a naturally occurring compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant.

It's one of many cannabinoids produced by the plant, but it’s the one most associated with cannabis intoxication.

THC interacts directly with cannabinoid receptors in your brain, leading to psychoactive effects like euphoria, altered perception, and increased appetite.

Looking for a euphoric experience? Mood's Super Goof strain offers a balanced high perfect for activities like gaming and snacking. Try Super Goof flower, a sativa-leaning strain that hits with energy and brightness.

Hemp vs. Marijuana: What's the Difference?

Cannabis exists in two legal categories: hemp and marijuana. While they come from the same Cannabis sativa plant, the difference lies in their chemical makeup.

  • Hemp: Contains 0.3% Delta-9 THC or less by dry weight. Hemp is federally legal under the Farm Bill.

  • Marijuana: Contains more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Marijuana is regulated at the state level and remains federally illegal.

Though hemp and marijuana both come from female cannabis plants, the THC concentrations vary.

But here’s the kicker—hemp-derived THCa, when smoked or vaped, becomes just as potent as marijuana-derived THC.

That’s why you can legally smoke cannabis from hemp and still feel the full effect.

Mood exclusively offers hemp-derived products that deliver the intensity of classic cannabis with Farm Bill compliance.

Smoking cannabis from Mood means real THC effects—no medical card required.

How THC Works in the Body

When you consume THC—by inhaling cannabis smoke or eating an edible—it binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, part of your endogenous cannabinoid system (also called the endocannabinoid system).

These cannabinoid receptors influence many body processes, including mood, appetite, sleep, memory, and the central nervous system.

Once THC appears in the bloodstream, it crosses the blood-brain barrier and triggers a rush of neurotransmitters.

Want to try a fast-hitting strain that feels as strong as traditional cannabis? Spark up Jealousy flower for balanced, full-body effects.

Short-Term THC Effects

Whether you smoke marijuana or hemp-derived weed, the short-term effects of cannabis can vary depending on dosage and product type.

Here’s what many cannabis users report:

  • Euphoria or elevated mood

  • Enhanced sensory perception

  • Altered sense of time

  • Increased appetite

  • Drowsiness or calm

  • Giggles or introspection

That’s why it’s best to start low and go slow—especially if you’re new to cannabis consumption.

Looking for something uplifting but chill? Try Pink Lemonade flower for a breezy, euphoric experience.

Long-Term THC Effects

Long-term cannabis usage is an ongoing area of research, but studies and user reports suggest:

  • Tolerance: Frequent cannabis consumption may make your body less sensitive to THC, requiring more to feel the same effect.

  • Cognitive shifts: Heavy, long-term use may impact memory or attention, especially when cannabis usage begins in adolescence.

  • Mood changes: THC can both lift and dull emotions depending on use patterns.

  • Sleep disruption or enhancement: Depending on the strain and user, THC may help or hinder sleep.

Taking breaks between sessions can help you reset your tolerance and enjoy weed more mindfully.

Want a dreamy, down-tempo strain? Counting Sheep flower was made for wind-down mode.

Why THC Feels Different for Everyone

Several factors shape how cannabis affects each individual:

  • Your body: Weight, metabolism, and tolerance all play a role.

  • Delivery method: Cannabis smoke hits faster and wears off quicker than edibles.

  • Mindset and setting: The environment and your mental state influence the experience.

  • Strain genetics: Different cannabis sativa strains deliver different results.

Looking for a functional, anytime high? Check out the smooth, creative buzz of Super Goof.

THC vs. Other Cannabinoids

While THC is the star of cannabis intoxication, the cannabis plant produces other cannabinoids that also affect the body:

  • CBD: Calming, non-intoxicating

  • CBN: Relaxing and potentially sedating

  • Delta-8 THC: A milder version of Delta-9, with a smoother ride

  • THCa: Non-psychoactive until heated, then becomes THC

Cannabinoids produce unique effects individually and together—a synergy known as the entourage effect.

Explore products like Jealousy or Dante’s Inferno to experience this layered cannabinoid profile.

Choosing the Right THC Product

Mood offers a curated selection of potent, hemp-derived cannabis products that feel just like traditional cannabis smoke but stay within federal limits.

Here’s how to choose:

Every product we offer is third-party tested and Farm Bill-compliant—real weed, real effects, legally delivered to your door.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're smoking cannabis for creativity, eating gummies for chill, or vaping for quick relief, THC is the key driver behind the cannabis experience.

It interacts with the endogenous cannabinoid system, alters your mood and senses, and provides effects that range from calm to euphoric.

And thanks to hemp innovation, you don’t need to walk into a dispensary to get the real thing. You just need Mood.

FAQs

What does THC do to the brain?

THC binds to CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the brain, affecting mood, memory, appetite, and more.

Is hemp-derived THC the same as marijuana THC?

No but once heated, hemp-derived THCa becomes more potent.

How does smoking cannabis compare to eating it?

Cannabis smoke acts fast and fades quickly. Edibles take longer to kick in but last much longer.

How long does THC stay in the body?

It varies, but detectable traces can remain for days or weeks depending on usage frequency and metabolism.

What’s the best Mood product for a first-time cannabis user?

Start with a balanced hybrid like Pink Lemonade or Jealousy, and consider a low-dose gummy.

Shop Mood’s THC Products

If you're ready to see how THC affects your mind and body, Mood has you covered.

Shop our full line of hemp flower and THC gummies for premium weed experiences —no card, no hassle, just good vibes.

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