What Are THC Pills?
Article written by
Shanti RyleContent Writer
Content reviewed by
Dr. Lewis Jassey
THC pills, or capsules, are cannabis in pill form. These pills can contain many forms of cannabis, such as extracted oil, decarboxylated flower, or single cannabinoids, such as THC or CBD.
THC pills offer a straightforward, precisely-dosed, and subtle way to consume cannabis with long-lasting effects. This article explores THC pills in greater detail and why you should consider them a potential tool in your medical marijuana arsenal.
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What Are THC Pills?
At a glance, THC pills are practically no different from any other pill or capsule, aside from the fact they contain THC. THC pills allow medical marijuana patients to dose their medicine and quickly obtain fast-acting, long-lasting relief.
These pills can vary greatly in formulation and ingredients, but THC pills contain some amounts of THC for the most part. However, some may have higher levels of CBD, while others may have more elevated terpenes or flavonoids.
Types
There are three different types of THC pills usually stocked on dispensary shelves:
- THC oil capsules contain an oily distillate and are usually in clear gel caps to show the golden oil inside. These come in five to 25 milligrams of THC or higher.
- Flower capsules contain flower heated so that their THCA has converted to THC. These pills contain decarboxylated flower, containing all the cannabinoids found in flower that may be absent in a concentrate.
- THC isolate capsules contain pure THC free from any plant matter or terpenes.
Potential Benefits and Uses
Uses
THC pills are optimal for patients searching for consistent dosing who don’t want to deal with the added sugars or calories in edibles. Capsules are also discreet and highly portable, allowing medical cannabis users to take their medicine on the go if needed.
Cannabis capsules are also a healthier and more precise alternative for those who don’t enjoy smoking or vaping and are available in a range of formulations that suit various patient needs.
Potential Benefits
THC pills metabolize in the stomach like other edibles but are free from sugar and calories often found in ingestible cannabis products (e.g., brownies, although some healthier versions are available). This zero-calorie option is ideal for those watching their diets.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
There are few risks associated specifically with THC pills as a consumption method. However, one should always be cautious when trying a new medical marijuana product.
The side effects of too much THC can include sleepiness, fluctuating temperatures, anxiety, dry mouth, dry eyes, dizziness, and increased heart rate.
Opting for a lower dose and waiting to see how you react is a good rule of thumb when taking cannabis pills, as effects take approximately 45-120 minutes to peak and can last up to five hours. Everyone processes THC differently, and learning your unique tolerance and preferences is crucial.
How to Take THC Pills
THC pills are taken like any other pill or vitamin, swallowed dry, or washed down with water. Start with a single, low-dose capsule between 5-10 milligrams if you are a novice.
How Long Do THC Pills Take to Kick In?
Expect the THC pills to take anywhere from 45 minutes to a couple of hours to take effect, so be careful not to take any more for at least two hours after first consumption. Taking the THC pill on an empty stomach may help the effects set in faster, as food can delay onset by about 30 minutes.
THC pills last as long in the body as other edibles, up to approximately five or more hours, and offer longer-lasting effects than smoking or vaping.
The Bottom Line on THC Pills
If you’re a fan of edibles but want to avoid sugar, THC pills are an excellent, reliable cannabis medicine to try. Be sure to start slowly and monitor your reactions, and THC pills may prove a trusty option to obtain cannabis-based relief.