A comprehensive guide on how to take THC oil

Starting your medical cannabis journey can be an understandably daunting process. Even for those who have prior experience with cannabis, the vast range of administration methods and the varying levels of THC potency can be overwhelming.THC vapes are legal when prescribed to you by a specialist doctor listed on the GMC Specialist Register. Your prescribed cartridge is dispensed by a licensed pharmacy to be administered with a compatible vape pen or device.

"How to take THC oil?" is a question we hear all the time, so in this guide, we will be focusing specifically on understanding THC oil treatment and the therapeutic benefits it can offer. Even if you have been prescribed THC oil for an extended period and already feel comfortable with it, you may find it useful to up your knowledge base. 

What you should know before beginning THC oil treatment

Now, when it comes to dosage size and frequency, we cannot stress strongly enough just how vital it is to follow the prescription laid out by your doctor. Only doctors who are qualified and registered to prescribe medicinal cannabis will be able to offer THC oil as a therapeutic option.

This is not meant to be an instructional segment explaining how every single patient should take THC oil, only as a general guideline to what is currently prescribed. 

THC oil beginner's guide

When starting THC oil treatment, our main advice is to start low and go slow, which is known as titration. 

Patients will get an individual medical cannabis treatment plan from their specialist who will set the administration type, dosage and frequency.

Clinicians will start low and slow, as this will allow you to work out what dose will be suitable for your level of symptomatic relief.

Ideally, you do not want to overshoot the symptom relief threshold and catch yourself accidentally administering too much THC. Not only will this confuse your treatment regime, you may also feel effects that are unwanted. Remember, THC is an intoxicant.

The different types of cannabis oil

Your prescribing doctor will be the one to determine the type of THC oil and the THC potency that is right for you. Typically, THC oil comes in two forms: full-spectrum and isolate.

• Full-spectrum oil: Full spectrum cannabis oil contains all the cannabinoids and terpenes produced by the source cannabis plant, including the cannabinoids (THC, CBD, etc.), and other beneficial compounds. This is believed to offer a more well-rounded therapeutic effect, known as the "entourage effect."

• Broad-spectrum oil: This form of oil contains a range of cannabinoids and terpenes, but the THC has been removed. This type of oil is seen in the CBD market, but as the THC has been removed, it is redundant for THC oil treatment.

• Isolate oil: As the name suggests, this type of oil only contains isolated cannabinoid molecules, in this case, THC. This may be preferred for those who are sensitive to other cannabinoids or prefer a more targeted effect.

When specialists select a THC oil, it's also essential to consider the potency. The concentration of THC can vary greatly, and are usually labelled in milligrams of THC per millilitre (mg/mL) rather than as a percentage.

What are the effects of consuming THC oil?

The effects of THC oil will vary based on a few key factors, including:

• The potency and dosage of the THC oil

• The patient's tolerance to THC

• The method of administration

• The patient's metabolism and body chemistry

THC oil can offer a range of therapeutic effects, including pain relief, appetite stimulation, muscle relaxation and recovery through reduced inflammation, and improved mood. Other therapeutic benefits of THC may include neuroprotective properties and anti-nausea effects.

Depending on the dosage level, you may also experience psychoactive effects, such as euphoria and altered perception. These effects may be desirable for some patients, while others may consider them negative. Effects should always be monitored and kept under control with careful dosage management.

How long do the effects of THC oil last?

How long the effects of THC last depend on how you take your THC oil, the dosage, and the potency of the oil. Compared to other delivery methods such as vaporising, oral consumption has a slower onset time but a longer duration. However, this can vary from person to person.

Let's delve into this a little further next.

How to use THC oil: the different delivery methods 

• Oral consumption (ingestion): This method involves taking the THC oil orally, typically in the form of a pastille or tincture. As mentioned before, this method has a slower onset time, usually between an hour to an hour and a half, but can last anywhere from 6 to 8 hours depending on dosage and metabolism.

• Sublingual administration: This method involves placing the THC oil under the tongue, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes. The effects can be felt within an hour to an hour and a half to be felt and can last from 6 to 8 hours.

• Inhalation (vaporising): This method involves separate products, such as cannabis flower or vape cartridges where patients inhale the vapour of heated cannabis through a vaporiser device. This method has the fastest onset time, with effects being felt within 15 minutes and lasting for approximately 2 to 4 hours.

There is no single best method for taking THC. Vaporising may offer faster relief while oils taken sublingually for longer lasting effects and accurate dosing, your clinician will decide which is best for you and your medical cannabis journey.

Factors that can affect the efficacy and duration of THC oil

When THC is taken orally, it is digested and passes through the stomach into the liver. Here, it is metabolised into a cannabinoid called 11-hydroxy-THC which may be more potent than THC itself, although estimates vary. This explains why some patients report feeling stronger effects from eating THC oil than from other delivery methods, such as vaporising. 

But, when taken orally, the THC also goes through what is referred to as the "first pass effect".

This is where the liver breaks down and filters out a percentage of the THC before it reaches the bloodstream. This means that different individuals may have varying levels of efficacy when taking the same dose of oral THC oil. Factors that can affect things include liver health, metabolism rates, and individual body chemistry, or as simple as what the patient has eaten recently.

For some patients, consuming their THC oil orally may have an intense psychoactive effect, which could discourage them from taking it and experiencing the well-documented potential benefits they desire. If you are prescribed oral THC oil, it is helpful to start low (dosage-wise) and go slow (with how often you re-dose).

Therefore, it's essential to work with your doctor to find the right dosage and method of administration that works best for you.

THC oil side effects in focus

Like any medication, prescribed cannabis oil can have side effects. However, these potential side effects may vary depending on the individual and their tolerance to THC. Some common side effects of THC oil may include:

• Dry mouth

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Changes in appetite

• Mood changes (euphoria, anxiety, or paranoia)

• Impaired memory and cognitive function

• Red eyes

• Racing heartbeat

It's essential to monitor your own response to THC oil and communicate any side effects with your doctor. They can help adjust your dosage or try a different delivery method if needed.

You should stick to your prescription range and use the “start low, go slow” philosophy. A study that looked at over 2,800 legal medical cannabis patients in the UK over the first 12 months of treatment, 1 in 6 reported side effects which were mostly mild or moderate.

It is important to remember if you do take more than you intended or do feel an adverse effect, that these symptoms will pass and should only last 6 to 8 hours at the most before subsiding.

The residual effects of high doses of THC can persist for a couple of days, akin to experiencing mild jet lag or slight sleep deprivation. A slightly higher-than-usual dose of THC oil can also induce a feeling of euphoria.

Managing THC oil side effects

First, and most importantly, stay calm. Taking too much THC oil can lead to unwanted side effects.

High doses of THC can cause a spike in anxiety, so it's important to control your breathing and focus on slow and steady breaths. Heavy, unwanted side effects like panic or anxiety attacks should ease as the THC wears off. 

To help alleviate side effects, stay hydrated and eat a light snack. you should contact your clinician about the side effects.

You can also contact 111 for advice or 999 in an emergency. 

THC oil FAQs

What are the legal considerations for using THC oil in the UK?

In the UK, THC oil is legal when prescribed by a specialist doctor for certain medical conditions. It's not available over-the-counter or for recreational use. Patients must have a prescription and adhere to the dosage guidelines set by their healthcare provider.

How does the effectiveness of THC oil compare to other forms of medical cannabis?

THC oil is often considered more precise in dosage compared to other forms like dried flowers or edibles. Its effects are more consistent and can be tailored to individual needs, making it a preferred option for specific medical conditions requiring fine-tuned dosing.

What are the long-term effects of using THC oil?

Long-term effects of THC oil use are still being studied. Regular use may lead to tolerance or dependance and cardiovascular risks, you can find out more on our blog “What are the potential long term effects of medical cannabis use?” Most patients tolerate long-term treatment when taken under the supervision of a doctor. 

Is it better to take THC or CBD?

THC and CBD have different potential therapeutic effects, a specialist will consider which of the two or if a mix is best suited for your medical cannabis treatment plan.

How many drops of THC oil should I take?

The dosage and frequency of your THC oil will be set by your specialist, you should not exceed this amount or make changes without talking to them first.

Final thoughts on THC oil

While THC oil does come with the slight risk of unwanted side effects, emerging research is showing it may have potential therapeutic benefits.

It's essential to work with your healthcare provider to find the right dose and administration method that works best for you. With responsible use, THC oil may provide relief for various conditions and improve the overall quality of life for patients living with a wide range of health concerns.

Releaf understands the importance of medical cannabis in treating various medical conditions. With our tailored monthly packages, specialist consultations for medical cannabis, and a medical cannabis card.