tetrahydrocannabinol
A scientist examines a molecular model of tetrahydrocannabinol in a laboratory.
Noun: A psychoactive chemical compound that is the primary intoxicating substance found in the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa). It is responsible for most of the psychological effects, or the "high," associated with marijuana use.
This is a technical and scientific term. It is most commonly used in formal, medical, legal, and scientific contexts to refer to the specific active ingredient in cannabis. * The laboratory test confirmed the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol in the sample. * Researchers are studying the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol on the human brain.
- Acronym: Due to its length, the word is almost universally abbreviated as THC in both scientific and common parlance.
- The product's label listed its THC content as 18%.
- Isomer Specification: In advanced chemistry, the specific isomer delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is often noted as the primary active form.
- Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol binds to cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system.
- THC (noun): The standard abbreviation for tetrahydrocannabinol.
- Cannabinoid (noun): A broader class of chemical compounds found in cannabis, which includes tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
- Psychoactive compound/constituent of cannabis: A descriptive synonym emphasizing its effect and source.
- (The) active ingredient in marijuana: A more common, non-technical way to refer to it.
This term has a single, specific scientific meaning. It does not have idioms or phrasal verbs associated with it. In everyday conversation, people use the abbreviation THC or refer to it indirectly (e.g., "the psychoactive part" or "the stuff that gets you high").
A scientist examines a molecular model of tetrahydrocannabinol in a laboratory.
- psychoactive substance present in marijuana