What are THC pills?

Cannabis capsules deliver the medicinal properties of cannabis in a concentrated, pre-dosed format. While each capsule is pre-measured for your convenience, determining your ideal dose may require some experimenting.

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Understanding cannabis capsules

Cannabis capsules allow you to consume cannabis in pill form. Each pill contains a pre-measured dose of either a single cannabinoid or a combination of cannabis compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

Encapsulated within a vegetarian or gelatin-based shell, they contain a form of cannabis such as:

• Cannabis extract (oil): These capsules contain an oily cannabis extract that has a golden to amber color, demonstrating its high concentration of terpenes and flavonoids.
• Ground flower: Some capsules contain ground up cannabis flower that has been decarboxylated (heated) to “activate” cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
• Pulverized cannabinoid crystals: Crystals are purified cannabinoids like CBD or THC. These capsules do not contain terpenes or flavonoids.

Like many cannabis product types, cannabis capsules come in various milligram (mg) strengths, usually ranging from 2.5 mg to 50 mg.

Capsules can produce long-lasting relief throughout the day. It can take 1 to 2 hours to feel their effects, but can last for 8 to 12 hours depending on dosage.

Benefits and risks of cannabis capsules

Capsules have some advantages over other cannabis product types. But, they come with some risks, like all forms of cannabis.

Benefits

There are several reasons why you might prefer capsules over other cannabis product types.

Capsules are easy to dose consistently, as they each contain an equal amount of cannabis.

Unlike certain edibles like gummies and brownies, they’re free of added sugars and excessive calories. And, they don’t irritate the respiratory tract like inhalable products.

Capsules are discreet and highly portable, so that you can take your medical cannabis almost anywhere.

Risks and side effects

Like most medications and supplements, cannabis capsules can cause certain side effects, especially if you have a low tolerance or consume too many at once. Those side effects include:

• Anxiety/paranoia
• Diminished cognitive functioning
• Disorientation
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Hallucinations
• Impaired motor skills
• Lethargy
• Nausea
• Rapid heart rate
• Red eyes

It’s important to be patient when taking cannabis capsules, and wait 2 hours before assessing their effects. Avoid taking a second dose while you wait for the first one to kick in.

Basics of dosing cannabis capsules

Cannabis capsules have a suggested serving size on the label. But, that doesn’t always mean that the suggested serving size is right for you.

Like with all cannabis products, it can take some trial and error to establish your ideal dose. There are a number of factors to consider when choosing the best amount of cannabis for your needs.

Tolerance

Cannabis tolerance refers to your body’s ability to adapt to its effects. Frequent or prolonged exposure to compounds like THC can reduce your body’s sensitivity to their effects over time.

It’s common for new or occasional cannabis users to have a low tolerance level, making them more likely to experience side effects.

The importance of a “start low, go slow” approach

Cannabis’s intoxicating effects can be intense when consumed in capsule form compared to other product types. When ingested, THC converts into a more potent compound as it passes through the liver.

To avoid unpleasant side effects, Leafwell’s resident pharmacist Mark Kasabuski recommends that you start low and go slow, opting for the lowest THC dosage available if you’re a beginner.

“I recommend first-time users start with a capsule in the 2.5-5 milligram (mg) range, then wait a full two hours before you consider redosing,” Kasabuski explains. “That way, you can observe the effects of the capsule.”

If the initial THC dosage doesn’t produce your desired results, Kasabuski suggests increasing it by increments of 2.5 mg for first-timers and 5 mg for more experienced users. “I always recommend starting low, going slow, and observing the results from the smallest effective dose.”

Body weight and metabolism

Body weight and metabolism can both impact how your body processes cannabis.

“Cannabis is fat-soluble,” Kasabuski says. “[the cannabinoids] absorb through some of the fat and get stored in the fat cells in the body.”

People with increased body fat may metabolize cannabis more slowly, which can delay the onset of effects and extend their duration. Those with faster metabolisms may experience more potent effects that kick in sooner and last for a shorter period of time.

Potential interactions with other substances

Cannabis may interact with substances like alcohol and prescription medications.

“Prescription medication can have a big influence on cannabis and vice versa. The biggest thing to watch out for is how your medication is metabolized, or processed, by the body.” Kasabuski says.

“The liver does a lot of heavy lifting when metabolizing cannabis. Taking medications heavily metabolized by the liver could alter the effects of both your cannabis and prescription medication.”

While mixing cannabis and alcohol isn’t necessarily dangerous, you should exercise caution when combining them. Both highly intoxicating substances carry certain risks.

“When taking cannabis with alcohol, you might feel more of that dizziness and lack of coordination,” Kasabuski explains.

Mixing marijuana with alcohol may:

• Elevate blood pressure
• Increase heart rate
• Cause nausea/vomiting
• Weaken the cardiovascular system
• Impair cognitive functioning

Chronic overuse of these substances can lead to severe issues, including:

• Liver damage
• Brain damage
• Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety
• Short-term memory loss
• Increased risk of overdose

To be safe, Kasabuski recommends contacting your doctor, pharmacist, or a Leafwell cannabis guide to discuss your current medication regimen and any concerns about combining cannabis with medications or other substances.

The bottom line: Cannabis capsules are discreet, effective, and user-friendly

Cannabis capsules offer user-friendly way to consume cannabis, but the dose you choose can make or break your experience.

The effects of cannabis vary from person to person, and are influenced by numerous factors, including your tolerance, metabolism, health status, and potency. That’s why it’s best to start with a low dose and work your way up as tolerated.

If you need help figuring out your ideal dosage, reach out to a healthcare professional at Leafwell who can provide more personalized guidance.

Resources

• Drug interactions with cannabinoids. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7055953/
• Therapeutic effects of cannabis and cannabinoids. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425767/