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What is THC? The substance Tetrahydrocannabinol represents one of the many cannabinoids that make up the chemical structure of the cannabis plant. However, if we are talking about cannabis with the psychoactive substance THC, it is commonly referred to as marijuana (or weed, weed, etc.). So-called marijuana has quite strong psychoactive effects, is addictive over time and can cause a number of psychological complications with long-term (chronic) use. That is why it is not only in Slovakia among the banned substances - drugs. The possession, cultivation or sale of cannabis with THC is punishable by very severe penalties in this country, which can result in imprisonment of up to several years. Therefore, there is a strong push for the so-called decriminalisation (partial legalisation) of cannabis.
Marijuana and Slovakia - THC in Slovakia
The psychoactive substance THC is classified as a banned drug in Slovakia. It cannot be obtained even with a prescription. If a doctor wants to use it for treatment, he or she must prescribe a special product (called a spray) from a pharmacy that also contains CBD (cannabidiol), according to the available information. Many European countries also allow the prescription of cannabis dried THC flowers (cones) in cases where the patient has very severe health problems. A great example would be a cancer patient or a patient suffering from another complicated, difficult-to-treat illness.
However, there are efforts to legalise marijuana with THC (weed) in Slovakia. And it is growing. This is mainly due to the draconian penalties that await anyone caught red-handed. It is enough to be in possession of just one or two grams of the dry substance. In the neighbouring Czech Republic or Germany, such a small amount is dealt with on the spot by means of a block fine of a few dozen euros. That is why decriminalisation is a very, very real thing. You can read more about this topic in our comprehensive article Legalisation of cannabis in Slovakia.
What are the effects of THC?
As already mentioned, marijuana with THC has quite strong psychoactive effects, so it affects the consciousness of the user. The use of larger amounts with higher concentrations of the active substance can result in conditions that will not allow the user to function normally. Such a state may last for up to several hours without a break. However, the biggest problem arises when the user becomes a so-called chronic user. Long-term use of THC can produce effects that can leave lasting effects on a person's psyche, even with a built-up addiction. Marijuana has a very negative effect on the brain, which is why there is a risk of psychological complications such as social phobia. Sleep problems (insomnia, insomnia) can also occur.
As for the positive effects of THC marijuana, the list includes improved sleep quality, a significantly greater appetite for food, improved senses (smell, taste, hearing, etc.) or pain reduction, such as chronic or long-term pain. There are not many of them, but they are very intense.
The difference between CBD and THC
If you are wondering what the difference is between the recently legalised CBD and the banned substance THC, the first thing to mention is that Cannabidiol (or even CBD) is non-addictive and does not cause any psychoactive effects. Simply put, it does not alter the consciousness of the user. This is also why it World Health Organization(WHO) has identified it as a substance that has a great safety profile. This is one of the many reasons why so-called CBD products, including the cultivation of hemp with CBD, are also supported by the European Union.
What CBD and THC have in common is their relaxing effect. However, the relaxing power of CBD is considerably weaker than that of regular marijuana. Cannabidiol does interact with the same receptors in the human body, but in a slightly different way than the psychoactive substance THC. The same is true of CBG (Cannabigerol) or CBN (Cannabinol), which can also be obtained in the form of various relaxation or sleep aid products. Usually in combination with CBD.
Marijuana in the world
Countries' approach to THC-marijuana varies considerably around the world. The further west you go, the more you will encounter shops selling cannabis products with CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC or even THC. Conversely, the further east you go, you will face significant penalties for even just one gram of pot, not just psychoactive pot. In Dubai, for example, you can do more than 20 years for one CBD oil. And that's without any pinch of salt. They do not even tolerate cannabinoids such as cannabidiol, cannabigerol or cannabinol, which are quite common in Europe.
As far as the European Union is concerned, only the small island state of Malta has so far fully legalised cannabis with THC. This was done at the end of 2021. Local residents will now be able to use and possess as well as grow smaller quantities of the plant for so-called recreational purposes (personal consumption). In the neighbouring Czech Republic, marijuana is decriminalised, which means in other words that locals face only a minor block fine of a few tens of euros for a joint , for example. In the Netherlands, for a change, there is a very liberal culture, which has absolutely no problem with the fact that there are so-called coffeeshops open on almost every corner, where even tourists can buy marijuana with THC. In Germany, THC pot is prescribed by doctors, but we can expect it to be legalised for recreational use very soon.