Will Medical Cannabis Get You High?

Yes, medical cannabis can get you high if it contains delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the compound in cannabis that causes psychoactive effects. A product with no THC will not get you high. A product with THC can get you high. The degree depends on the amount of THC and the person.

medical cannabis strains with mild highs

THC and CBD

THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain. This action changes mood, perception, and coordination. CBD does not bind to CB1 receptors in the same way. CBD can reduce some THC effects, but it does not cause a high by itself.

Medical cannabis products vary. Some contain high THC. Some contain high CBD and low THC. Some contain equal amounts. Labels in states with medical cannabis programs list THC and CBD percentages. Check the label.

FDA-Approved Cannabis Drugs

The FDA has approved drugs derived from cannabis or made in a lab.

Medical Cannabis High Duration by Strain Guide

Epidiolex: purified CBD. No THC. Does not cause a high.
Marinol (dronabinol): synthetic THC. Can cause a high.
Cesamet (nabilone): synthetic THC. Can cause a high.

These drugs treat conditions such as nausea from chemotherapy and seizures in rare forms of epilepsy. The THC drugs carry warnings about psychoactive effects.

What Changes the High

Dose: More THC means stronger effects.
Route: Inhaled THC reaches the brain in minutes. Edible THC takes 30 to 120 minutes and can produce a stronger high.
Tolerance: Regular users may feel less high from the same dose.
Body: Weight, liver function, and genetics change THC processing.

State Medical Cannabis Rules

Medical cannabis is legal in 38 states, three territories, and the District of Columbia as of 2024. Rules differ by state. Some states limit THC percentage for medical products. Some allow high-THC products. A medical card does not change how THC works in the body.

Bottom Line

Medical cannabis gets you high if it contains THC. If it has no THC, it will not. Check the product label for THC content. Ask a pharmacist or doctor about your product. Do not drive or operate machines after using THC.