The Ultimate Guide to THC Pills [2022 Update]

THC pills, or capsules, are cannabis products for the health-conscious and discreet. In 2022, getting high isn’t all about puffing on a joint or taking a bong rip – there are now more professional ways of enjoying the marijuana experience.

Welcome to this ultimate guide to THC capsules and pills! Are you keen to learn more about the types of capsules on the market, how THC works in pill form, and why these products are in high demand right now? Then settle in and keep reading!

Let’s start by exploring what THC is and the options available in the federally legal hemp industry.

What is THC?

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a naturally-occurring cannabinoid in cannabis, renowned for its potent psychotropic properties. Sought-after worldwide as a recreational drug, THC also has a long history of therapeutic use.

There are more than 110 cannabinoids, but THC is the one most responsible for the marijuana high. THC induces psychoactive effects as a partial agonist of the endocannabinoid system’s CB1 receptor.

THC typically refers to the delta-9-THC isomer, but there are other THC isomers, too, such as delta-8 and delta-10 – both are popular in the hemp market. However, delta-8 is significantly less potent than delta-9, and delta-10 is even weaker.

What is hemp-derived delta-9?

You may have heard of hemp-derived delta-9 in the media recently – indeed, we stock hemp-derived delta-9 gummies here at CBD Genesis! But what is it?

The term describes THC extract in compliance with the hemp laws set by the 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act (Farm Bill). Marijuana-derived THC is still a Schedule 1 drug, but hemp-derived products with up to 0.3% THC are federally legal!

With some product types, it’s possible to create full-strength THC products that comply with the Farm Bill. In other cases, manufacturers simply capitalize on the law to make hemp products with as much THC extract as legally permitted.

What are THC Pills?

THC capsules are cannabis pill products infused with cannabis oil, decarboxylated flower, or THC-isolate extract.

THC oil capsules generally come in a softgel capsule and have a golden appearance. Decarboxylated THC pills contain pre-heated flower, with the THCa transformed into its activated psychoactive state.

THC-isolate capsules consist of pure THC extract but lack the minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in THC flower pills. However, THC-isolate caps are superior if seeking a pure THC high without the counter-balancing effects of CBD.

Capsule designs

Companies use soft and hard gelatin capsules to make THC pills. Hard capsules are more common but only work with powders and easily dissolvable substances. Some users find large, rigid, and chunky hard capsules tough to swallow.

Soft gelatin is ideal for THC liquid caps. These capsules stay fresh for longer than hard caps and break down quickly in the body, ensuring swifter absorption and faster-acting effects.

Animal gelatin dominates the THC pill scene, but demand for vegetarian and vegan capsules is growing. Such capsules are mostly made of vegetable cellulose and tapioca roots – brands should state the capsule type in the ingredients list. 

Types of THC capsules

THC (delta-9): Traditional THC pills exist in the recreational marijuana markets of legalized states. These can contain pure THC extract or a mixture of THC and CBD-isolate – the latter delivers a dash of relaxation with the psychoactive experience.

Delta-8: Found in the legal hemp industry, delta-8 pills produce effects up to 75% as potent as classic THC. They are made with lab-synthesized distillate, as delta-8 levels in cannabis are too low to make a 100% natural product.

Delta-10: Between 20 to 30% milder than delta-8, hemp-derived delta-10 pills are ideal for novices wanting to sample THC without any nasty side effects. Anecdotes suggest delta-10 induces a relaxing and uplifting high that never gets out of control.

Advantages of Using THC Pills

When you could spark up a cannabis joint, gorge on a THC-infused brownie, or puff on a fruity vape pen, why take THC in plain pill form?

I recommend capsules for precise, consistent, discreet dosing, safe consumption, and more. Let’s take an in-depth look at the benefits of THC pills.

Serving size accuracy

THC is psychoactive and potentially addictive, and you should manage your intake to ensure safe and responsible use. You cannot precisely track your consumption when smoking THC flower, but you can monitor it right down to the milligram with pills.

Knowing your exact intake will help you avoid side effects and from unwittingly upping your dosage. THC-infused caps keep you in control and are perfect for first-timers who want to dabble with THC but are concerned they will go too hard.

Discretion and convenience

We have all been in situations where we would love to get baked but know it’s not realistically possible – at least not in the old-school way. You cannot light up a pungent joint in these scenarios, but you could easily pop a pill or two unnoticed!

THC caps do not have a tell-tale aroma and are even more discreet than gummies, brownies, and other edibles that an eagle-eyed onlooker could spot. Pills look like supplements and meds, so you are unlikely to face a barrage of prying questions.

Furthermore, THC pills are more convenient than most hemp and cannabis products. You don’t need to sneak off to take them or worry about making a mess when you do. Just take your dose with a glass of water and wait for the THC to work its magic! 

Safe consumption method

As an intake method, capsules are safer than smoking joints, vaping cartridges, and even eating sugary edibles! They are the best way of getting THC into your system.

That is not to imply the cannabinoid itself is any safer. THC remains THC no matter how you consume it and comes with the same risk of side effects.

Long-lasting effects

THC taken in capsule form (i.e., orally) lasts much longer than THC ingested via a joint, vaping product, or tincture oil. The high from capsules can last throughout the day or night, making them an attractive therapeutic option for persistent issues.

Hard-case pills provide longer-lasting effects than softgel caps due to the slower capsule breakdown and absorption rate. The slightly reduced duration of effects is one of the few downsides with softgels.

No flavor

I will be honest: some cannabis products taste terrible! The earthy, plant-based flavor of marijuana tincture oil is off-putting, and even some edibles have a weird and unpleasant taste. But pills take the flavor out of the equation!

Whether you go for a THC-isolate, decarboxylated flower, or THC liquid cap, you won’t have to deal with any foul-tasting weed extract. All the good stuff stays contained within the pill – all you need to do is swallow it down!

Understanding THC Capsules Effects

Some take cannabis pills for pure euphoria and mind-bending effects, whereas others use them for unique therapeutic relief. And whichever reason you take them for, there is always a chance of side effects. Let’s examine the effects in detail.

Recreational

Increased relaxation, joyfulness, and euphoria are all associated with the recreational THC high. Other effects include heightened senses, a false sense of time, increased appetite, and uncontrollable laughter.

THC capsules give you these effects gradually, without the initial intensity you get from smoking a joint or taking a tincture sublingually. But once the capsule high sets in, the peak effects last much longer than with these products.

Therapeutic

THC’s therapeutic value is back in vogue, with 37 states legalizing medicinal marijuana since the mid-1990s. We must stress that commercially available THC capsules are not medicines, but some find these products improve general wellness.

THC may relieve aches and pains, and long-acting capsules are especially useful for alleviating nagging discomfort. The appetite-boosting effects of THC could also help with formulating a better dietary plan.

Cannabis scientists are learning more about THC’s health benefits, with legalization and acceptance reducing barriers to research. Given THC’s impact on the endocannabinoid system, it’s not a stretch to believe it has numerous health uses. 

Do not self-medicate with THC capsules or take them instead of any existing prescription medication. Consult with your doctor or physician if you need medical assistance. These products are not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Side effects

Unfortunately, THC pills can cause side effects, as can its delta-8 and delta-10 offshoots. The extended capsule experience also means they can linger for longer. THC side effects include:

• Anxiety and paranoia
• Cottonmouth
• Dry eyes
• Impaired coordination and reaction times
• Increased heart rate 
• Insomnia
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Red-eye
• Short-term memory loss

THC has a low risk of dependence (around 9%), although this is greater among those who experiment at a young age. Researchers have linked heavy use of high-strength THC products to an increased risk of psychosis and schizophrenia.

How to Take THC Capsules

Swallow THC pills with a glass of water, particularly if taking hard-cased capsules. Consume on an empty stomach for faster-acting and intensified effects and consider eating mango or chocolate after dosing for a more potent high.

What NOT to do when taking THC pills

The path to a perfect psychoactive capsule experience is as much about knowing what not to do. The slow onset of effects can trigger rash and impulsive decision-making, especially if you are more familiar with smoking THC.

Keep a bad trip at bay by sticking to the manufacturer’s dosage recommendations. You may get away with increasing the serving size, but not spreading your doses can lead to excessively intense highs.

If you are used to feeling mega-stoned after 30 minutes, don’t get frustrated if you still aren’t feeling anything an hour after taking a capsule. That is the worst time for impatience! Topping up then will make you twice as high over a longer timeframe.

How long do THC pills take to kick in?

Frustratingly, this can vary, with several factors affecting the onset of effects. Cannabis pills can take between 45 minutes to two hours to kick in, so I don’t recommend a second dose until at least 120 minutes have passed.

THC capsules work even more slowly than edibles. Your stomach cannot absorb the cannabinoids until it has digested the capsule, which is why hard gelatin capsules produce the slowest effects.

We all process THC into our system at different rates, with age, genetics, and speed of metabolism all having an impact. Err on the side of caution with dosage guidelines until you have first-hand knowledge of how THC capsules affect you.

How to Store Cannabis Capsules

Find a dry and secure place to store your THC-infused pills, away from direct sunlight and heat. The capsules should protect the THC molecules from oxidation, but exposure to sunlight will cause UV light degradation and product deterioration.

THC gradually loses potency over time but keeping on top of storage will ensure your capsules stay fresher for longer. However, fail to take storage seriously and your product could start going off within weeks.

How Long Do THC Pills Last?

Well-kept and sealed cannabis pills can last up to four years. Romanian scientists found that cannabis products stored in darkness at 40ºF lasted much longer than products kept at room temperature and left exposed to sunlight.

Buy Legal Hemp Pills at CBD Genesis!

CBD Genesis stocks a range of federally legal, hemp-derived capsules, infused with CBD and other cannabinoids. We regularly expand our selection with innovative new products.

Customer safety and satisfaction are crucial to the CBD Genesis philosophy. Every hemp product in our store is third-party lab-tested, a vital seal of approval you don’t often get from brick-and-mortar stores like gas stations.Ready to experience CBD, delta-8, HHC, or even Farm Bill compliant delta-9? Then head to the CBD Genesis store and start your hemp journey the right way!