Yes, it is the THC that helps. The tincture that you take under the tongue is prescribed with a range of THC in combination with CBD. It can take several THC level trials to achieve the desired pain relief. Happily the medical marijuana does not give you a high like they would achieve using marijuana as a means to that end. You get pain relief , no high. Hope this answers your questions and concerns. I hope that you feel better about pursuing it. It has been a Godsend for me.