Incontro con il THCB: quali sono i suoi effetti e come si differenzia dagli altri cannabinoidi?

• Nature's code: what is THCB?
• From plant to product: the production of THCB
• THCB Effects Pavilion
• Education centre: side effects and other pitfalls
• Information corner or comparison of THCB, THC, THCH, THCJD and THCPO
• Cannabis market: offer of THCB products
• Conclusion

Nature's code: What is THCB?

THCB, or tetrahydrocannabutol, is a minor cannabinoid, which means that if you had high-tech scientific equipment, you would find it in minute amounts in the cannabis plant, similar to THCH, HHC, THCD or THCP, for example. For the record, roughly 150 minor cannabinoids have already been identified in cannabis, as evidenced by a 2022 study.

THCB is a homologue of the cannabinoid THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, delta-9-THC). The term homologue refers to chemicals of the same type that share similar chemical structure and properties. While THCB has a butyl side chain with 4 carbons, THC has a classical pentyl side chain with 5 carbons. The molecular formula of THCB is C20H28O2.

 

THCB was researched as early as 1942 by Roger Adams, and the cannabinoid remained in obscurity for a couple of decades. A breakthrough in the cannabis industry came in 2018 with the US Farm Bill, which removed cannabis (with up to 0.3% THC) from the list of controlled substances, opening the door to the legal cultivation, processing and sale of cannabis products. It also kick-started the cannabis market in Europe and scientists began to make remarkable discoveries.

In 2019, a study was published by an Italian group of scientists who identified THCB in CBD samples derived from cannabis and in a variety of medicinal cannabis. And that's probably why some are inclined to believe that this is a newly discovered cannabinoid. Would that sound better marketing-wise? Either way, you already know that it is more of a 'rediscovered' cannabinoid, but one that has only recently started to conquer the market.

From plant to product: The production of THCB

Wondering what's going on with THCB production? We'll save you the complicated details. We've already told you that it's a minor cannabinoid, so it's virtually impossible to extract this cannabinoid directly from cannabis in quantities sufficient for commercial production, and because of this, the bulk of products are made from other, more readily available cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD). That's why THCB is labeled a semi-synthetic cannabinoid.

 

To make THCB, scientists need butylresorcinol or resorcinol with 4 carbons in the side chain. Butylresorcinol is a chemical compound classified as a phenol, which consists of resorcinol (a benzene derivative) and a butyl chain, meaning a chain containing 4 carbon atoms. To form THCB, scientists need one of these compounds, both of which are very similar in terms of chemical structure and function in a chemical reaction.

In making it, scientists do not add extra carbons to the molecule, but use a precursor that already has the proper number of carbon atoms in a chemical process called "terpenylation".

THCB effects pavilion

Reports to date suggest that THCB binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body. CB1 receptors are mainly found in the brain and nervous system, while CB2 receptors are mainly found in the immune system, digestive tract and other organs. The interaction of THCB with the ECS is still under intensive investigation.

THCB has psychoactive effects thought to be somewhat milder or comparable to THC. The cannabinoid THCB can affect perception and mood, induce feelings of euphoria, increase energy, promote creativity, induce a sense of relaxation and relieve symptoms of pain. And what do the studies say?

 

The journal Pharmaceuticals published a study in 2020 suggesting that better binding to CB1 receptors could be beneficial in neurological diseases such as epilepsy, and that THCB exhibits anticonvulsant properties.

But it doesn't stop there, more research on mice will be published in 2020. A study from an Italian group of scientists was published in Scientific Reports suggesting that THCB helps to relieve pain symptoms, and the Journal of Natural Products published a study stating that THCB has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

It looks very promising, doesn't it? However, more detailed research is currently lacking, so definitive conclusions cannot be drawn about how THCB works and whether it actually has therapeutic potential.

Education centre: Side effects and other pitfalls

Each substance carries a risk of potential side effects, the intensity of which will depend on the dose and route of consumption, the health status, body proportions, metabolism, experience and tolerance of the user.

Possible side effects that may occur during a zoo walk include:

• dry mouth
• redness of the eyes
• increased heart rate
• impaired coordination
• memory problems
• Dizziness
• Anxiety
• paranoia

In the cannabis garden we make sure that every visitor is well informed about the risks associated with the use of (semi)synthetic cannabinoids:

⚠️Proto remember that compounds of this type can be much more potent than natural cannabinoids, which can increase the potential risk of intoxication and overdose, which can result in a condition known as a 'bad trip'. Psychological side effects, particularly paranoia, anxiety, panic and hallucinations, may occur.

Approach similar products with respect and consideration to ensure that your experience is pleasant and, most importantly, safe.

❌ THCB products are recommended especially for experienced users. Under no circumstances is it recommended to drive or operate any machinery after use.

 

Information corner or comparison of THCB, THC, THCH, THCJD and THCPO

	THCB	THC	THCH	THCJD	THCPO
Natural vs. synthetic cannabinoid	It is naturally found in cannabis, but only in low amounts, mostly made from other cannabinoids.	A natural cannabinoid found naturally in abundance in cannabis.	It occurs naturally in cannabis, but only in low abundance, mostly made from other cannabinoids.	It is reportedly found in trace amounts in the cannabis plant, but is usually made from other cannabinoids.	A semi-synthetic cannabinoid not found in cannabis.
Side chain	Butyl chain with 4 carbons	Alkyl chain with 5 carbons	Hexyl chain with 6 carbons	Alkyl chain with 8 carbons	An alkyl chain consisting of 7 carbons, which is completed by an acetate group
Chemical structure modification	Terpenylation	x	Terpenylation	Isomerization	Acylation
Psychoactive effects	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Legal status	It may be in a legal grey area or on the banned substances list.	The maximum amount allowed in most EU countries is 0.3%, in the Czech Republic 1%.	It is an illegal substance in most European countries, and may be in a legal grey area in some places.	In many European countries, it is already a banned substance or in a legal grey area.	In many European countries, it is already a banned substance or in a legal grey area.

Cannabis market: What are the available HHCH products on the market?

🛒 You can get these products at some cannabis markets:

• HHCH distillate: added to other products such as liquids, resins or used to infuse the flowers of industrial hemp
• Oil: usually combines cannabinoid extract and carrier oil
• Extracts and concentrates
• Hash: cannabis concentrate made from industrial hemp pollen and HHCH distillate
• HHCH vapes, replacement cartridges and liquids
• HHCH flowers, which are sticks of technical cannabis infused with HHCH distillate

 

Commonly available HHCH products meet the legal standard of 0,2-0,3 % THC on dry weight basis.

Conclusion

Cannabis plants do not produce HHCH, it is a semi-synthetic derivative that is produced by hydrogenation of THCH distillate and its conversion to HHCH.

It is generally reported that HHCH has psychoactive effects comparable to THC. The potency and strength of the product is influenced by the ratio of the molecules, 9(R)-HHCH and 9(S)-HHCH. If 9(R) dominates the product, the product will be more potent.

And just as you don't go into a gorilla enclosure without thinking and being accompanied by an experienced caregiver, don't rush into using unknown substances, and if you want to try them, always rely on reputable companies that provide laboratory analysis of their products.

 

Author: Patricie Mikolášová

 

 

Photo: AI

"All information provided on this website, as well as information provided through this website, is for educational purposes only. None of the information contained herein is intended to be a substitute for a medical diagnosis and should not be considered medical advice or recommended treatment. This website does not endorse, condone or advocate the licit or illicit use of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances or the commission of any other illegal activity. For more information, please see our Disclaimer ."