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New cannabinoids on the rise: Is THCJD safe?

What is THCJD and what is its origin?

Over 150 minor cannabinoids have already been identified in the cannabis plant, and THCJD (tetrahydrocannabidiol) is one of them. Although it is said to be a completely new cannabinoid, information on its chemical structure suggests that it was identified as early as 1941 and is known as THC-Octyl or THC-C8. The term THCJD may thus be used purely for marketing (or other reasons unknown to us).

THCJD is reportedly found in small quantities directly in the cannabis plant, but its production in the laboratory from CBD isolate is more common. Structurally, it resembles THC, but has a longer alkyl chain. Let's now take a closer look at how it differs from the better-known cannabinoid THC.

THCJD vs. THC

THCJD is a homologue of the psychoactive cannabinoid THC (delta-9-THC). Homologues are compounds of the same type with similar chemical structure and properties.

The fundamental difference between the two cannabinoids lies in the length of the side (alkyl) chain. While THC has a five-carbon chain, THCJD has eight carbons in the side chain. Research suggests that the longer the chain, the more potent the cannabinoid can be. 

THC's psychoactivity comes from its interaction with the CB1 receptor in the endocannabinoid system. And because THCJD has an extended carbon tail, it is expected to be even more active at CB1 receptors, and thus the psychoactive effects may be many times stronger.

THC is one of the most well-known and, along with CBD, most studied compounds from the cannabis plant, and a number of scientific studies are looking at not only its chemical structure and properties, but also its possible therapeutic potential. THC, for example, may relieve pain and help with cramps, nausea and vomiting, while CBD may alleviate symptoms in some types of epilepsy, help with sleep and relieve stress and anxiety. We do not yet know what, if any, therapeutic potential THCJD has, as there are no scientific studies on this compound.

Effects of THCJD

Because of the above, we really have very little information on how THCJD affects the human body and mind. Based on user testimonies, we know that THCJD can produce very strong psychoactive effects, some even mention psychedelic effects. It is therefore very likely that it is a substance with a greater 'intoxicating potential' than THC or THCP.

THCJD can reportedly induce a feeling of relaxation, euphoria, excitement. However, before you enthusiastically start ordering THCJD products for yourself and your friends, you should also be aware of certain risks that may be associated with this type of compound.

 

THCJD side effects and other pitfalls

Like other psychoactive cannabinoids, THCJD can cause side effects such as:

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

Whether and to what extent side effects occur depends on the specific product, dose, method of consumption, but also on the gender, age, sensitivity or metabolism of the individual user. 

The biggest risk of such substances is that they are often (semi-)synthetically produced and may be contaminated with undesirable substances such as heavy metals or solvents. 

Another difficulty is that information on new cannabinoids is not yet supported by research and scientific studies, as these have not yet been elaborated.

THCJD products

THCJD vapes, cartridges, hash and edibles are already starting to fill domestic and foreign e-shops. These products can currently be found in the United States, but also in some European countries such as the Netherlands, Austria and the Czech Republic. 

Manufacturers like to experiment, so in addition to different concentrations and flavours, you can also get a mix of THCJD with other cannabinoids such as CBD or THCH. 

Is THCJD legal and safe?

The THCJD products you can find on the market usually contain less than 0.2% THC, so from that point of view they are legal. The cultivation of cannabis with up to 0.3% THC was legalized in 2018 by the US Farm Bill, known as the Farm Bill. 

However, some of the new psychoactive cannabinoids, such as HHC or THCP, are currently being regulated or outright banned in Europe, even though they contain no or only the permitted amount of THC. It is therefore not unlikely that a similar fate (i.e. prohibition or regulation) awaits THCJD in the future, at least until good scientific research on this cannabinoid emerges. 

As regards the safety issues, precisely because of the lack of clinical studies, we cannot yet say with certainty that the use of THCJD is completely risk-free. If you are tempted by the new cannabinoids, shop at e-shops that you have experience with and trust (user reviews will tell you a lot) and choose retailers that have their products tested by an independent lab and publish Certificates of Analysis. 

 

Original text: Michaela Mádlová, translation by AI

 

Photo: Shutterstock

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