Exploring the cannabis galaxy: What is THCB, how is it produced and what are its effects?

What is THCB and how is it made?

THCB, or tetrahydrocannabutol, is a minor cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, although only in minute amounts, as are the compounds THCJD and THCH. In 2022, a study was published stating that approximately 150 minor cannabinoids had been identified in cannabis.

THCB (nor-THC, Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-C4, Δ9-THC-butyl, Δ9-THC-C4) is a homologue of the psychoactive cannabinoid THC (delta-9-THC). Homologue is a term used to describe chemical compounds of the same type that have similar chemical structure and properties. While THC has a classical pentyl side chain, THCB has a butyl side chain.

Although it appears to be a newly discovered cannabinoid, THCB was already researched by Roger Adams in 1942. In 1997, another study was published which reported that scientists had identified minor components of THC, CBD and CBN homologues with butyl side chains in marijuana samples.

As THCB is only present in low concentrations in cannabis, there is no chance for producers to extract the substance directly from the plant to cover commercial production. Therefore, most THCB products on the current market are obtained by chemical transformation of other cannabinoids such as CBD.

Based on a 2019 study describing the synthesis of the cannabinoid THCP by chemical reaction, chemist Dr. Mark Scialdone said cannabinoids with different carbon chain lengths, such as THCP, THCB and THCH, are produced synthetically and are not extracted from the cannabis plant, meaning the products are not natural.

Scientists need butylresorcinol or resorcinol with a chain length of 4 carbons to produce THCB.

In a nutshell, scientists do not add additional carbons to the delta-9-THC molecule, but use a synthetic substance that serves as a precursor and already has the proper number of carbon atoms in a chemical process called "terpenylation."

 

THCB is obtained on the current market by chemically transforming other cannabinoids such as CBD

Effects of THCB

At the moment, we do not have enough knowledge in the galactic archive about how THCBs affect the organism, so this should be approached with caution. The cannabinoid THCB appears to be psychoactive.

The intensity of THCB effects is thought to be similar to that of delta-9-THC, with THCB probably having slightly milder to comparable effects to delta-9-THC.

Early explorers reported that it can induce feelings of relaxation, euphoria, more energy and creativity, and relieve symptoms of pain.

The THCB compound binds to CB2 (mainly in the immune system) and CB1 (mainly in the brain and nervous system) receptors in the body's endocannabinoid system, the exact mechanism remains under investigation.

They published a study in the journal Pharmaceuticals suggesting that higher binding to the CB1 receptor appears useful in neurological diseases such as epilepsy and that the cannabinoid THCB has anticonvulsant properties.

Although THCB is still being investigated, preliminary research suggests that it likely harbors a number of potential therapeutic benefits.

In 2020, a study on mice published in the peer-reviewed journal Scientific Reports, conducted by an Italian team of scientists, suggested that THCB contributes to the alleviation of pain-related sensations with potentially harmful stimuli such as toxins and harmful chemicals. And in the same year, yet another study came out, the Journal of Natural Products published a study in mice that revealed THCB showed promising anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

However, further research is needed to confirm these effects.

Possible side effects

The International Space Station has already issued a statement that, as with any substance, there is always a risk of adverse effects. Given the current lack of research, other cannabinoids with psychoactive properties can be relied upon for the time being.

Possible side effects:

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

The intensity of these effects will vary depending on the dose, route of consumption, metabolism and sensitivity of the explorer.

Conclusion of the expedition: the THCB product range

You can already find THCB vape pens and cartridges, liquids (liquids designed for vaporization), spirits and flowers on planet earth today.

The cannabinoid THCB is legal under the 2018 US Farm Bill, which legalised all cannabis derivatives that contain no more than 0.3% THC. In the Czech Republic, the limit for the maximum THC content in dry matter has been raised to 1%.

Remember that one of the biggest risks of analogues is that they are often (semi-)synthetically produced and may be contaminated with undesirable substances (heavy metals or solvents). Therefore, always choose trusted and verified vendors who have their products tested by a third laboratory party.

And because reports so far suggest that the effects of THCB are similar to those of delta-9-THC, this cannabinoid is recommended for more experienced astronauts who have flown to cannabis galaxies.

It is still true that international space laboratories are at the beginning of research. Although THCB products contain the permitted amount of THC, it is still a cannabinoid with psychoactive properties, which means it can affect your perception, so under no circumstances should you try it before driving any spacecraft.

 

Original author: Patricie Mikolášová, translated by: AI

 

Foto: Pixabay

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