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THCH: A brand new cannabinoid!
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⌛
4 min
With the free sale of CBD and the decriminalization of THC for medical or recreational purposes in Western countries, medical and commercial research on cannabis is in full swing.
More research leads to more results, and here is one such result, the latest discovery: THC-H!
You might have recognized it, it's a cousin of THC. But what are its effects? Is THCH psychoactive? What does the future hold for this newcomer? Is it legal in France? What should we expect?! Keep calm and read this: we answer all your questions!
Natural or not THCH?
Well, no. THCH isn't exactly what you'd call a natural cannabinoid. In fact, as far as we know today, it has only been detected twice in its natural state: in the FM2 variety, a hemp originating from Italy (at a concentration level of less than 0.1%), and in the smoke of certain varieties (again, at very low levels).
So, the THC-H we know, which was recently synthesized, is synthetic: created entirely in a laboratory. For your information, and without going into too much detail, THC-H is created through a process called "terpenylation." This involves combining a terpene derivative with another organic compound (heptyl resorcinol) through a chemical reaction. As a result of this reaction, THC-H is synthesized.
THC-h and THC: what's the difference?
THC-H has a molecular group very similar to that of THC, but although their structures are similar, there are notable differences; THC-H has a longer n-hexyl side chain than THC. And this can be observed with CBN and H3CBN; these two molecules make a significant difference.
According to the results of the study that followed its synthesis, it would appear that THC-h has a higher affinity for the endocannabinoid system. However, it is important to emphasize that the results of this study are based solely on tests conducted on mice and over a relatively short period. Although the endocannabinoid system is known to be the same in all mammals, the molecule could produce different effects in humans and with medium- and long-term use. Furthermore, CBD also stimulates this system but has no psychoactive effects, so this molecule likely has very different effects from THC.
What are the effects of THC-H
Regarding the effects of THC-H, the researchers who discovered it consider it the second most potent cannabinoid after THC-P. However, this potency reflects the cannabinoid's action on the endocannabinoid system, not the effects felt by the individual. Therefore, this potency does not necessarily translate into psychoactivity.
Regarding the psychoactive effects, most users attribute effects to THC-H comparable to THC-P. It seems to produce a profound sense of euphoria and relaxation of both body and mind. It appears to primarily induce a strong physical effect (changes in the perception of gravity, muscle relaxation, etc.) that would make it similar to the effect of a highly potent indica strain.
Finally, it appears that THC-H has a more stable structure than THC, meaning the molecule remains in the body longer and its bioavailability (the amount of active substance absorbed by the body) is also increased. This explains why its effects could last two to three times longer than those of THC.
Medical applications of THC-H
Like all cannabinoids, THC-H acts on the endocannabinoid system. In doing so, it could have applications in the following areas:
- Changes in appetite
- Pain relief
- Neuroprotection
- From the fight against inflammation, nausea and vomiting
However, medical research on THC-h is still in its infancy, and significant investment from researchers will be needed to unlock all the secrets of the molecule. Furthermore, given its pronounced psychotropic effects, it seems more suited to recreational use than to medical application.
Legality of THCH
As with all cannabinoids, whether synthetic, semi-synthetic or natural, legality varies from state/country to state.
In France, the molecule benefits from the same legal loophole as other cannabinoids of the same type.
In accordance with European legislation, French legislation stipulates that a product containing more than 0.3% THC is illegal, as it presents too great a risk of habituation and dependence.
Below 0.3% THC, molecules are automatically authorized until it can be proven, with supporting studies, that they present too great a risk to the health of consumers.
Because THCH is a relatively new drug, data about it is too limited to determine whether or not the compound is harmful. But as with HHC, there's no guarantee it will remain legal.
THCH is the latest discovery, but not the only one!
Indeed, due to constantly growing demand and the research needed to ensure user health, researchers are increasingly working on hemp and CBD.
Besides THC-H, three other molecules have been isolated recently:
- The THCB
- The CBNO
- The CRD
Never heard of them? Don't worry, we'll be discussing these new cannabinoids on our blog. Our top writers are on it!
Sources
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