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What is THCB and what are its effects? What products can you include in your product range?

What is THCB and how is it made?

THCB or tetrahydrocannabinol, also nor-THC, Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-C4, Δ9-THC-butyl, Δ9-THC-C4 is a minor cannabinoid, like THCJD, THCH or CB9, which occurs naturally in the cannabis plant, but only in trace amounts. 

As early as 1942 it was studied by the American chemist Roger Adams. 

Since it is almost impossible to extract this compound directly from the cannabis plant, most THCB products are now made from other, more common cannabinoids such as CBD. 

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

In short, this means that scientists do not add extra carbons to the delta-9-THC (THC) molecule but use a precursor, which is a synthetic substance that has the appropriate number of carbons in a chemical process called 'terpenylation'. Scientists need butylresorcinol or resorcinol with a chain length of four carbons to make THCB.


 

What is THCB and what are its effects


Chemical structure

Tetrahydrocannabutol is the homologue of the psychoactive cannabinoid delta-9-THC. The term homologue refers to chemicals of the same type that share similar chemical structure and properties. The cannabinoid THCB has the molecular formula C20H28O2 and a molecular weight of 300.4.

THCB has a butyl side chain with four carbons (C4H9), whereas THC has a classical pentyl side chain with five carbons.

Effects of THCB

The aforementioned study by Italian researchers suggests that THCB shows stronger binding to CB1 receptors than delta-9-THC. According to the theory, this could be due to the compound having a butyl side chain. 

Like THC, THCB interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body. The THCB compound binds to CB1 receptors, which is why it is psychoactive, and to CB2 receptors. The specific mechanism of how THCB interacts with the ECS remains under investigation.

According to studies conducted in mice to date, tetrahydrocannabutol appears to have promising features, particularly anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

The journal Pharmaceuticals published a study in 2020 suggesting that higher binding to the CB1 receptor appears beneficial in neurological diseases such as epilepsy and that THCB exhibits anticonvulsant properties.

Two more studies were published by peer-reviewed journals in 2020. Scientific Reports published a study from an Italian group of researchers suggesting that THCB helps relieve pain symptoms. 

And the Journal of Natural Products published a study that suggested THCB has promising anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. 

Arguably, the intensity of the effects of tetrahydrocannabutol is similar to that of delta-9-THC, with THCB apparently having somewhat milder to similar effects to delta-9-THC.

In the experience of users, THCB may affect perception and mood, induce euphoria, more energy and creativity, alleviate pain symptoms or induce a feeling of relaxation.

Further research is needed to confirm these effects.

Side effects

Of course, with any substance of this type comes the potential risk of side effects. The intensity of these effects will vary depending on several factors such as health, metabolism and sensitivity of the user, dose and method of consumption. As with other psychoactive cannabinoids, side effects such as:

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


 

THCB and possible products


THCB products that can be included in the range

You can already buy THCB vape pens, cartridges, liquids, flowers and hash in some Czech wholesalers today. In our wholesale we already have vapes and cartridges with a combination of THCB and CBD distillate supplemented with natural terpenes, flowers and hash. We'll also soon be adding liquids for vaping.

Our products contain less than 0.2% THC and are therefore legal.

Lab testing

Although THCB products are new to the Czech market, this cannabinoid is already very popular abroad. Following the temporary ban on HHC, HHCO and THCP, it can be expected that Czech consumers will also be interested in THCB to a large extent. 

If you decide to include, for example, new (semi-synthetic) cannabinoids such as THCB and THCJD, it is imperative that you offer your customers products that have laboratory analysis. The analysis will at least give you confidence that the products are free of undesirable substances such as solvents, heavy metals, pesticides or moulds.

Always make sure that the products you offer have been tested by an independent third party, or arrange for lab testing yourself, before including them in your product range.

 

Original text: Patricie Mikolášová, translation by AI

 

 

Photo: Shutterstock

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