Everything you wanted to know about THC-B

THC-B, or tetrahydrocannabutol, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, just like its well-known cousin THC. The "B" in THC-B stands for "butyl", referring to a specific part of its chemical structure. This subtle change in structure can lead to a variety of effects. It's a great reminder of how incredibly diverse and complex nature can be. Even a small change at the molecular level can lead to a compound with different properties.

THC-B was discovered in 2019 by a team of cannabis researchers who used advanced liquid chromatography to isolate new, previously unknown cannabinoids. Interestingly, THC-B was discovered alongside THC-P, one of the most popular psychoactive cannabinoids in the current cannabis market.

THC-B effects

Although scientists are still putting together the complete picture, early studies suggest that THC-B could offer some unique effects and properties. However, more studies are still needed as part of the scientific knowledge.

Scientists who have examined THC-B report that THC-B interacts with the endocannabinoid system in a similar way to THC, predominantly with CB1 receptors in the brain. In addition, they found that although THC-B has a shorter side chain than regular Delta 9 THC, it shows a higher interaction with CB1 receptors. This is believed to be due to the butyl in its chemical formula.

Scientists conclude that THC-B has analgesic effects, meaning that it can reduce physical tension in the body by modulating the nervous system's response to pain. In addition, it may have potential anti-inflammatory properties. Those familiar with studies of other cannabinoids know that these analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties are often observed together in many other cannabinoids. In addition, THC-B appears to be particularly beneficial for sleep, as it seems to promote faster onset of sleep. However, this is preliminary information for which further scientific research is needed to confirm.

Some international users report experiencing a similar kind of physical effect to that of traditional THC, while others report antidepressant effects and mood enhancement. However, the specifics of the sensations may vary between individuals. Foreign users also report that it is much more potent than Delta 9 THC. According to some foreign users, it may be almost as effective as THC-P but with a shorter duration of action. For this reason, THC-B is very popular among some foreign users. It is also reportedly a little "lighter" and more uplifting than THC-P.

How strong is THC-B?

Despite the limited information on this new compound, THC-B is believed to be more potent than Delta 9 THC due to its butyl side chain. The binding affinity of THC-B to CB1 receptors is 15 nM. This value means that it is more potent than THC, which has a binding affinity of 40 nM. A lower number means that the binding is better. In comparison, the binding affinity of THC-P is 1.2 nM with CB1 receptors.

 Possible side effects

All compounds carry with them a range of potential effects, both good and less than ideal. Early feedback on THC-B suggests possible side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth, paranoia, rapid heart rate and some cognitive effects such as short-term memory problems. The safety profile of this new cannabinoid should therefore be similar to that of Delta 9 THC.

THC-B production

Producing THC-B in meaningful quantities is a challenge. Although it occurs naturally in the cannabis plant, concentrations are trace. This deficiency has led researchers and manufacturers to develop specialised methods of cannabinoid conversion in which the base 'material' CBD is converted by isomerisation to THC-B.

A process called isomerisation is used to produce all rare and minor cannabinoids. All cannabinoids have a related molecular structure due to the fact that they are derived from cannabigerol acid (CBGA), often referred to as the 'parent cannabinoid'. Isomerisation involves changing the molecular structure of a substance to produce a different compound. CBD is extracted from the industrial hemp plant and is then subjected to a sequence of chemical modifications resulting in a new cannabinoid - in this case THC-B.

THC-B vs THC

To understand the vast world of cannabinoids, it is useful to see how they are related. Delta 9 THC, often referred to simply as THC, is the most well-known psychoactive compound in cannabis. THC is responsible for the typical "high" that most people associate with marijuana use.

In contrast, THC-B has a higher potency in binding to CB1 receptors, which are primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects. Initial experiences of foreign users suggest that THC-B is similar to regular Delta 9 THC with an intensity comparable to THC-P.

THC-B vs THC-P

These two new cannabinoids were discovered together by scientists in 2019. Although they all share a similar name and structure, THC-P has roughly 12 times better affinity for binding to CB1 receptors due to its longer side chain. The effect of these two cannabinoids is different. THC-P is more potent and its duration of action is significantly longer. Further scientific studies are needed to further specify the difference.

Summary

Exploring THC-B and its place in the cannabinoid family is like adding another piece to the complex puzzle of cannabis. As the science continues to deepen, each discovery, such as THC-B, not only expands our knowledge but also offers potential new avenues for therapeutic and recreational use. When considering new cannabis products, always be sure to consult experts and trusted sources.

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