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THCJD: Structure, effects and comparison with THC, THCB and THCV

Gloved hands hold THCJD distillate at a cannabis plant
Gloved hands hold THCJD distillate at a cannabis plant

         

         

         

What is THCJD?

THCJD, or tetrahydrocannabidiol, is reportedly found in the cannabis plant, but only in trace amounts, so like some other new cannabinoids, it is produced in the laboratory from other available precursors, such as cannabidiol (CBD), specifically its purest form, CBD isolate. The isolate is reacted with catalysts to rearrange the molecules and produce the semi-synthetic cannabinoid THCJD.

Although you are likely to see the common claim that THCJD is a brand new cannabinoid, some sources point out that this substance was identified as early as 1941 and is also referred to as THC-Octyl, THC-C8 or JWH-138.

 

A researcher holds a cannabis leaf and THCJD extract in a vial

Chemical structure of THCJD

To get an idea of what the cannabinoid THCJD looks like, let's take the more familiar psychoactive cannabinoid THC. THCJD is a homologue of the cannabinoid delta-9-THC. A homologue is a compound of the same type with a similar chemical structure and properties.

THCJD therefore resembles tetrahydrocannabinol in terms of chemical structure, but has a side chain three carbons longer. Delta-9-THC has a side chain of five carbon atoms, THCJD eight, and it appears that the longer the chain, the greater the potency of the cannabinoid.

Effects and risks of THCJD

As a new and little-studied cannabinoid, the effects of THCJD are still largely shrouded in mystery. Intensive psychoactive effects, feelings of euphoria, relaxation or altered perception are assumed on the basis of its similarity to THC and its extended alkyl chain.

However, cannabinoids can affect everyone a little differently, depending on the product, the dose, the method of consumption, but also on the gender, age, sensitivity or metabolism of the individual.

The side effects of THCJD are also unmapped due to the lack of studies. As with THC and other psychoactive cannabinoids, the following difficulties may occur:

  • dry mouth
  • red eyes
  • impaired coordination
  • increased heart rate
  • memory problems
  • anxiety
  • paranoia

THCJD vs. THC, THCB and THCV

We've already covered the main difference in structure between THCJD and THC, but what about other THC derivatives?

We give a brief overview in the table below:

THCJD

THC

THCB

THCV

Alkyl (side) chain length

side chain with 8 carbons

5 carbon side chain

4 carbon side chain

3 carbon side chain

Natural vs. synthetic cannabinoid

Supposedly found in trace amounts in the cannabis plant, but mostly produced from other cannabinoids.

A compound naturally abundant in the cannabis plant

Found in trace amounts in the cannabis plant but mostly produced from other cannabinoids.

Found in the cannabis plant, it is produced by decarboxylation of tetrahydrocannabivaric acid (THCVA)

Psychoactive effects

Yes, strong

Yes

Yes, milder or comparable to THC

None or only mild at low dose

Legal status

Not on the list of banned substances in most countries as of 26 March 2024.

Maximum permitted level in most EU countries 0.3%, in the Czech Republic 1%.

As of 26.3.2024 not on the list of banned substances in most countries.

As of 26.3.2024, not on the list of banned substances in most countries.

The cannabinoids listed above differ mainly in the length of the side chain, in their abundance in the cannabis plant and in their effects and degree of psychoactive action. The cannabinoids THCJD, THCB and THCV are currently legal in most countries, but it is always important to keep an eye on the current legislation in each country.

Available products

There are a number of products on the market that contain THCJD: vape foams, cartridges, gummies, tinctures, hash, pre-rolls and flowers with THCJD distillate. These are available in different concentrations and flavours, some of which are enriched with other cannabinoids such as THCH, THCA or CBD.

THCJD can be found in the United States, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic and other countries. The products usually meet the legal THC limit and are therefore considered legal, but this may soon change.

 

Original text: Michaela Mádlová, translation by AI

 

 

Photo: Shutterstock

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