What is THCJD?
THCJD, or THC-JD, refers to tetrahydrocannabioctyl, a natural cannabinoid, as opposed to synthetic cannabinoids from laboratories. It is mainly found in the Cannabis L. Sativa and Cannabis Indica strains.
Chemically, THCJD has a basic structure similar to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is therefore the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. Clearly, it is THC which causes cannabis to alter the cognitive functions of the user, causes this euphoric effect and gradually becomes addictive.
But THCJD's molecular structure is unique: It contains an octyl side chain, which is longer than the pentyl chain found in THC. This structural modification extends the THC alkyl chain by three additional methylene (CH2) groups. In the world of cannabinoids, even a small difference in structure can drastically modify the effects felt by the consumer.
So how does this octyl chain impact the properties of THCJD? We'll keep it short: the answer to this question is not found in the scientific literature devoted to cannabinoids. We will therefore rely on two elements: the most credible hypotheses, and consumer feedback.
THCJD: what is the impact of the octyl chain on physiological properties?
The presence of this octyl chain in THCJD alters its physicochemical properties in a way that is not yet fully understood by science.
On the other hand, our understanding of the mechanisms of action of cannabinoids on our endocannabinoid system allows us to put forward three logical hypotheses.
1. THCJD is more lipophilic
The octyl chain in THCJD, longer than the pentyl chain of THC, likely makes this cannabinoid much more lipophilic.
Clearly, it would cross the blood-brain barrier more easily, which would theoretically lead to a more pronounced psychoactive effect than THC. This hypothesis is confirmed by consumer feedback, as we will see in a moment.
2. THCJD has more affinity with “CB 1” receptors
The longer, more lipophilic structure of THCJD may increase its affinity for the “CB1” receptors of the endocannabinoid system, which are primarily found in the brain.
This property can, again, intensify psychoactive effects, including euphoria and sedation, but also increase the risk of anxiety at high doses.
3. THCJD is slower to metabolize than THC
The high lipophilicity of THCJD means that it is slower to metabolize than THC. This hypothesis implies two important consequences:
- The effects of this cannabinoid are likely to last longer, which could be of interest in a medical setting to relieve intractable chronic pain;
- And overdose is never far away, as the substance accumulates quickly in the body given the slow metabolism.
How is THCJD produced?
THCJD is found naturally in the hemp plant. It is therefore enough to extract it to have the raw material.
It is believed to be formed in cannabis from CBG, the “mother cannabinoid” which also gives rise to THC and CBD, through the action of a series of enzymes. The formation of THCJD is probably conditioned by natural elements such as climate, soil and cultivation techniques, but agrobiological science does not yet control these variables.
For all these reasons, THCJD is very difficult to obtain in industrial quantities naturally. This is why the companies that offer them generally opt for laboratory manufacturing, with a semi-synthetic molecule (made by humans from natural substances, notably CBG, THC or even CBD).
Is THCJD legal in France?
As THCJD does not appear on any list of prohibited substances, it remains technically legal in France. But this statement must be qualified.
Indeed, people who consume THCJD and who undergo a test will very likely end up with positive results for THC, a molecule strictly prohibited on national territory.
Next, we believe at 321CBD that the ban on THCJD is only a matter of time. We predict for this cannabinoid a fate similar to that of HHC and its derivatives , which were banned in June 2023 by the Ministry of Health following a recommendation from the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products.
What are the effects of THCJD?
Clearly, why do some consumers choose THCJD to the detriment of better-known and “safer” cannabinoids like CBD, CBN or CBG? There are several answers to this question. We based this on consumer feedback on Reddit, Instagram and Facebook.
More powerful psychoactive effects… “legally”
First, THCJD is psychotropic, but for the moment, it remains in a gray area in France. It is therefore a way for consumers to find euphoria and the “high” effect without using psychotropic cannabis.
THCJD is a sedative cannabinoid
Next, THCJD is sedative, unlike CBD which is simply calming and relaxing. Consumers who want to relieve severe pain, whether acute or chronic, can opt for this cannabinoid.
Same story for those who want to treat particularly severe insomnia and who need nighttime sedation to get to sleep. Of course, we do not recommend ANY of these apps at 321CBD.
THCJD deploys an anti-inflammatory action
Like all cannabinoids, THCJD is a powerful anti-inflammatory. It will therefore reduce the symptoms of inflammatory pathologies such as colitis and arthritis, and possibly modulate the immune system to reduce the inflammatory reaction.
THCJD is a stress reliever
Finally, THCJD could reduce anxiety and stress, but only in the very short term. As we will see in the next section, anxiety and paranoia are among the side effects that accompany massive and regular consumption of THCJD.
The side effects of THCJD are more serious than those of THC
Obviously, if it is more powerful and if its duration of action is longer, THCJD should logically induce more marked side effects than THC. We are talking here about an increase in intensity, not in nature. We remain within the spectrum of usual side effects of recreational cannabis consumption, namely:
- A more or less pronounced dry mouth;
- Redness around the eyes;
- Appetite disorders, which can oscillate between bulimia or anorexia depending on the individual;
- Pronounced fatigue, even asthenia (general and chronic fatigue);
- Impairment of short-term memory;
- Decreased motor coordination;
- A feeling of anxiety, even paranoia in the event of massive consumption over time;
- Impaired judgment;
- Tachycardia (accelerated heart rate);
- A high risk of developing chronic bronchitis if consumed by inhalation.
Why doesn't 321CBD offer THCJD?
In accordance with our ethical charter, our online store does not sell dubious, poorly understood or little-studied substances... especially if they are potentially psychotropic. For example, we have never marketed HHC or THCV.
If you want to improve your daily quality of life without altering your cognitive functions, whether by improving your sleep cycle, relieving chronic pain or muscle inflammation or relieving your stress, you will find on 321CBD good CBD products healthy, 100% traceable and at the best price!