THCJD: 6 questions to find out all about this mysterious cannabinoid

1. What is THCJD?

Tetrahydrocannabioctyl, often abbreviated to THCJD or THC-JD, is a cannabinoid that is extracted directly from the hemp plant, like CBD and THC.

However, it is much less abundant than these two cannabinoids. This is why professionals in the legal hemp sector who offer products containing THCJD generally opt for a synthetic version, created in the laboratory from precursors such as CBG, CBD or THC.

As its name suggests, THCJD has a molecular structure very close to THC which is, remember, the molecule responsible for the psychotropic and addictive effect of cannabis.

The only difference is in the side chain, “alkyl” form for THC, and “octyl” form for THCJD. For chemistry enthusiasts, the octyl chain is the result of an alkyl chain to which three methylene groups (CH2) have been added.

2. Is THCJD psychotropic?

THCJD is ultimately slightly modified THC, whether in its natural state (in the hemp plant) or in a test tube in the laboratory.

Its proximity to THC in terms of molecular structure leaves no room for doubt: THCJD is indeed a psychotropic cannabinoid.

Clearly, like THC, it acts on the state of the central nervous system to modify brain functions, which results in temporary changes in perception, mood, consciousness and behavior.

It is therefore a hallucinogenic psychotropic drug, as opposed to stimulant psychotropic drugs (such as amphetamines or caffeine) and depressants (such as alcohol and benzodiazepines).

3. Is THCJD addictive?

THCJD is also an addictive cannabinoid, unlike CBD and similar molecules such as CBG, CBN and CBC. This dependence is explained by the four factors.

THCJD and the brain’s reward system

Like THC, THCJD binds to cannabinoid receptors present in the brain, particularly the “CB 1” receptor, which influences the limbic system, involved in emotional responses and the formation of memories.

By stimulating this system, THCJD stimulates the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and satisfaction. We are therefore in a reward system which will encourage consumption to reproduce pleasant sensations.

THCJD and the phenomenon of tolerance

With regular and prolonged use of cannabis, the brain can begin to adapt to the presence of THCJD.

This adaptation will manifest itself by a progressive decrease in the sensitivity of endocannabinoid receptors. The consumer will therefore have to administer increasingly larger quantities to obtain the same effects. This is called “tolerance.”

THCJD and addiction

As tolerance develops, users may also develop a physical dependence on THC.

Concretely, their body will get used to functioning in the presence of the substance, and its absence will trigger the usual withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, appetite disturbances and anxiety.< /p>

THCJD and compulsive behaviors

In addition to physical dependence, psychological dependence may also develop with THCJD.

It manifests itself as an intense and pressing desire to consume cannabis despite knowledge of the side effects on health and the impact on social and professional life.

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4. What are the differences between THC and THCJD?

As mentioned above, the molecular structure of THCJD has an octyl side chain, which contains three more methylene groups than that of THC. This difference in structure results in three major differences.

THCJD has more affinities with the CB1 receptors of the endocannabinoid system

THCJD interacts more strongly with CB1 receptors, located mainly in the brain.

This high interaction could amplify the psychoactive effects of this cannabinoid, including feelings of well-being, relaxation and pain management. This higher affinity can also make the effects last longer, with an experience that is both more intense and longer lasting.

On the other hand, this property will also increase the risk of tolerance and the speed at which the body becomes dependent. It will therefore be necessary to gradually increase doses to achieve the same effects, and withdrawal symptoms will be more pronounced when consumption stops.

The importance of this affinity for CB1 receptors reflects both the therapeutic potential of THCJD, but also the risks associated with its use.

THCJD is metabolized more slowly

The rate at which cannabinoids are metabolized influences the degree of absorption as well as the speed of distribution and elimination in the body.

The fact that THCJD is metabolized more slowly means that the effects appear very gradually after consumption. Their duration will also be longer.

The slow metabolism of THCJD may be beneficial for users seeking prolonged relief from symptoms like pain or anxiety, without the spikes in intensity often associated with THC.

However, it also requires careful attention to dosage and frequency of use to avoid excessive buildup in the body that could lead to long-term adverse effects.

THCJD is more lipophilic than THC

THCJD dissolves more easily in fats and oils compared to aqueous media. This property affects how it is absorbed, distributed, metabolized and excreted by the body.

When consumed, THCJD more easily crosses cell membranes, which are primarily composed of lipid layers. This characteristic can potentially increase its bioavailability in the central nervous system, where it can exert more pronounced psychoactive effects by interacting with cannabinoid receptors.

On the other hand, since lipophilic compounds tend to accumulate in fatty tissues, THCJD may have a longer half-life in the body compared to THC.

5. What are the benefits sought by THCJD consumers?

Like all cannabinoids, THCJD has several beneficial effects such as:

• A soothing and relaxing effect, even sedative, because the substance is more powerful than CBD;
• Anti-inflammatory properties;
• Analgesic properties, which relieve pain, whether acute or chronic;
• An antioxidant action.

Obviously, these virtues are counteracted by the psychotropic and addictive effect of THCJD.

6. Is THCJD legal in France?

Surprisingly, yes. THCJD is legal in France to the extent that it does not appear on the list of substances prohibited by the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) or by the Ministry of Health.

But this relative legality must be qualified by two points:

• If tested, users who have consumed THCJD will necessarily have THC in their blood and that is illegal;
• THCJD will most likely be banned in France in the near future. It will undoubtedly meet the same fate as HHC and its derivatives, banned in France in June 2023.