THC-B is a type of cannabinoid that has only recently been isolated. However, there’s already a lot of interest in it due to some impressive potential benefits and uses. While research into THC-B is still only in the early stages, it is already starting to appear in products such as vape pens. But what exactly is it, and does THC-B have any psychoactive effects? Read on to find out more!
Meet THC-B:
In brief, THC-B (or Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) is one of approximately 150 phytocannabinoids found in cannabis Sativa and hemp plants. Along with THC-P (tetrahydrocannabiphorol) and CBD-P (cannabidiphorol), which were discovered by Italian researchers in 2020, THC-B still needs to be studied extensively before it will be fully understood, and its safe uses and benefits pinned down.
What are cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are compounds that occur naturally in the Cannabis sativa plant. Though the plant contains more than 480 compounds, 120 have been identified as cannabinoids.
The delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or Δ9-THC, is the best-known of these cannabinoids, and it constitutes the premier psychoactive ingredient of cannabis. Another important compound, cannabidiol, or CBD, constitutes about 40% of the plant resin extract. Cannabinoids can be categorized into the following subclasses:
- Cannabidiol (CBD)
- Cannabigerols (CBG)
- Cannabichromenes (CBC)
- Cannabinodiol (CBDL)
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
- Cannabinol (CBN)
- Cannabicyclol (CBL)
- Cannabielsoin (CBE)
- Cannabitriol (CBT)
Cannabinoids are believed to hold potential benefits for Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy sufferers, and to combat pain, inflammation, and fatigue. However, there are some indications that prenatal exposure to it may be harmful to future brain development.
What is THC-B?
THC-B, or delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, is a cannabinoid closely related to THC, the most prevalent phytocannabinoid contained in the cannabis plant. (remember, THC is the substance predominantly responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effect.)
THC-B interacts with the human endocannabinoid system in a very similar way to THC, with its main impact being on the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain. It does seem as if THC-B binds more strongly with the CB1 receptors in the brain than THC does. In animal tests, THC-B showed results similar to those on humans, namely pain relief, deeper sleep, and slowed-down reaction times. Apart from its analgesic properties, it also seems that THC-B may well have significant anti-inflammatory properties.
What are the psychoactive effects of THC-B?
In humans, THC-B’s psychoactive effects can include feelings of euphoria and a sense of heightened sensory perception. It can also induce faster and irregular heartbeats, or tachycardia, and reduced sensitivity to pain which is known as antinociception.
Problems with concentration and memory have also been noted that might persist for some time after withdrawal. Some immunosuppressive effects have also been noted, as have heightened levels of dopaminergic drive. This latter factor is prominent in potential addiction scenarios. It is also thought to affect the pleasure/reward responses in the brain.
Potential benefits of THC-B
With so little work having been done on THC-B (to date only a single study has been conducted), not a lot has been established about the potential uses and/or its benefits. Preliminary data does, however, suggest that THC-B has significant pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also thought that it might have significant benefits as an aid to induce better sleep.
Initial evidence also suggests that it is more potent than THC, though human studies still need to be done to confirm that. There is insufficient evidence that it gets its users ‘high’. However, because it binds better to the CB1 receptors, it does seem as if it potentially could have greater psychotropic effects than THC. And obviously, its long-term effects have not been established as only a single recent study has been conducted.
Potential risks and side-effects of THC-B
In this respect there is also very little data about THC-B, so caution is strongly advised at this point. At this stage, users will definitely be consuming THC-B products at their own risk especially if the potency and purity are not indicated. It is also possible that some impurities or residues may be present which could have potential side effects.
This is why we always advise customers to only buy products from brands with certifications for the purity of ingredients and accuracy of label information.
Burman’s Health Shop only carries products that are certified by a third-party laboratory and which have a current certificate of analysis.
Have You Tried THC-B Yet?
As is the case with all cannabis products, caution is always a good watchword. If consumers do want to use THC-B and enjoy what seems like significant potential benefits, they should start at a very low dose at first. They should monitor their reaction to it closely, and stop using it immediately should they experience any adverse effects.