There is ever more to learn about the cannabis plant, and new findings are frequently published. When a new cannabinoid is found, like THCB, which was identified by a team of Italian researchers in late 2019, it’s exciting. There are now 120 cannabinoids known to exist in the cannabis plant, with more being undiscovered. The next question one might ask is, what is THCb exactly, and what does it do.
The primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, THC, is closely linked to THCB, a phytocannabinoid with a slightly different molecular structure. Here is what we currently know about THCB, despite the fact that study is still in its infancy.
What Is THCb?
THCB, also known as delta-9 tetrahydrocannabutol, is a cannabinoid that is related to THC, the phytocannabinoid that is most prevalent in the cannabis plant and is primarily responsible for its psychoactive effects.
This cannabinoid operates primarily on CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain, and its interactions with the endocannabinoid system are comparable to those of THC, according to the researchers who found it. In comparison to the more prevalent THC, the researchers discovered that THCB had a higher binding affinity with CB1 receptors in the brain. Higher affinity with CB1 means delivering a more psychoactive effect.
After this cannabinoid was discovered, testing on small animals revealed encouraging findings that were comparable to THC’s effect on people. Decreased discomfort, a slower reaction time, and deeper sleep were all noted by the researchers.
The scientists noted possible analgesic and anti-inflammatory characteristics in the same report.
Only one research has confirmed the presence of THCB so far, hardly scraping the surface of all its potential uses. Little to nothing is known about THCB’s possible applications or advantages because of how recently it was discovered.
However, preliminary research indicates that THCB functions similarly to THC, perhaps possessing anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving qualities. Although we don’t yet know if THCB has the same intoxicating characteristics as THC, it may potentially be a potential sleep aid.
THCB may be more powerful than THC because of its higher propensity for binding to CB1 receptors. This impact has not yet been shown in people, though. It should be emphasized that THCB is not widely distributed throughout the cannabis plant, therefore it is unclear how much of an impact it will have when ingested.
Consumers who use cannabis for medicinal purposes frequently search for the greatest cultivars of the plant to find the best flavonoids, terpenes, and cannabinoids.
There hasn’t been much study done on this novel cannabinoid, therefore it’s uncertain which cultivars could have greater THCB concentrations than others.
Possible dangers and negative effects
Patients should use a healthy dose of caution while contemplating THCB until further data is gathered because there is a dearth of research in this area. We know this cannabinoid is psychoactive due to its stronger affinity to the CB1 receptor. Consuming too much of it might lead to comparable negative side effects including drowsiness, dry mouth, or fatigue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does THCB React?
THCB interacts with the cannabinoid receptors in the brain similarly to its cousin THC. Early studies, however, indicate it could have a stronger affinity for CB1 binding than THC.
What Effects Does THCb Have?
THCB’s effects have not been studied, but the researchers who found it speculate that they may be similar to THC’s anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and insomnia-fighting properties. It is unknown at this time if this cannabinoid is more powerful than THC, however due to its stronger affinity to the CB1 receptor, it is highly likely it is.
Conclusion
This new cannabinoid might be up there with THCp in terms of strength, potency, and as of lately popularity. Consumers might start to feel becoming more and more jaded with these various cannabinoids, especially as marijuana is becoming more and more legal. Regardless, THCb is a cannabinoid that’s here to stay! Thanks for reading Minedit!
