The cannabinoid THCJD: What are its effects and how does it differ from other cannabinoids?

17. 04. 2024

• What is THCJD?
• What is the structure of THCJD?
• What are the effects of THCJD?
• Side effects of THCJD
• Comparison of THC, THC-P, THCV and THCJD
• Available products
• Conclusion

What is THCJD?

THCJD (also spelled THC-JD, THCjd), also known as tetrahydrocannabidiol, is a cannabinoid that is said to occur naturally in the cannabis plant, but only in trace amounts. Extraction directly from the plant is difficult and expensive, so THCJD, like some other compounds such as HHC or THCP, is produced by a chemical reaction called isomerisation from more readily available precursors such as CBD. 

In the laboratory, scientists first extract a CBD isolate from industrial hemp, then react it with catalysts to rearrange the molecules and convert it into THCJD. Cannabinoids produced in this way are referred to as semi-synthetic. 

Interesting fact: According to some sources, THCJD is just another name for an isomer identified as early as 1941, which is designated THC-Octyl, delta 8-THC-C8, and is also referred to in scientific papers as the synthetic cannabinoid JWH-138. If this is true and it is indeed the same substance, we can only speculate as to why the cannabis industry has renamed this compound 'THCJD'.

 

What is the structure of THCJD?

THCJD is a homologue of the psychoactive cannabinoid THC (delta-9-THC). Homologues are compounds of the same type with similar chemical structure and properties.

THCJD differs from THC in the length of the alkyl side chain. While delta-9-THC has a side chain consisting of 5 carbon atoms, THCJD has eight. The longer the chain, the higher the potency of the cannabinoid, which means that THCJD could be even more potent than THC.

What are the effects of THCJD?

As it happens, new cannabinoids tend to be very understudied, and this is the case with THCJD. There are no scientific studies on this compound yet. Thus, the evaluation of the effects is based mainly on the experience of the users themselves. 

THCJD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, specifically the CB1 and CB2 receptors, thereby affecting the body and mind. This compound is likely to have very strong psychoactive properties, meaning that it can alter perception, mood or behaviour. It seems that THCJD could also induce a feeling of euphoria or relaxation. The effects usually last 2-4 hours.

Side effects of THCJD

There are, of course, side effects associated with this type of psychoactive substance. As with THC, HHC or THCP, the following can occur:

• dry mouth
• redness of the eyes
• impaired coordination
• increased heart rate
• memory problems
• anxiety
• paranoia

The intensity of these effects will vary depending on the dose, route of consumption, metabolism and sensitivity of the user. It is possible that other previously undetected unpleasant side effects may occur.

Comparison of THC, THC-P, THCV and THCJD

	THCJD	THC	THCP	THCV
Alkyl (side) chain length	side chain with 8 carbons	side chain with 5 carbons	side chain with 7 carbons	side chain with 3 carbons
Natural vs. synthetic cannabinoid	It is said to be found in trace amounts in the cannabis plant, but is mostly produced from other cannabinoids.	A compound naturally abundant in the cannabis plant	It is found in trace amounts in the cannabis plant, mostly produced from other cannabinoids.	Found in the cannabis plant, it is formed by the decarboxylation of tetrahydrocannabivaric acid (THCVA)
Psychoactive effects	Yes, strong	Yes	Yes, strong	In a small dose none or only moderate
Legal status	As of March 1, 2024, it is not on the list of prohibited substances in most countries.	The maximum allowed amount in most EU countries is 0.3%, in the Czech Republic 1%.	From March 1, 2024, included in the list of prohibited substances.	As of March 1, 2024, it is not on the list of prohibited substances.

Available products

On the market today you can already find THCJD vape foams, cartridges, but also gummies, tinctures, hash or distillate. These products come in different concentrations and flavours, and are often enriched with other THC derivatives such as THCP, THCH or THCA. Although most sellers ensure that the THC content of these products meets the legal limit of 0.3% (1% in the Czech Republic), it is reportedly a very potent psychoactive cannabinoid, about whose effects we do not know much, and users should bear this in mind when buying.

Conclusion

THCJD (tetrahydrocannabidiol) is a newcomer to the market. It is a psychoactive cannabinoid that has a similar structure to THC, but its effects are likely to be more intense due to its extended alkyl chain. THCJD is produced from CBD isolate. 

THCJD products should be approached with caution and users should consider all risks before purchasing. There are no scientific studies that have assessed the safety of this cannabinoid. 

Always choose trusted and vetted vendors who have their products tested by an independent laboratory. Remember also that although many manufacturers are careful to comply with legal limits on THC content, THCJD is a very potent cannabinoid.

 

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