The use of cannabis products has become more popular as people learn about their therapeutic and psychoactive properties. Most cannabinoid fans want to get the best effect from their cannabis product. In this quest to get the best product, scientists discovered THC-H.
So, what is THC-H? Tetrahydrocannabihexol or THC-H is a more potent form of cannabis derived from the hemp plant. This derivative is an improved formula of cannabis that effectively brings about a more potent calming effect along with the usual cannabis properties.
Researchers are capable of distinguishing the phytocannabinoid THC-H from CBD. In this article, we shall discuss the salient features of THC-H, how its made, how it affects the human body, its possible side effects, its legal status, and more. Keep reading to learn more!
Key Takeaways
- THC-H is more potent than regular THC due to its strong intoxicating effects
- It brings about stronger feelings of high
- It is a potent anti-inflammatory herb and has anti-microbial, anti-bacterial effects on the body, and relaxes the muscles
- Higher doses can trigger potential side effects
- It is legal to use in the USA under federal law
- Even small amounts of THC-H can result in a positive drug test
What Is THC-H?
While you may be wondering what THC-H is, it is crucial to know that the cannabis plant is an umbrella of products under which you can find as many as 480 different drugs. The hemp plant (Cannabis sativa L.) gives us several psychoactive compounds, and THC is a prominent member of the cannabis world.
THC-H, or Tetrahydrocannabihexol, is a recently discovered compound that occurs naturally in the hemp plant and is believed to be several times more potent than regular THC. Accordingly, it raised curiosity among THC users and manufacturers seeking to tap into its powerful psychoactive and euphoric effects.
How Is THC-H Made?
Different types of drugs are present in the hemp plant. According to a study, the types of compounds present inside are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD, and cannabinol (CBN). Based on the relative percentage of the drugs, the predominant chemotypes are:
- Drug type (THC is predominant)
- Intermediate type (THC and CBD are predominant)
- Fiber type (CBD is predominant)
The endocannabinoid system was discovered in the 20th century. Researchers determined the structure of phytocannabinoids in the hemp plant by 1964. However, it is thought that THC-H and similar drugs, tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCP) and cannabidiphorol (CBDP), were only recently discovered (in 2020) by Italian researchers.
The second most strong cannabinoid, i.e., THCH, is extracted from hemp distillate. The naturally-occurring cannabinoid is only present in small quantities, but it can be obtained using the isomerization processes.
How Potent Is THC-H?
THC-H has a structure similar to regular THC, which has been in use for a long time. But, the potency of THC-H is believed to be 10 -20 times stronger than regular THC.
Due to the side carbon chain (6-C), the drug’s potency is very high. Many believe THC-H is almost ten to fifteen times stronger than the mighty delta 9 THC.
Accordingly, it is recommended to use THC-H with extreme caution as its overdose can trigger several side effects due to its strong psychoactive properties.
What Are the Effects of THC-H Use?
As THCH is a relatively new compound, there is limited data on the drug’s full effects. Like all cannabis derivatives, THC-H imparts different roles of pain-killing and mind-relaxation by binding to the cannabinoid-type receptors (CB1 and CB2) present in the body.
The effects of THC might vary from person to person. However, as per most users, THCH causes strangers feelings of euphoria, happiness, and pain relief. Many users claim that they feel strong mentally and physically by taking THC-H. As per the street language, tetrahydrocannabihexol is referred to as fire because it makes you irresponsibly high.
What Are the Benefits of THC-H?
There is minimal research that explains the health benefits of the hemp derivative. However, it is a confirmed fact that THC-H is a homolog of delta 9-THC. Therefore, we can expect THC-H effects similar to delta 9-THC. The most common therapeutic benefits of tetrahydrocannabinol include:
Relaxation
Mind relaxation is a dire need of modern times. THC compounds are effective in relaxing your mind and body. Different parameters can determine the level of relaxation induced by a drug.
Studies suggest that low doses of THC relieve emotional stress and attenuate blood pressure readings.
THC-H can prove to be an ideal compound for cancer patients with reduced quality of life. THC consumption has been shown to improve food enjoyment and increases relaxation among hospitalized cancer patients. It can also reduce spasticity in multiple sclerosis patients. We expect THCH to have a similar effect.
Anxiolytic Effect
There are different psychoactive components of hemp, such as tetrahydrocannabihexol, delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, and cannabidiol. Research shows that low doses of THC-H can flush out anxiety from your body. That is because CB1 receptor agonist administration can lead to anxiolytic effects.
CB receptor agonists like THC-H, nabilone, and delta-9-THC can effectively modulate stress and emotions. It may alleviate symptoms of anxiety and psychiatric disorders. Thus, THC-H can reduce anxiety and stress in patients.
Analgesic Effect
The cannabinoid system is most commonly used for pain control. As per a study, all components of Cannabis Sativa extracts are effective in controlling acute and chronic pain.
Managing chronic pain is one of the most challenging tasks in the field of medicine. A 2020 review revealed that cannabinoid receptor agonists could abate pain in chronic inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis. Hemp extracts like THC-H and CBD alter the inflammatory pathways and thus play a role in chronic pain conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, etc.
Due to the effects of CB2 cannabinoid receptors in pain-killing, modern research is directed to highlight the use of these agonists as therapeutic targets in the central nervous system.
In the recent past, we have seen a shift in policies regarding cannabis use (for medical analgesia) in the USA. There is now a greater acceptance of the drug, attributed to its strong analgesic effects.
Anti-Depressant Effect
The role of the cannabinoid system in depression patients is confusing. In some cases, the drugs are potent in alleviating symptoms of clinical depression, while in others, they may aggravate the condition.
A study reveals that CB1 agonists (like TCH-H) have mechanisms of action similar to other potent anti-depressant drugs. On the other hand, CB receptor antagonists are linked to increased rates of depression and suicidal ideation. Another study on mice concluded that CBR (CB receptor) agonists impart anti-depressant-like effects.
Mood Elevation
Unfortunately, no studies support the effect of THC-H on mood elevation. However, as per the users, the most notable difference between THC-H from other cannabis compounds is superior mood elevation effects.
Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol might bring about temporary and acute elevations of mood and improvement in cognition. Thus, you can expect mood elevation with the homolog of delta 9-THC, i.e., THC-H. With the extra length of carbon chains in the TCH-H, you can expect more potent responses in the mood.
Is THC-H Legal?
THC-H is legally purchased, sold, manufactured, and distributed in the US. Unlike delta 9-THC, it can be legally bought and sold. Since the signing of the law H.R.2-Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, any cannabis product containing less than 0.3% delta 9-THC can be used legally for all purposes (under federal law).
Cannabis products are generally not illegal in the US. THC is not federally illegal, but delta 9-THC is. That is because THC-H is an altered form of the already existing cannabinoids and, thus, not a proper type of cannabinoid.
Several companies provide THC-H supplies in 41 out of the 50 states of the US.
Does THC-H Have Any Risks or Side Effects?
High psychoactive compound levels, including THC-H, can induce several intense side effects.
CB receptor agonists can induce adverse psychic reactions such as panic attacks, delusion, and hallucinations. Mental performance and memory may also get affected by THC-H consumption.
Users might experience very strong physical and mental experiences after TCH-H consumption. That might lead to hallucinations and delusions.
Other adverse effects of THCH include a dry mouth and headache. The effects may last for a couple of hours. During this time, you might also feel supernatural or extreme power in the body.
Therefore, we suggest starting with smaller doses and proceeding to higher doses once your body adapts to the compound and its effects.
Is THC-H Safe for Consumption?
A lack of evidence hinders us from claiming it to be an entirely safe product. However, tetrahydrocannabihexol is safe and has not caused much trouble so far. But it is crucial to avoid products not approved by the FDA.
Will THC-H Fail a Drug Test?
So far, no drug tests have been conducted on THC-H users. But based on tests on delta 9-THC users, we can estimate that a drug test can detect THC-H in the system. The two most commonly used drug tests are immunoassay and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry testing. Both these tests can detect even the smallest amount of substances (drugs).
All products and derivatives of cannabis that include THC-H can show up on a drug test. Passing or failing the test depends on the standards set by law enforcers regarding the number of cannabis derivatives in the body and the quality and composition of the product.
Simply put, THC-H can likely fail a drug test!
For How Long Does THC-H Stay in the System?
Drug tests usually detect the levels of intoxicants and other drugs in the body fluids. Therefore, knowing for long THC-H will stay in your body is necessary. From data regarding delta 9-THC, THC-H can remain in the body for the periods mentioned below:
In Blood
Delta 9-THC can show up in the blood until after 36 hours of use. Therefore, you can expect THC-H to last for a similar period.
In Urine
The drug can be detected in urine for about 3 to 30 days after consumption.
In Saliva
Saliva tests for THC-H can be positive for up to 72 hours after drug use.
