Scientists formally introduced THC-H or Tetrahydrocannabihexol in a 2019 research paper. Since then, THC-H has emerged as a novel compound with unique psychoactive properties and potential therapeutic applications. In this article, we will explore THC-H, its chemical structure, its potential effects, and the current state of research. 

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What is THC-H?

THC-H, or Tetrahydrocannabihexol, is a phytocannabinoid that scientists discovered in 2019. It is a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) compound, the primary psychoactive compound responsible for the "high" associated with marijuana. 

THC-H is a unique cannabinoid that distinguishes itself with a longer n-hexyl side chain composed of six carbons, setting it apart from Delta-9 THC, which has a 5-carbon side chain. THC-H’s chemical structure allows it to more readily attach to receptors in the brain, making it notably stronger than Delta-9 THC. In fact, THC-H chemicals attach to receptors with 10% greater affinity than THC.

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How THC-H is made

THCH is a phytocannabinoid, according to the 2019 research paper. But THCH products are not natural.

According to cannabis chemistry expert Dr. Mark Scialdone, cannabinoids, like THCH, with different carbon chain lengths at the third position, are made synthetically and not extracted from cannabis.  Dr. Scialdone cites the THCP discovery paper in 2019 below, describing THCP synthesis as the basis for this assertion.

“In the 2019 paper by Citti and coworkers on the discovery of THCP, for example, the authors describe THCP synthesis in a chemical reaction that assembles the cannabinoid molecular skeleton called terpenylation reaction of heptyl (7 carbon) resorcinol with an oxygenated derivative of limonene called PMD (p-mentha-2,8-dien-1-ol). Simply put, the two-carbon longer chain at the C3 position in THCP does not come from adding two carbons to the five-carbon chain of cannabis-derived THC but rather by utilizing a synthetic precursor with the two additional carbons in the side chain already in it in the terpenylation reaction."  

In other words, scientists used a reaction called "terpenylation" to combine a substance called heptyl resorcinol with a terpene derivative called PMD. This reaction created a new molecule with a longer chain than THC. So, instead of adding extra carbon atoms to the THC molecule, chemists used a synthetic substance with the correct extra carbon atoms to create THCP.

Scientists utilize a similar chemical process to create THCH as well as other exotic cannabinoids like THCV, THCB, and THCP, according to Dr. Scialdone. But, they require different carbon chain-length resorcinols.

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To make THCH, chemists use a 6-carbon chain length, or hexyl resorcinol.

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‍For THCV, scientists need a 3-carbon chain length or propyl resorcinol

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For THCB, scientists need a 4-carbon chain length or butyl resorcinol

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‍To make THCP, scientists need a 7-carbon chain length or heptyl resorcinol

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Legality

In the United States, hemp-derived cannabinoids, likely including THC-H, are generally regulated by the 2018 Farm Bill, which federally legalized hemp and hemp-derived products containing no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC.

However, as THC-H is a distinct compound from delta-9 THC, its legal status may not be explicitly addressed under federal regulations. 

Additionally, state and local laws will impact the legality of THC-H, with variations in regulations that can be more stringent or absent altogether. For example, states are increasingly passing bills banning semi-synthetic cannabinoids and including alternative cannabinoids in their total THC calculations. 

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Potential Therapeutic Benefits of THC-H & Current Research

Cannabis scientists have extensively examined THC-H’s therapeutic benefits. However, as a tetrahydrocannabinol compound, like THC, this exotic cannabinoid may exhibit similar properties such as:

• Appetite stimulation
• Analgesic (pain-relief)
• Neuroprotective effects
• Anti-inflammatory properties:
• Anti-nausea 
• Anti-vomiting

More research is needed to prove these potential benefits. 

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Potency

The researchers who discovered THC-H  considered it the second most psychoactive cannabinoid after THC-P. 

In fact, many users report that the effects of THC-H are comparable to THC-P, characterized by a profound sense of euphoria and relaxation in the body and mind. THC-H is known for its producing an intense body high. Users have reported that its effects tend to last longer than typical THC experiences, sometimes even twice as long. 

Products

THC-H products are not as readily available as Delta-8 THC. But consumers can still find THC-H, typically blended with other minor cannabinoids in various product types.

• THC-H Vapes: Users can enjoy the potent and fast-acting effects of THC-H with vape cartridges or disposables, available in a variety of strains mixed with cannabinoids like Delta-8, HHC, and Delta-10.
• THC-H Tinctures: THC-H oils in dropper bottles are designed for sublingual administration, providing a moderately strong high lasting up to 4-6 hours.
• THC-H Gummies: Consumers can find THC-H edibles with delicious flavors and experience psychoactive effects reportedly for up to eight hours.
• THC-H Bundles: Brands like, Binoid offers THC-H bundles, offering three-packs of gummies for a reduced rate.

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The Bottom Line

THCH represents a promising development in cannabis research and consumer access to legal psychoactive cannabinoids with restorative benefits. As research into cannabinoids and their effects continue, THCH may open doors to novel therapeutic applications and contribute to our understanding of how cannabinoids interact with the human body. 

THC-H brands that want accurate potency and safety testing should seek an award-winning DEA laboratory like ACS for reliable results. Contact us today.