What Is THCjd?

hand holding a green thc bottle
Written by Nina Julia | Last updated: June 21, 2023

This is an article on THCjd, the newly discovered cannabinoid naturally occurring in hemp and marijuana. We explain the difference between THCjd and other variants of THC, including delta-8, delta-19, and delta-10 THC. After reading this article, you’ll learn everything about the legality, safety, and availability of THCjd in the USA. We cover both federal and state laws.

Since the discovery of delta-8 THC, it seems as if cannabis researchers entered a race to prove who can isolate more of its isomers from the plant.

We’ve had delta-10 THC, HHC, HHC-O, THC-O, THCP, and THC-H.

And here comes another one — THCjd.

How is it different from the other analogs of the THC molecule? Is it even legal?

The US federal law approves all hemp-derived products as long as their delta-9 THC content remains below 0.3%. But individual states can deal with federal regulations in their own fashion.

Here we explain what THCjd is, how it works, and where to buy it.

What Is THCjd?

THCjd (delta-9-THCjd) is a rare octyl cannabinoid and an analog of THC that occurs naturally in all cannabis plants, including hemp and marijuana.

The term “octyl cannabinoid” means a cannabinoid with an alkyl side chain made from eight carbon atoms.

The presence of this 8-link alkyl side chain increases THC’s binding affinity with CB1 receptors in the brain, making it 19 times stronger than THC and over 25 times stronger than delta-8 THC.

Its potency makes it better suited for experienced users. If you’ve never tried cannabis, start with delta-8 or delta-10 products first.

How Is THCjd Extracted?

Although the direct extraction of THCjd is theoretically possible, there’s not enough THCjd in mature cannabis flowers; it makes up for roughly 1% of the plant’s cannabinoid profile.

The vast majority of THCjd products available on the market are converted from CBD to THCjd, using an isomerization process.

Will THCjd Get You High?

Yes, THCjd will make you feel high — even more than delta-9 THC.

As mentioned, the alkyl side-chain of THCjd is made from eight carbon atoms, enhancing its binding affinity to CB1 receptors.

The higher the number of carbon atoms, the stronger the binding affinity of THC. Researchers speculate that an alkyl chain of 3-6 carbon atoms guarantees strong binding affinity. Delta-9 THC has a chain of 5 carbon atoms.

THCjd Effects

Experienced users with a high tolerance to THC will be delighted by the euphoric high of THCjd.

According to anecdotal evidence, the most common effects of THCjd are:

  • Deep relaxation
  • Happiness
  • Euphoria
  • Pain/stress relief

Despite its relatively short presence on the market, cannabis users that have bought THCjd products rave about its unique effect profile compared to other THC isomers.

THCjd can induce feelings of bliss and relaxation, embracing both the body and mind. Many of those who have tried it compare the experience to other potent cannabinoids, such as THC-O or THC-P, which are roughly 10-20 times stronger than delta-9 THC.

The buzz lasts for up to 4 hours, depending on how much you take and your tolerance. But it’s definitely not something to dabble with as a novice user.

THCjd Benefits

Because THCjd is 25x stronger than delta-9 THC, it can provide even greater benefits for those struggling with severe medical conditions.

Examples include chronic pain, inflammation, severe nausea and vomiting, depression, PTSD, mood disorders, insomnia, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.

However, high doses of THCjd can cause extreme anxiety and paranoia if you have a low tolerance.

Is THCjd Safe?

THCjd’s safety profile is similar to that of delta-9 THC. However, since THCjd is much stronger, it comes with more intense side effects.

Side Effects of THCjd

If you take more than enough, you may experience the following adverse reactions:

  • Dry mouth
  • Red eyes
  • Anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Hallucinations
  • Memory loss
  • Nausea and sickness
  • Elevated heart rate
  • Confusion
  • Coordination problems

Is THCjd Legal?

THCjd is legal under federal law — but it must be made from hemp and contain no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry-weight basis. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and its derivatives across the country.

However, the Federal Analog Act (FAA) makes it possible to classify THCjd as a THC analog with a similar chemical formula. The FAA is a controversial chapter of the Controlled Substances Act, added to the bill in 1986. It considers all “substantially similar” chemicals to the ones existing in the controlled substances act as either Schedule I or II.

Marijuana-derived THCjd remains federally illegal, but you can find it in states that legalized marijuana for recreational use. There are currently 21 such states.

Where to Buy THCjd

Since THCjd isn’t as popular as delta-8 and delta-10 THC, it’s extremely difficult to find pure THCjd products these days. Most companies add it to the said isomers to enhance their psychoactive effects.

But once THCjd gains momentum, it’s best to seek a reputable online store if you want to maximize your chances of getting a legitimate, certified product.

Online stores offer a few benefits that you won’t find in traditional retailers:

  • Lower baseline prices
  • Regular discounts
  • Reward programs, subscription orders, and other ways to save more money on high-quality extracts
  • Greater product choice
  • Fresher products
  • More transparency

How to Find High-Quality THCjd Products

Buying THCjd for the first time can be overwhelming, so here are a few dead-simple steps to follow if you want to ensure a well-thought-out purchase:

  • Check the hemp source: hemp are dynamic bioaccumulators, meaning they can absorb both nutrients and toxins from its environment. The goal is to maximize the former and reduce the latter to zero, which makes organic hemp the best for the job. Organic hemp plants are grown in clean soils and without pesticides, herbicides, or plant growth regulators.
  • Ask for current Certificates of Analysis (CoAs): a CoA is a document listing the entire content of the tested sample. Products tested by third-party laboratories are analyzed in terms of their potency, cannabinoid profile, and purity. If a product doesn’t come with a CoA, you might be just as well buying overpriced snake oil.
  • Read customer reviews: customers know best. If there’s something wrong with the product or the quality of the company’s customer service, the internet will spit it out. Opt for brands that have a lot of positive reviews on independent websites.
  • Make sure the product is all-natural: avoid artificial flavorings, colorings, and fillers. They don’t add any value to the product, instead adding more profit to the manufacturer by cutting corners.

Is THCjd Stronger Than Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC?

It’s difficult to measure how strong THCjd is compared to other THC variants, but according to some unverified reports, THCjd is up to 19 times more potent than delta-9 and over 25 times stronger than delta-8 THC.

However, there are no studies to back that claim up. We can only compare the potency of different THC isomers by looking at their carbon chain:

  • THCV comes with a propyl chain made of three carbon atoms and induces mild intoxication in higher doses.
  • Delta-9 has a pentyl chain of five carbon atoms and causes a moderate high in medium and large doses.
  • THCjd has an octyl chain that comes with eight carbon atoms; even small doses can cause a strong high.

Related: Differences Between Delta-8, Delta-9 & Delta-10

Will THCjd Show Up on a Drug Test?

Yes, there’s a high risk that THCjd will appear on a drug test. That’s because standard drug tests don’t distinguish between different THC isomers; they just look for one metabolite — THC-COOH — which is the same across all types.

Tips for Detoxing THCjd From Your System

That’s going to be brutal, but the sooner you learn the truth, the better.

There is NO surefire way to detox THCjd, or any form of THC, from your system.

The best way to use the so-called THC detox kits is to throw them straight into the trash.

It’s a scam.

THCjd is stored in your adipose tissue, a mass of fat cells that can’t be penetrated. The only way to get rid of THCjd from your body is to mechanically remove it, which is impossible.

Of course, you can speed the process up by exercising, drinking a lot of water, and eating food that enhances your metabolism — but there’s no magic detox pill for THCjd.

If you want to ensure you pass an upcoming drug test, the best way is to abstain from any form of THC.

Key Takeaways on THCjd

THCjd remains shrouded in mystery. It’s a newly discovered cannabinoid with no scientific research to elaborate on its effects, benefits, and safety.

We can only judge the above based on how THCjd compares to delta-9 THC. What we know is that THCjd is capable of inducing strong euphoria, deep relaxation, and relief from pain and stress.

However, since THCjd is about 25 times stronger than delta-9 THC, it requires greater caution, even by experienced users.

If you’re new to psychoactive cannabinoids, start your adventure with milder isomers, such as delta-8 and delta-10 THC.

And if you decide to try THCjd, make sure to purchase it from reputable vendors that provide current CoAs from a third-party laboratory.

Nina created CFAH.org following the birth of her second child. She was a science and math teacher for 6 years prior to becoming a parent — teaching in schools in White Plains, New York and later in Paterson, New Jersey.