What Is THC-M? Understanding This Cannabinoid

There are over 30,000 peer-reviewed entries on the topic of cannabis, but little has been written about a rare cannabinoid known as THC-M. So what is it, really? What's the difference between THC-M and its well-known counterpart, Delta 9 THC?

Together, we’ll look at the specific components that make up THC-M.

The Big Picture

• THC-M is a synthetic derivative of THC, but does not occur naturally in cannabis plants.
• Cannabis and THC have been extensively researched, but more research is needed about THC-M.
• It is important to pay attention to federal and state laws regarding cannabis and hemp use.
• Always buy cannabis or cannabinoid products from a trusted cannabis seller.

Let’s examine this alternative cannabinoid a bit closer and see what we know.

See Related: What Is Delta 8 THC, and Why Is It So Popular?

THC-M Under a Magnifying Glass

Search “THC-M” online, and you will come up with a mixed bag of results. Part of the reason for this is that the term itself is seen very little in scientific literature and clinical studies.

A few things might pop up in your search for THC-M. You might come across the term “tetrahydrocannabinol-monoacetic acid,” which is an analog of THC (a similar compound to THC with a different chemical structure). This is a misnomer.

The most common results (and what we’ll be talking about today) will lead you to “tetrahydrocannabinol monomethyl ether,” which appears written as THC-M, THCM, Δ⁹-THC methyl ether, and Delta-9-THC monomethyl ether, depending on the context.

Let’s break down what we know about THC-M, starting with some THC and chemistry 101. 

THC 101

THC is the main psychoactive compound found in cannabis, although it must first go through a heating process called decarboxylation (smoking or baking) before it acquires its psychoactive properties.

Through this process, THC is able to bind to CB1 receptors in the brain. This is what produces a “high" and psychoactive effects.

The calling card of cannabinoids is that they react with the body's endocannabinoid system. This system is responsible for a whole host of operations, including our sleep, mood, and sensations of hunger and pain.

That's why THC usually results in effects like increased appetite, stress relief, pain relief, and other potential therapeutic benefits.

THC and THC-M on a Molecular Level

The most recognized form of THC is Delta 9 THC. This is often what people are referring to when they say “THC.” Delta 9 indicates that a double bond occurs between the ninth and tenth carbon atoms of the THC molecule. 

Where this double bond occurs in the makeup of a THC molecule determines how it binds to the CB1 receptors in our brain. Delta 8 THC, an isomer of Delta 9 THC (same molecular formula, but different arrangement of atoms), has a weaker bond to our CB1 receptors. This is why it is thought to produce a milder high than Delta 9 THC.

Structurally, THC is composed of  

• a cyclohexene ring
• a pentyl side chain
• a benzene ring
• and a hydroxyl group, which is attached to the benzene ring
• altogether, a molecule of THC has 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms.

Let’s go back to those hydroxyl groups found in THC.

A hydroxyl group is a functional group that occurs when an oxygen atom binds to a hydrogen atom in a molecule. This particular grouping of hydrogen and oxygen can also be found in many carbohydrates and proteins as well as alcohol. Present in THC, a hydroxyl group helps THC bind to CB1 receptors.

When it comes to the body, equipped with its hydroxyl group, THC is able to 

• Travel through the bloodstream, thanks to the polar qualities of the hydroxyl group that allow it to easily dissolve in water.
• Pass through the blood-brain barrier, because the remaining properties of THC are more fat-soluble.

In comparison, THC-M has a different functional group, which is attached to its benzene ring.

Bonus: How Long Does THC Stay In Your Hair?

Who Makes THC-M?

THC-M can only be made in a lab or controlled setting, as this lesser-known cannabinoid does not occur naturally in any cannabis plant to our knowledge. 

An example of synthesized THC-M was recorded in a 1977 study. The study reported that THC-M was found in the condensate of marijuana smoke and caused catalepsy in mice.

However, THC-M is only currently available in extremely limited batches for scientific study. It hasn't received much attention from alternative cannabinoid sellers online since it's very difficult to synthesize or successfully isolate THC-M and is not intended for human consumption.

The Effects of THC-M

Numerous scientific studies and anecdotal evidence have helped us understand what THC does to the body. As THC becomes more readily available through legislative efforts in the United States, we will know even more about how this cannabinoid affects us.

However, information on THC-M is limited. There are hardly any peer-reviewed studies on the topic, and the most commonly cited is this study published in 2020. The study places THC-M on the margins, noting that in a lab setting, THC-M was not successfully detected.

In scientific terms: we know that we don’t know much about the synthetic derivative THC-M. However, there are other derivatives, like THC-P, that we are closer to understanding.

The Legal Status of THC and THC-M

The legality of cannabis varies in all fifty states. Cannabis, including the psychoactive THC component, is currently legal for both medical and non-medical use in Ohio.

At Clean Remedies, our products are compliant with the 2018 Federal Farm Bill, meaning our products are legal on a federal level. 

Making Safe and Educated Choices When Purchasing THC

Let’s talk about the precautions you can take to ensure you are buying a quality THC product.

Choose a Trusted Seller

At Clean Remedies, we offer THC products that are hemp-derived, rather than cannabis derived, making our products compliant with federal laws. Additionally, they are tested by accredited third-party labs.

This difference between hemp-derived and cannabis-derived is tricky because, scientifically, hemp and cannabis are from the same species, Cannabis sativa. However, products derived from cannabis traditionally have higher levels of THC, while products from hemp typically have higher levels of CBD. 

This is the gist—THC and CBD products derived from hemp (under certain weights and quantities) are federally legal. THC and CBD products derived from cannabis are illegal on a federal level, but legal in some states.

While our products are federally compliant, be sure to check in the laws of your particular state to see if they allow certain hemp-derived THC products.

Be Cautious of Products Claiming to Carry THC-M

As we’ve seen, we know very little about THC-M. The research has been minimal, and as far as we know, THC-M is not available for human consumption.

Be cautious against products making bold claims not substantiated by research. Just because a package boasts “THC-M” doesn’t always mean there is THC-M present. Listing THC-M might be a catchy marketing tactic, but it doesn’t mean THC-M is an active cannabinoid in the product.

That is why you won’t find THC-M on our online store—there simply isn’t enough information on this derivative of THC. It would not make it through our standards of quality, transparency, and wellness!

Listen To Your Body

Checking basic things like labels and brand integrity is a must before you purchase THC products. You should also listen to how your body reacts after taking these products.

We have general ideas about how THC products affect the body, but we’re all made differently. Fat levels, metabolic rate, mental health history, age, weight, and previous experience with THC can all affect how your body responds.

Pay attention to how your body responds to THC products in order to better understand which product is right for you.

Try Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC for Yourself

You can find some delicious, quality-controlled, and regulated  Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC products here at Clean Remedies. You can try some delicious Delta 8 Chocolate for a nice calm. Or, if you’re looking for a slightly more intense high, give these Delta 9 THC gummies a shot!

To Wrap This Up

Due to a lack of scientific studies and current research on THC-M, we have very limited knowledge about this rare cannabinoid.

What we do know is that THC-M is an abbreviation of tetrahydrocannabinol monomethyl ether. It is a synthetic derivative of THC, meaning that while it is structurally similar to THC, it has been chemically modified. Theoretically, this would change how the molecule binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, although this has not been tested in a lab setting on humans.

Even if you can't buy and consume THC-M, you can easily get your hands on other psychoactive cannabinoids like Delta9 THC or Delta 8 THC.

Keep Reading: 4 Things to Know When Traveling With CBD

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