What Is THCC? How Is It Different From THC? - Daily CBD

What Are the Effects of THCC?

THCC is non-psychoactive but may offer powerful analgesic effects for certain types of pain.

Preliminary studies have shown this cannabinoid doesn’t have a strong affinity for the CB1 or CB2 receptors [1]. Therefore, THCC doesn’t produce the characteristic high from other forms of THC, such as delta 9 THC, delta 8 THC, THCV, THCP, or THC-O. THCC is more similar to CBD than it is to THC.

What makes this cannabinoid unique is its ability to bind to the vanilloid receptors (TRPA1). These receptors are intimately involved in the regulation of pain, as well as other functions like body temperature regulation and nerve transmission.

A study published in Nature in 2011 explored the potential painkilling activity of THCC against another known TRPA1 agonist, acetaminophen (AKA, Aspirin) [2]. The study concluded that THCC and other TRPA1-mediators are promising candidates for new forms of analgesic medicines.

What is TRPA1 & What is its Significance?

TRPA1 is a protein structure that forms on cell membranes. It acts as a receptor and also forms ion channels that transmit information into the cell when certain conditions are met [3].

This receptor acts as a sensor for detecting noxious stimuli and converting that signal into pain and inducing a cascade of other effects such as tearing, coughing, sneezing, and inflammation.

TRPA1 is often referred to as the “wasabi receptor” or the “capsaicin receptor,” — which gives you a clue as to the type of noxious chemicals this receptor is designed to detect.

Whenever you eat foods like chili, mustard, or wasabi or are exposed to other noxious chemicals like tear gas or pepper spray, your body’s reaction relies on the activation of the TRPA1 receptors. You feel the urge to cough, inflammation causes warmth and pain, and you start to sneeze or feel your nose start to run.

There’s also some indication this receptor serves as a sensor for noxious hot or cold temperatures.

Ultimately, the role of TRPA1 as a potential new pain-management pathway looks promising, but there’s still a lot we don’t know. Thanks to dedicated researchers at UCSF, including David Julius, Yifan Cheng, Candice Paulsen, Jean-Paul Armache, David Agard, and others, we’re starting to make some real headway in the therapeutic potential of this unique receptor.