Alternative cannabinoids are synthetically derived by chemically modifying naturally occurring cannabinoids extracted from hemp and cannabis. Since they are generally structurally similar to Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), they often offer similar effects. The list of new cannabinoids is quickly growing, and one of the latest additions is THCM (Tetrahydrocannabinol monomethyl ether). Read our article and discover everything about THCM, including its uses, safety guidelines, and potential effects.
What is THCM (Tetrahydrocannabinol monomethyl ether)?
THCM is an extremely rare cannabinoid that was first discovered in 1977. It was thought to be a cannabis byproduct present in cannabis smoke.
While there are e-liquids, vapes, and other products claiming to contain THCM, scientific evidence is currently limited on whether THCM can be isolated from cannabis or hemp. There are no published studies about the successful isolation of THCM due to the limitations of chromatography techniques.
To complicate matters, there is a medical test called “THCM” used to detect the presence of the other THC metabolite in embryos. If the metabolite is present, it could indicate cannabis exposure during pregnancy. The medical test and the cannabinoid have nothing to do with each other and should not be confused.
What are the effects of THCM?
Due to the lack of research, there is currently no data on the effects of THCM. While there have been some anecdotal reports about potential psychoactive effects, it is impossible to draw any conclusions from them.
If you are planning to experiment with alternative cannabinoids, we highly advise you to consult with a medical professional beforehand for harm reduction purposes.
Is THCM safe to consume?
Since there is no safety data on THCM consumption, it is impossible to evaluate potential risks and side effects. While there are countless disposable vapes, cartridges, edibles, and liquids claiming to contain THCM, we do not recommend consuming any of these products due to the lack of long-term safety data.
Before you purchase any alternative cannabinoids, always check the certificate of analysis (COA) provided by a third party. It can help you make an informed decision and reduce the risk of consuming contaminated or dangerous substances.
Is THCM legal?
The legal status of THCM varies greatly between countries. In the United States, THCM is legal under federal law and complies with the 2018 Farm Bill.
While the 2018 Farm Bill declares that all derivatives containing a maximum of 0.3% THC are legal in the United States, some states have banned all psychoactive hemp-derived cannabinoids.
These states include:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nevada
- New York
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Vermont
- Washington
Here is the list of states you can legally buy THCM in:
- Alabama
- California
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Vermont
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
We recommend checking local laws before purchasing any alternative cannabinoid products to avoid accidentally buying illegal substances.
Where can I buy THCM products?
Despite doubts about THCM existing in any products, many online retailers, head shops, and cannabis dispensaries market products that claim to contain it.
THCM vs. THC: which one should I choose?
Thousands of studies delve into the physiological effects of THC, exploring its potential medical applications, side effects, and other facets. THCM, on the other hand, lacks such extensive research. Based on current scientific data, THC appears to be the safer consumption choice compared to THCM.
Check out our completly legal vapes!
Are you searching for delicious and completely legal vapes? Look no further than the ElfBar Global Store! We offer not only completly legal products but also vapes that meet strict quality assurance standards and are guaranteed contamination-free.