Back in the late 1940s, scientists by chance developed a synthetic chemical that is remarkably similar to THC. This compound is dimethylheptylpyran (DMHP) and it differs from THC only by the arrangement of a couple of electrons. While the psychoactive effects of this compound are thought to be less psychoactive than THC, this cannabinoid packs some serious strength. Here’s everything you need to know about dimethylheptylpyran.
What is Dimethylheptylpyran?
Most cannabis consumers are aware that THC can be pretty darn powerful. The psychoacitive is strong enough to ease cancer pain and expand the minds of herb lovers across the globe. Yet, there may be another chemical out there that is apparently a little bit stronger. DMHP is a synthetic chemical analog of THC that can cause a mild hallucinogenic effect.
Unfortunately for the curious types out there, this DMHP is thought to have a weaker psychotropic “high” than the original. However, research suggests that the synthetic cannabinoid has increased pain-fighting and anti-convulsant properties. DHMP also produces a powerful sedation, akin to a severe couch lock. In animal models, DMHP demonstrated powerful anxiolytic effects.
Like THC, it creates a golden colored oil resin. Unlike THC, this new cannabinoid was once considered for use by the U.S. military as a nonlethal drug with incapacitating effects. These military experiments found that the effects of DMHP lasted for two to three days, rendering participants unable to perform their duties.
The downside to DMHP
While DMHP may sound like a great new drug, the synthetic comes with a severe downside. The cannabinoid can cause extremely low blood pressure, which can lead to fainting, muscle weakness, and the inability to control muscle movements. These problems arise before reaching psychoactive doses of the compound.
Animals given the lethal dose of DMHP died due to severely low blood pressure and developed hypothermia. In humans, lethal dose in humans is not known.
Even with these negative effects, some medical and pharmaceutical research companies are interested in exploring the potential medical applications of DMHP. The UK’s Infirst Healthcare has included DMHP in a patent on potential pharmaceutical drugs for severe pain. Afgin Pharma included the compound in a patent for a cannabis-containing topical for brainstem therapy. Another 2015 patent touches on using DMHP as a sedative in humans and animals.
Pharmaceutical researchers can purchase this compound for study and making new drugs. For everyone else, however, DMHP is not something you’d commonly come across in daily life. Still, the potential to experience a two-day long “high” from this synthetic has peaked the interest of experimental consumers.
The effects of DMHP on blood pressure are significantly more potent than THC from the cannabis plant. This makes DMHP a more dangerous compound when not dosed and administered correctly.
Purchasing illicit substances that are said to contain DMHP is also risky. While there has never been a single reported death from cannabis, synthetic cannabis has been linked to psychosis, seizures, and even death. Why risk it when you can get the real deal?
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