THCP: What it is, Effects and Legality

Just a couple of years ago, a new cannabinoid called tetrahydrocannabiforol (THCP) was identified in cannabis, joining the more than 100 different types of cannabinoids that have been isolated from the plant. THCP quickly generated interest, as it proved to be much more potent than THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound in marijuana.

Today at Cannactiva, we will describe a little more about the characteristics of THCP, from its discovery to its effects and potential risks.

What is THCP?

Tetrahydrocannabiforol (THCP) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid identified in the cannabis plant only a few years ago in 2019. Its chemical structure is very similar to that of THC, the main psychoactive component of cannabis, but with a crucial difference that makes it much more potent than THC.

Although THCP is found naturally in cannabis, most products available on the market contain THCP of synthetic origin.

In cannabis flowers, THCP is found in minority quantities with respect to the percentages of major cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC, depending on the variety. High percentages can only be achieved by spraying or adding synthetic THCP to flowers and resins.

THCP products such as THCP flowers, vapes, hashish and other THCP products achieve a high THCP cannabinoid content synthetically.

Effects of THCP

Preliminary research suggests that THCP has a considerably higher affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors than THC, which may confer greater psychoactivity and potency. This translates into possible stronger effects on mood, consciousness and perception.

It is estimated that the affinity of THCP for CB1 receptors is up to 30 times higher than that of THC, which would explain its higher potency.

The emergence of cannabinoids such as THCP has led some scientists to reconsider the role of THC in the psychoactive effects of marijuana, as it is possible that its effects are due to both THC and THCP (1).

THCP and THC: What are the differences?

Chemically, THC usually has a pentyl side chain (5 carbons). In contrast, THCP has a heptyl side chain (7 carbons). Cannabinoids with longer side chains (more than five carbon atoms) have higher affinity for their receptors, and thus THCP with its seven-carbon side chain binds more effectively to CB1 receptors than THC.

THCP has a more potent psychoactive effect than THC because, due to its molecular structure, it binds more effectively to CB1 receptors.

THCP and THC differ in the shape of their molecule. The main difference lies in its side chain; THCP has a seven-carbon alkyl chain, as opposed to the five-carbon chain of THC. This structural difference explains the higher affinity of THCP for CB1 and CB2 receptors, making it a more potent compound than THC.

THCP vs CBD

CBD (cannabidiol) is not a psychoactive cannabinoid and interacts with the human body differently than THC and therefore THCP. Unlike THCP, CBD mainly influences cellular targets other than CB1 and CB2.

Origin and development of THCP

THCP was discovered in 2019 by an Italian research team. Using advanced spectrometric and chromatographic techniques, the researchers were able to isolate and identify THCP, categorizing it as a novel compound (1).

The discovery of THCP is very recent, it was first described in 2019!

THCP is a cannabinoid found naturally in the cannabis plant, specifically in the glandular trichomes of the plant, where it is formed from tetrahydrocannabiforolic acid (THCPA, the acid form of the cannabinoid).

In its chemical name, the term “phorol” comes from “spherophorol”, the name of the 5-heptyl-benzene-1,3-diol, which is part of the resorcinyl group of this new phytocannabinoid, following the traditional nomenclature based on this residue (2).

Benefits and Uses of THCP: Current Research

Despite the great interest it has aroused in the scientific community, the study of THCP is still in its initial stages, with few publications on the subject, given that its isolation and description are relatively recent.

THCP and the endocannabinoid system

THCP interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) by binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors with high affinity (2), similar to THC, but with potentially superior effectiveness. This mechanism of action suggests that THCP could significantly influence the endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in the regulation of various physiological processes.

THCP is a poorly researched compound that interacts strongly with the endocannabinoid system, suggesting caution and avoidance of recreational use.

Potential benefits and therapeutic applications

Given its potent interaction with the endocannabinoid system, THCP could theoretically offer several therapeutic applications, including pain relief, anxiety reduction and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it is important to note that research on these effects is still in its early stages and requires further evidence. In addition, the potential adverse effects of THCP, which are still unknown, should be taken into account.

There is a parallel between the potent effect of THCP and that of certain synthetic cannabinoids, such as CP55,940 (3), although the latter has been associated with worrisome lung damage (3). Therefore, we should not jump to conclusions about THCP, as it could be harmful in high amounts.

How is THCP taken?

Despite being a recent discovery, there are already products on the market that contain THCP, allowing its administration in similar ways to other cannabinoids, such as by inhalation (vapes, buds, resins), oral ingestion (gummies, oils) or topical application.

Although THCP occurs naturally in cannabis, most commercially available products use synthetic THCP.

THCP dosage

Optimal doses of THCP have not yet been established due to lack of human research. It is not possible to mention an appropriate dosage until its effects are further investigated. Given its high potency, a cautious use and avoidance of THCP consumption is recommended.

What are the side effects of THCP?

The side effects of THCP have not been thoroughly documented, but may resemble those of THC, including dry mouth, red eyes, perceptual disturbances and, in some cases, anxiety or paranoia at high doses.

Considering the potency of THCP, it is reasonable to assume that its side effects could be more intense than those of THC.

What is the legal status of THCP?

There is currently no uniform regulation of THCP in the world. The legal status of THCP is unclear as it is a relatively “new” cannabinoid. However, as a compound that can produce psychoactive effects, it may be subject to the same regulatory restrictions as THC in many regions. Similar to what has happened with HHC, it is possible that more and more countries will join the ban on the marketing of psychoactive synthetic cannabinoid products.

We hope to have solved your doubts about this new cannabinoid that is THCP and its effects. At Cannactiva, we will continue to offer the best of natural hemp:

References

1. Linciano, P., Russo, F., Citti, C., Tolomeo, F., Paris, R., Fulvio, F., Pecchioni, N., Vandelli, M. A., Laganà, A., Capriotti, A. L., Biagini, G., Carbone, L., Gigli, G., & Cannazza, G. (2021). The novel heptyl phorolic acid cannabinoids content in different Cannabis sativa L. accessions. Talanta, 235, 122704. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2021.122704
2. Citti, C., Linciano, P., Russo, F., Luongo, L., Iannotta, M., Maione, S., Laganà, A., Capriotti, A. L., Forni, F., Vandelli, M. A., Gigli, G., & Cannazza, G. (2019). A novel phytocannabinoid isolated from Cannabis sativa L. with an in vivo cannabimimetic activity higher than delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol: delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabiphorol. Scientific reports, 9(1), 20335. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-56785-1
3. Zawatsky, C. N., Mills-Huffnagle, S., Augusto, C. M., Vrana, K. E., & Nyland, J. E. (2024). Cannabidiol-Derived Cannabinoids: The Unregulated Designer Drug Market Following the 2018 Farm Bill. Medical cannabis and cannabinoids, 7(1), 10-18. https://doi.org/10.1159/000536339