Just a couple of years ago, a new cannabinoid called tetrahydrocannabiphorol (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 far more potent than THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound of marijuana.
Today we look in more detail at the characteristics of THCP, from its discovery to its effects and potential risks.
What is THCP and where does it come from?
Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCP) is a natural cannabinoid identified in the cannabis plant just 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 far more potent than THC.
Although THCP occurs naturally in cannabis, most of the products available on the market contain THCP of synthetic origin.
In CBD flowers, THCP is present in minority amounts compared with the percentages of the main cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC, depending on the strain. High percentages can only be reached by spraying or adding synthetic THCP to flowers and resins.
THCP products such as THCP flowers, vapes, hash and other THCP products achieve a high content of this cannabinoid synthetically.
Effects of THCP: why it is more potent than THC
Preliminary research suggests that THCP has a considerably greater affinity for the CB1 and CB2 receptors than THC, which could give it greater psychoactivity and potency. This translates into possible more intense effects on mood, consciousness and perception.
THCP's affinity for the CB1 receptors is estimated to be up to 30 times greater than that of THC, which would explain its greater potency.
The emergence of cannabinoids such as THCP has led some scientists to reconsider the role of THC in the psychoactive effects of marijuana, since these effects may be due to both THC and THCP (1).
THCP and THC: what are the differences?
Chemically, THC usually has a pentyl side chain (5 carbons). By contrast, THCP has a heptyl side chain (7 carbons). Cannabinoids with longer side chains (more than five carbon atoms) have a greater affinity for their receptors, and so THCP, with its seven-carbon side chain, binds more effectively to the 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 their side chain; THCP has a seven-carbon alkyl chain, unlike the five-carbon chain of THC. This structural difference explains THCP's greater affinity for the CB1 and CB2 receptors, making it a more potent compound than THC.
THCP vs CBD: the natural and safe cannabinoid
CBD, or cannabidiol, is not a psychoactive cannabinoid and interacts with the human body differently from THC and, therefore, from THCP. Unlike THCP, CBD acts mainly on cellular targets other than CB1 and CB2.
In fact, its safety profile is very different: the World Health Organisation (WHO) concluded in 2018 that CBD shows no potential for abuse or dependence and is generally well tolerated (4). This is the key difference from a psychoactive, synthetic and barely studied compound such as THCP.
Origin and development of THCP
THCP was discovered in 2019 by an Italian research team. Using advanced spectrometry and chromatography techniques, the researchers were able to isolate and identify THCP, categorising it as a novel compound (1).
The discovery of THCP is very recent — it was described for the first time in 2019!
THCP is a cannabinoid that occurs naturally in the cannabis plant, specifically in the glandular trichomes of the plant, where it is formed from tetrahydrocannabiphorolic acid (THCPA, the acidic form of the cannabinoid).
In its chemical name, the term “phorol” comes from “sphaerophorol”, the name for 5-heptyl-benzene-1,3-diol, which forms 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 early 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 the CB1 and CB2 receptors with high affinity (2), similarly to THC but with potentially greater effectiveness. This mechanism of action suggests that THCP could significantly influence the endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes.
THCP is a barely researched compound that interacts intensely with the endocannabinoid system, which suggests caution and avoiding its recreational use.
Possible benefits and therapeutic applications
Given its potent interaction with the endocannabinoid system, THCP could theoretically offer several therapeutic applications, including pain relief, reduced anxiety and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it is important to stress that research into these effects is still in its early stages and requires further evidence. In addition, the potential adverse effects of THCP must be taken into account, as they are still unknown.
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 worrying lung damage (3). For this reason, we should not jump to conclusions about THCP, as it could be harmful in high amounts.
How is THCP taken? Methods of consumption
Despite being a recent discovery, there are already products on the market that contain THCP, allowing it to be taken in ways similar 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
The optimal doses of THCP have not yet been established due to the lack of research in humans. It is not possible to state an appropriate dosage until its effects are studied further. Given its high potency, cautious use is recommended, as is avoiding the consumption of THCP.
What are the side effects of THCP?
The side effects of THCP have not been thoroughly documented, but they could resemble those of THC, including dry mouth, red eyes, perceptual alterations and, in some cases, anxiety or paranoia at high doses.
Given the potency of THCP, it is reasonable to assume that its side effects could be more intense than those of THC.
Is THCP legal in Spain and Europe?
There is currently no uniform regulation of THCP worldwide. 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. Similarly to what has happened with HHC or H4CBD, it is possible that more and more countries will join the ban on the marketing of products containing psychoactive synthetic cannabinoids, as France, which banned H4CBD, THCP and other synthetic cannabinoids, has already done.
Frequently asked questions about THCP
Is THCP legal in Spain?
There is no uniform regulation of THCP. As it is a compound that can produce psychoactive effects, it may be subject to the same restrictions as THC in many regions, and it is possible that more and more countries will ban its marketing.
Does THCP get you high? Is it psychoactive?
Yes. THCP is more psychoactive and potent than THC because it binds with greater affinity to the CB1 receptors; that affinity is estimated to be up to 30 times greater than that of THC.
Is THCP natural or synthetic?
THCP occurs naturally in cannabis, but in minimal amounts. Most THCP products on the market (flowers, vapes, hash, gummies) contain synthetic THCP.
Conclusion
We hope we have answered your questions about THCP, a cannabinoid that is as recent as it is potent and still little studied. In the face of the risks of a synthetic, psychoactive compound like this, at Cannactiva we continue to offer the best of natural hemp:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Cannactiva products are not medicines or food supplements. In most European countries CBD is not regulated for oral use: Cannactiva products are intended for external use. This information and Cannactiva products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you take medication or have a health condition, consult a healthcare professional before using CBD.
References
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- World Health Organization (WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence). (2018). Cannabidiol (CBD): Critical Review Report. Fortieth Meeting, Geneva, 4–7 June 2018.
