THCP, a phytocannabinoid naturally present in cannabis and similar to THC, the main psychoactive component of cannabis, was recently identified in 2019 by a group of Italian researchers. It is one of over 120 cannabinoids that have been discovered so far in the cannabis plant, and many more potentially remain to be discovered.

What particularly intrigues the cannabis community is the possibility that THCP could have a greater influence on the psychoactive properties of a cannabis strain than THC itself. This article explores the limited information currently available on this recently discovered cannabinoid.

THCP molecule

THCP (THC-P) molecule

What is THCP?

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiphoral, or THCP, is a cannabinoid closely related to THC and present in very low concentrations in the cannabis plant.

According to the researchers who discovered it, THCP interacts with the endocannabinoid system in a similar way to THC, but with a much greater affinity for cannabinoid receptors. The research revealed that THCP binds to CB1 receptors up to 33 times more frequently than traditional THC, meaning that THCP is potentially up to 33 times more potent than THC.

What makes THCP unique is its long alkyl side chains: the chain of carbon atoms is much longer than that of traditional THC (seven carbons versus five). This allows the cannabinoid to bind more securely to receptors throughout the body. Therefore, a much smaller amount of THCP is needed to influence the various functions regulated by the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to produce the same effect as THC.

Potential Uses and Benefits

THCP is still relatively new to the world of cannabis, and no studies currently exist beyond the observations made by the original team that discovered this cannabinoid. Despite this, the evidence and potential medical applications are promising.

THCP could offer greater pain relief to patients who require high levels of THC for their treatment, such as those currently using CBD oil to reduce pain related to cancer treatment. Higher levels of THC-P could also produce sedative effects similar to high doses of THC and are potentially capable of alleviating insomnia or reducing refractory pain.

However, there is no solid evidence of exactly how THC-P affects humans or which strains might contain higher levels of this cannabinoid. Furthermore, while many have described THCP as having a more potent or "pronounced" effect than THC, there is no definitive proof that this cannabinoid is more potent when consumed.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of THC-P

In the absence of available research, patients should exercise great caution when considering THCP as a potential medication until more information is available.

THCP is 33 times more capable of binding to CB1 receptors than THC, meaning that greater psychoactivity is involved, even with smaller doses. One could consume too much THCP and experience unwanted side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, or lethargy.

It's also important to remember that THCP is generally present in only small concentrations in cannabis. Therefore, it's difficult to say what impact this cannabinoid has on the overall effect of cannabis. It's theorized that THCP could be one reason why some cannabis strains are much more potent than others, despite having a similar or lower THC concentration. However, there is no definitive proof of this concept.

Is THCP legal in France?

THCP is one of the newly discovered cannabinoids and remains largely unexplored. Its legality therefore remains uncertain. It is not classified as a controlled substance, but its sale is not explicitly authorized either. Currently in France, the legal ambiguity allows the sale of products containing THCP, provided the THC content is less than 0.3%. However, as with all cannabinoids, legislation can vary from country to country.

THC vs THC-P: What are the differences between these components of cannabis?

Chemically, delta 9-THCP resembles THC, except that it has a slightly longer carbon side chain.

While THC has 5 carbon atoms in its molecular structure, THC-P has 7.

These additional atoms increase its affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors in our bodies. As a result, THCP reaches CB1 receptors 30 times faster than THC, and CB2 receptors 5 to 10 times faster. Its elongated structure also allows THC-P to bind more easily to the receptor, giving it greater potency and more immediate effects compared to THC.

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Published in:Health and Research, Cannabis and CBD News, WellnessTagged:cannabis, CBD, France

Daniel

Hello everyone! I'm Daniel from Lord Of CBD. Passionate about cannabis since childhood, I write articles about the world of cannabinoids in France and abroad. With a degree in digital marketing and finance, I bring a fresh perspective to the world of CBD. I joined the lordofcbd.fr team in 2021 as an expert and regular contributor. Thanks to my scientific expertise and clear writing style, I help demystify the various complex aspects of the CBD world, while highlighting its benefits and potential applications through articles and participation in conferences such as the UPCBD. You can find my contributions and interviews in our dedicated articles, as well as in international publications like Challenges.fr, LePoint.fr, and Actu78.fr.