Tetrahydrocannabiphorol

Summary sheet: Tetrahydrocannabiphorol

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Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCP) is a potent phytocannabinoid that is structurally similar to delta-9-THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. Like THC, THCP is a CB1 and CB2 receptor agonist with psychoactive effects. Initial in-vitro binding assay studies suggest that THCP may be up to 30 times more potent than delta-9-THC, potentially leading to more pronounced psychoactive effects. However, the full extent of THCP's psychoactivity and how it compares to THC is still being researched.

History and culture

1. Discovery & Historical Context

First identified in 2019 by a team of Italian researchers led by Citti et al., using advanced mass spectrometry and NMR techniques (Citti et al., 2019, Nature Scientific Reports). THCP was discovered during a comprehensive chemical profiling of the FM2 medical cannabis strain, provided by the Italian military for pharmaceutical use. It was not previously detected because traditional analytical techniques (like GC-MS) were insufficiently sensitive to identify rare, low-abundance cannabinoids like THCP.

- Significance: The discovery added a new layer to cannabinoid science, suggesting that other unknown compounds in cannabis might contribute to its diverse physiological effects.

2. Ethnobotanical or Cultural Usage

There’s no documented history of THCP being intentionally used or recognized in folk medicine, traditional cannabis culture, or indigenous rituals, unlike THC, CBD, or even CBG. Since it occurs only in trace amounts (approx. 0.001–0.013% of total plant mass), traditional users could not have isolated or even consciously distinguished its effects.

That said, some heirloom or landrace strains with unexpectedly strong psychoactivity (despite low THC) may retroactively be explained by the presence of THCP—but this is still speculative and unconfirmed.

3. Modern Cultural Emergence (Post-2019)

THCP entered popular cannabis culture after 2020 via online cannabis forums, Reddit threads, and YouTube reviews, especially among enthusiasts fascinated by novel cannabinoids. It’s been referred to as the “next THC”, “super-THC,” or “the strongest natural cannabinoid”, often in sensationalized language.

Marketing claims: Many vape and extract brands began advertising “THCP carts” or “ultra-potent gummies” despite no clear regulatory framework or dose guidelines. Concerns were raised in scientific and regulatory communities regarding:

- Overstated potency claims (e.g., “33x stronger than THC”) being misinterpreted as "33x more intoxicating".

- Lack of safety data or standardized formulations.

- Potential for unexpected psychotropic effects, especially when combined with THC.

Reference:

Radwan MM et al., Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 2021 (DOI:10.1089/can.2020.0101)

WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence, Technical Reports, 2021 (

Pharmacology

Binding affinities of THCP for CB1 and CB2 receptors, with D8/D9 THC comparisons.

Δ⁹‑THCP is a naturally occurring phytocannabinoid discovered in Cannabis sativa in 2019. It’s structurally similar to Δ⁹‑THC but features a seven-carbon (heptyl) alkyl side chain, compared with THC’s five-carbon (pentyl) chain It's full chemical name is (–)-trans‑Δ⁹‑tetrahydrocannabiphorol, also known as THC‑Heptyl

1. Receptor binding & in vitro potency

In radioligand binding assays with human CB₁ receptors, Δ⁹‑THCP showed a Kᵢ ≈ 1.2 nM, nearly matching CP55940 (a full CB₁ agonist, Kᵢ ≈ 0.9 nM) By contrast, Δ⁹‑THC’s Kᵢ at CB₁ is ~40 nM—meaning THCP has approximately 33× stronger affinity It also binds CB₂ more tightly than THC (Kᵢ ≈ 6.2 nM vs. ~36 nM) Why the increased potency? Molecular docking reveals the longer heptyl tail penetrates deeper into CB₁’s hydrophobic channel, increasing hydrophobic interactions and receptor affinity

2. In vivo pharmacology (mouse tetrad assay)

The cannabinoid “tetrad” is a standard set of four physiological tests in mice for cannabimimetic effects: Effect Observations with THCP Dose dependence Hypomotility Strong reduction in movement Significant at 2.5 mg/kg i.p. Catalepsy Increased immobility latency Observed at 5 mg/kg Analgesia Increased pain threshold in hot‑plate test At 5+ mg/kg Hypothermia Body temperature lowered by up to ~7 °C At 10 mg/kg

Notably, unlike THC which requires ~10 mg/kg to show these effects, Δ⁹‑THCP was active at only 5 mg/kg in most measures—demonstrating greater in vivo potency

3. Natural abundance

In the FM2 cannabis strain, Δ⁹‑THCP was found in trace quantities (~29 µg/g of decarboxylated extract—0.0029%) A 2021 survey reported it in Δ⁹‑THC–dominant strains at 0.0023%–0.0136% by weight, undetectable in CBD-dominant chemotypes

4. Potential implications

- Psychotropic effects: THCP’s stronger CB₁ binding and in vivo potency suggest it significantly contributes to the psychotropic effects of some cannabis strains, despite its low natural levels

- Therapeutic potential: Greater CB₂ activity hints at possible immune-modulatory, anti-inflammatory, or analgesic uses. However, no clinical or extensive animal studies yet exist.

- Safety & legal status: Because of its structural similarity and high potency, THCP poses risks of stronger psychoactive effects. It remains mostly unregulated, though certain countries like Switzerland have begun explicitly banning it in 2023

Subjective effects

The subjective effects have not been fully understood, but it is known that THCP boasts a longer alkyl side chain than THC, which might contribute to it's ability to better connect with human cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2.

Experience reports

There are currently no anecdotal reports which describe the effects of this compound within our experience index.

Toxicity and harm potential

Legal status

This legality section is a stub. As such, it may contain incomplete or wrong information. You can help by expanding it.

• United States: THCP is not currently classified under any drug schedule in the United States, but it is federally legal.

External links

• Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (Wikipedia)
• Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (Isomer Design)
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