Meet THCP: A New Natural Cannabinoid More Potent Than THC?

The growing cannabis industry, led by its prominent standout cannabinoids, THC and CBD, now has a new cousin to welcome to the family by the name of THCP, or tetrahydrocannabiphorol.

A new study titled ‘A novel phytocannabinoid isolated from Cannabis sativa L. with an in vivo cannabimimetic activity higher than Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol: Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabiphorol‘ suggests there is a new natural cannabinoid called THCP that could be more potent than the most recognized marijuana molecule, THC.

According to the report, the researchers expect the isolated Cannabis sativa L. THCP extract to be endowed with an even higher binding affinity for the CB1 receptor and greater cannabimimetic activity than THC. To investigate the pharmacological aspects of THCP [(-)-trans-Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabiphorol (Δ⁹-THCP)], researchers tested the CB1 receptor by a radioligand in vitro assay and assessed its cannabimimetic activity. The study went on to say,

“The two new phytocannabinoids were isolated and fully characterized and their absolute configuration was confirmed by a stereoselective synthesis” […] “According to the International Non-proprietary Name (INN), we suggested for these CBD and THC analogues the name “cannabidiphorol” (CBDP) and “tetrahydrocannabiphorol” (THCP), respectively.”

The researchers also found the novel phytocannabinoid THCP proved to be as active as THC (the most potent psychotropic cannabinoid), but at lower doses. In addition, the researchers supposed that other cannabis varieties contain even higher percentages of THCP.

It should be noted this is just preliminary research based on a study conducted on mice. More research is needed to truly understand the THCP discovery, its role, and its effects. With potentially high hopes for this new natural cannabinoid, it will be interesting to see what further research and analysis brings to the surface as the world has already saw CBD become the most popular selling ingredient in 2019 as some would argue the cannabis-centric green rush is set to flourish in 2020 and beyond.