More than 70 years after the discovery of the very first cannabinoid (THC, in 1940), a team of Italian scientists has found two new molecules synthesized in cannabis: CBDP and THCP.
Who are they? What do they do? Are they the future star ingredients of CBD products? Here's everything industry professionals need to know about CBDP and THCP.
CBDP and THCP were discovered by a team of Italian scientists whose initial objective was to identify the cannabinoid profile of a therapeutic cannabis variety (FM2). If you wish, you can their study report (in English).
As you may have already guessed, CBDP and THCP are similar to CBD and THC. Their chemical structure differs by just a few bonds. Two, to be exact.
The alkyl chain of CBDP and THCP is made up of 7 termsAs we'll see below, this small alteration drastically changes the way these two cannabinoids behave in our bodies.
CBDP and THCP are phytocannabinoids, not synthetic cannabinoids. not synthetic cannabinoidsas is the case with many new molecules recently launched on the market (such as H4CBD for example). Synthesized within the plant (in small quantities), THCP and CBDP are most probably descended from CBGthe mother cannabinoid.
To date, the study published by the Italian team is the only reliable source of information available on the possible effects of CBDP and THCP. Here's what we have to say.
As we mentioned a few lines earlier, the extra double bonds present on the alkyl chain of these two new cannabinoids have a significant impact on their action once in our bodies.
More specifically, it would appear that CBDP and THCP have an enhanced affinity with our endocannabinoid system. This suggests that their effects are potentially more powerful than those of CBD and THC.
As the pharmacological activity of Δ9-THC is particularly attributed to its affinity for the CB1 receptor, the literature suggests that the latter can be enhanced by lengthening the alkyl side chain, which represents the main pharmacophoric driver of cannabinoids.
(Excerpt from the study)
As a reminder, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a set of receptors naturally present in the body of animals which have the particularity of reacting with cannabinoids synthesized in cannabis. These receptors also react with endocannabinoids (synthesized by the body), which are molecules similar to the phytocannabinoids (synthesized by the plant).
The functioning of the SEC and the mechanisms of action of cannabinoids are not yet fully understood. However, we do know that the SEC plays a key role in maintaining homeostasis (= state of equilibrium of physiological functions).
In short: if CBDP and THCP do indeed have a strong affinity with our SEC receptors, then their field of application (therapeutic, but also recreational) is all the more vast and interesting!
According to the Italian team's observations, THCP's affinity for CB1 receptors in the SEC is more than 30 times stronger than THC.
To understand what this means, we need to know the respective roles of the CB1 and CB2 receptors, as well as the effects caused when a THC molecule binds to them.
Based on the above observations, it can be concluded that THCP can potentially trigger more potent psychotropic and anti-inflammatory effects than THC... To what extent? We don't yet know.
Scientists also believe it's likely that some of the effects of medical cannabis are actually attributable to phytocannabinoids such as THCP.
Chemical structure of THCP (7-item alkyl bonds)
Chemical structure of THC (5-item alkyl bonds)
In fact, we believe that the discovery of an extremely potent THCP-type phytocannabinoid could shed light on several pharmacological effects not attributable solely to Δ9-THC.
(Excerpt from the study)
CBD has very little affinity with CB1 receptors and moderate affinity with moderate affinity CB2 receptors of our endocannabinoid system. In fact, its potential therapeutic effects are due to its affinity with other types of receptor receptors (TRPV), as well as to an indirect mode of action still poorly understood by scientists.
CBD is known to bind with low affinity to CB1 and CB2 receptors. As a result, assessing the cannabimimetic activity of CBDP doesn't seem to be a high priority, even if science may hold some pleasant surprises.
(Excerpt from the study)
For this reason, the team of Italian scientists focused their research efforts on THCP, and not on CBDP. and not on CBDP. There are therefore no data concerning CBDP's action on the endocannabinoid system.
Chemical structure of CBDP (7-item alkyl bonds)
Chemical structure of CBD (5-item alkyl bonds)
We can assume, however, that since CBDP, like THCP, has a longer alkyl chain than CBD, its affinity with CB2 receptors is also enhanced, suggesting even more powerful anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties.
Every time a new cannabinoid is identified, CBD professionals ask themselves the same question: is this a good business opportunity? This was the case with HHC, and it could also be the case with CBDP, or even THCP. In any case, several questions need to be answered.
THCP and CBDP are both legalsince neither is on the list of narcotics. However, as you are well aware, the legal framework for cannabinoids is set to evolve, particularly as regards molecules with psychoactive properties and a molecular structure close to that of a prohibited molecule.
In other words, the legality of THCP is hanging by a thread... Despite this, several well-known breeders have already stated their intention to to create cannabis strains concentrated in THCPvarieties, taking advantage of the legal loophole.
As far as CBDP is concerned, there's no reason to believe that its legal status is in jeopardy. Indeed, the molecule does not cause psychotropic effects, and its chemical structure is very similar to that of CBD, a molecule declared safe by the WHO and perfectly legal.
One of the responsibilities of CBD industry players is to ensure that their products are safe for the health of consumers. And on this point, current factual and scientific data are insufficient...
However, as we've seen, CBDP and THCP are similar variants of THC and CBD. THC has undesirable side-effects, but is not harmful to health when used sensibly (and is used for its therapeutic properties!). CBD, on the other hand, has been shown to be safe up to a dose of 1500 mg/day.
One last question - and not the least! - to raise: would it be feasible to manufacture products using CBDP and/or THCP?
As mentioned above, some breeders are already looking for a variety with a high CBDP and THCP content, which suggests that CBDP and THCP flowers flowers could be on store shelves. What's more, if the concentration of these two cannabinoids is high enough, then it will be possible to extract them in the same way as CBD.
Be that as it may, all this is, for the moment, a matter of speculation. As far as we know, there are no CBDP-rich cannabis varieties, no extraction techniques, and no chemical processes to artificially recreate these two cannabinoids.
However, the Green Exchange team remains attentive and will keep you informed of any progress!