THCP: An Exciting New Phytocannabinoid

What Is THCP?

THCP stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiphorol or Tetrahydrocannabiphorol.
THCP falls into the category of phytocannabinoids and in research, it’s been extracted and also synthesized from the Cannabis Sativa family of plants.
We’re already familiar with popular phytocannabinoids like THC and CBD. Some other cannabinoids to keep note of include:

· Cannabigerol (CBG)

· Cannabichromene (CBC)

· Cannabidivarin (CBDV)

· Cannabinol (CBN)

· Tetrahydrocannabavarin (THCV)

· Other Delta THCs (Δ-8-THC, Δ-10-THC)

The Discovery Of THCP

How can we maximize the potential therapeutic effects of the Cannabis plant?

Well, first, we need to study the chemical structure of the active compounds to guide our understanding of Cannabinoids.  
Advanced technology such as mass spectrometry allows researchers to dive much deeper. The goal is to learn more about cannabinoids that are lesser known and occur in only minor concentrations. That’s pretty much how THCP was discovered.
On December 30th, a 2019 edition of Scientific Reports introduced the newly discovered cannabinoid to the world based on breakthrough Italian research.
In the Italian strain studied, the levels of THC were 39 mg/g vs. only 29 mcg/g of THCP. Notice it’s milligrams vs. micrograms!
Also, the team of Italian scientists leading the research announced the discovery of another new cannabinoid – CBDP. (Psst, we’ll get into more details on THCP and CBDP below).

The Secrets Of THCP: (Or Why Size Matters!)

The detection of THCP is nothing less but groundbreaking.
This is the first naturally occurring cannabinoid ever found to contain more than 5 carbon atoms in its alkyl side chains.
So, why does the size of the cannabinoid molecule matter so much?
The size and shape of the molecule impacts the effects of cannabis.

Most cannabinoid molecules share a common feature. They include something called alkyl side chains, where alkyl side chains consist of a string of carbon atoms.

Think of the carbon atoms as pearls on a string. Research shows you will get more psychoactivity, or bang for your buck, when more carbon pearls are present on each string.
The molecules of THC and CBD contain 5 carbon atoms. These atoms are attached to the alkyl side chain of the molecules.
The alkyl side chain plays a critical role. It’s through this side chain how cannabinoids bind with CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Picture this as a key and a locker. Cannabinoids are the keys, and the CB receptors are the lockers.
The binding to a receptor allows the cannabinoid molecules to impact neural and cellular activity through the endocannabinoid system.
Cannabinoid receptors are located in many different parts of the body, nerves, and the brain. This is why the effects of cannabis are so broad and interlinked within our bodily systems.