Cannabis research is a rapidly evolving field that continues to unearth new, exciting information about this remarkable plant. In recent years, the spotlight has been on Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD), but a new cannabinoid has entered the stage: Tetrahydrocannabiphorol, or THCP. In this article, we delve into the world of THCP - its legal status in the UK, its effects, and origins.
Is THCP Legal in the UK?
THCP is not specifically mentioned in the Misuse of Drugs Act, however, it is a psychoactive cannabinoid which means it is restricted by the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016. All cannabinoids which produce a psychoactive effects are regulated under this act, meaning that THCP is a class-B drug in the UK making it illegal to possess, distribute, or cultivate.
| Cannabinoid | Psychoactive? | Legal in the UK? |
| THCP | YES | ILLEGAL |
| THCV | YES | ILLEGAL |
| Δ⁹-THC | YES | ILLEGAL |
| Δ⁸-THC | YES | ILLEGAL |
| CBC | NO | LEGAL |
| CBD | NO | LEGAL |
| CBG | NO | LEGAL |
| HHC | YES | ILLEGAL |
| H4-CBD | NO | LEGAL |
United States
In the U.S., cannabis legality is a complex issue due to differences between federal and state laws. Cannabis remains a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This classification suggests that cannabis has a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use. Therefore, it's plausible that THCP would be considered illegal at a federal level given its psychoactive nature and structural similarity to THC.
However, many states have enacted laws to legalise medical and/or recreational cannabis use. It's unclear how these state laws would apply to THCP specifically, as many state regulations focus primarily on THC and CBD.
Canada
Canada is one of the few countries that has fully legalized cannabis for both medical and recreational use. The Cannabis Act, which came into effect in 2018, allows adults to possess, share, and purchase legally produced cannabis. Given this broad legalisation, it's likely that THCP would also be legal in Canada. However, it's essential to note that Canada has strict regulations around the production, distribution, and sale of cannabis, which would presumably extend to THCP.
Australia
In Australia, the legality of cannabis varies by region. Some territories have decriminalised or legalised personal use, while others maintain strict prohibitions. Medical cannabis is legal with a prescription across the country. However, THC and other psychoactive cannabinoids are typically regulated more stringently, so THCP may fall under these restrictions.
European Union
Cannabis laws in the EU also vary by country. Some nations have decriminalised or legalised cannabis, while others maintain strict prohibitions. Many countries permit CBD, especially if it contains no or trace amounts of THC. Given that THCP is a psychoactive cannabinoid and structurally similar to THC, it's plausible that it could be regulated similarly to THC in many EU nations.
The legal status of cannabis and cannabinoids like THCP can change as new research and societal attitudes evolve. Therefore, it's crucial to consult local laws or legal experts for the most current and accurate information. This is not legal advice.
Origin of THCP
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found within the cannabis plant. To date, scientists have discovered over 100 unique cannabinoids, with THC and CBD being the most well-known and widely researched.
However, THCP is a recent discovery, first identified and isolated in 2019 by a team of Italian researchers who found it in a low-THC cannabis strain. This is one of the most recent cannabinoids discovered, meaning there is lots being learnt.
THCP is structurally similar to THC but has a longer alkyl side chain. This unique structural element has piqued researchers' interest, as it appears to be a key factor in its increased binding affinity to the cannabinoid receptors in our body compared to THC, leading to its potentially more potent effects.
Cannabinoids, including THCP and THC, have a common chemical structure composed of a phenol group (an aromatic ring with an attached hydroxyl group) and a terpene moiety (a long chain of isoprene subunits). The key difference between THC and THCP lies in the length of the side chain attached to the terpene moiety.
In THC, this side chain contains five carbon atoms (pentyl chain), whereas in THCP, the side chain is elongated to contain seven carbon atoms (heptyl chain). This might sound like a small difference, but it seems to have a significant impact on how the molecule interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system.
Effects of THCP
While research on THCP is still in its infancy, preliminary studies have indicated its potential potency. The Italian research team that first discovered THCP conducted experiments on mice, finding that THCP appears to bind to the body's cannabinoid receptors with significantly greater affinity than THC. This increased binding affinity suggests that THCP may be more potent than THC, leading to potentially stronger effects.
That said, we must exercise caution when interpreting these results. The effects observed in mice don't always translate directly to humans, and much more research is needed to fully understand the implications of THCP use. The long-term effects of THCP are still unknown, and its safety profile is yet to be established.
Anecdotally, users of THCP report online on sites like Reddit and Facebook of intense psychoactive effects. Users often report THCP can be overwhelming and powerful. Inexperienced cannabinoid users should avoid THCP - even in states and countries where it is legal, because of the intense, sometimes hard-to-manage effects.
How do people use THCP?
Because THCP is relatively new, it's not super-common, however products are starting to emerge in legal markets:
THCP Vape Products: Vaping is a popular method of cannabinoid consumption due to its quick onset and efficient absorption. We could foresee THCP vape oils and cartridges in the future, similar to those currently available for THC and CBD.
THCP Edibles: Edibles offer a smoke-free way of consuming cannabinoids and are favoured by many for their ease of use and longer-lasting effects compared to inhalation. It's possible that we may see THCP-infused gummies, chocolates, beverages, or other edible products on the market in the future.
THCP Oils and Tinctures: Cannabis oils and tinctures are popular for their versatility and ease of dosing. These could be consumed directly or added to food and drinks for a personalised consumption experience.
THCP Topicals: Topical products like creams, balms, and lotions infused with cannabinoids are used for localized relief, and it's conceivable that THCP could also be used in this way.
THCP Capsules: Capsules offer a convenient, discrete, and easy-to-dose method of consuming cannabinoids, which could also be applied to THCP.
The Future of THCP
With the ongoing research into cannabis and its cannabinoids, the discovery of THCP has opened a new door of possibilities. Its potential potency could revolutionise medical applications for cannabis, providing stronger relief for those who need it.
But as we venture into this new frontier, it is critical to approach with caution and responsibility. More research is needed to fully understand THCP's effects, its potential benefits, and risks. This research will also inevitably shape the legal landscape, guiding policies and regulations to ensure the safe and beneficial use of this fascinating compound.
In conclusion, THCP is a relatively new player in the vast arena of cannabinoids, representing an intriguing area of research in the ever-growing field of cannabis studies. Its legal status in the UK remains uncertain, and its effects, while potentially potent, are still not entirely understood. As the research unfolds, it will undoubtedly illuminate more about this compelling