The Cannabinoid Newly Discovered by Science

03.04.21

The following article will discuss the discovery of the new cannabinoid in marijuana, the THCP, a promising new cannabinoid discovered in 2020.

You’ve probably heard of THC, which is officially known as tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid in Cannabis Sativa, which causes sensory altering effects. In the same way that CBD, which does not have psychoactive effects, is also very popular. However, a new group of cannabinoids have recently been discovered by a group of Italian scientists.

These are the THCP and the CBDP. The first of these, also known as tetrahydrocannabiforol, is a cannabinoid that is considered relatively similar to its better-known cousin, THC and is the cannabinoid that this article will talk about.

The tetrahidrocannabiforol (THCP) is the new phytocannabinoid discovered by science in 2020. It is similar in structure and function to its cannabinoid counterparts, THC, although it incorporates novel characteristics.

The cannabis industry is evolving at a fast pace and there is a growing demand for new cannabinoids. In response to this growing demand, scientists are further investigating both the benefits of cannabis and potential new cannabinoids.

In today’s article THCP will be discussed. To know all the characteristics of this phytocannabinoid, keep reading the article and do not miss anything that science has to say about it.

What is THCP?

THCP is a phytocannabinoid present in Cannabis. It is a recently discovered molecule that has been attributes an elongated structure in the side chain and seven links or links.

With the discovery of THCP, it has been shown that the length of this side chain plays a fundamental role in the effects that THC exerts on the body’s CB1 receptors. A minimum of three links are required for THC to bind to the receptor, and the binding affinity reaches a maximum of eight links before its activity begins to decline.

Advanced chemical analysis of this molecule has helped to identify these closely related cannabinoids, and has also allowed us to recognize what differentiates them from previously known cannabinoids.

The spectrometric analysis allowed researchers to separate THCP from the hundreds of cannabinoids found in Cannabis Sativa. This research also revealed some interesting differences. As mentioned, THCP has seven links in its chain of union, compared to the five links present in traditional THC. There is some evidence that the more significant number of links increases the binding capacity of THCP.

The efficacy of the cannabinoid, at least to some extent, is linked to how well it can bind to CB1 receptors. Early research results suggest that the THCP binds an order of magnitude better than traditional THC. As a result, THCP can be more effective and potent than THC.

Experts also suggest that the THCP could be 5 to 10 times more active than THC on CB2 receptors. CB2 receptors regulate inflammation and pain and enhance the immune response to pathogens. Therefore, there is great potential for the impact of THCP on the endocannabinoid system.

What does science say about these discoveries?

There is a study on THCP that could explain why cannabis can cause so many different effects between users. Thus, the scientists involved in the study reported that there is great variability in the response of subjects to cannabis-based therapies, even with equal doses of THC.

Although it has always been thought that the psychotropic effects of Cannabis Sativa are mainly due to THC, may be due in part to THCP or to other extremely potent cannabinoids that have yet to be profiled. Deepening our understanding of the physical and mental effects of THCP can help science measure the potential beneficial effects of Cannabis.

From this same study also the benefit of growing cannabis strains in which THC is not predominant can be derived (in those countries where it is legal). Cannabis genetic research has progressed by leaps and bounds in recent years, and strains that produce higher amounts of minor cannabinoids, such as CBDV, CBG, and THCV, are becoming more widely available.

Soon, cannabis strains rich in other minor cannabinoids, such as THCP, they could continue this path. Growing varieties rich in these minor cannabinoids facilitates the production of the extract of these compounds, allowing consumers to enjoy the possible effects of each cannabinoid.

Overall, the study authors state that it is vital to perform a complete chemical profile of cannabis. The identification of minor cannabinoids and currently unknown cannabinoids may offer therapeutic riches that have the potential to further transform medicine. Or not. But it is worth finding out.

Could THCP become legal?

THCP is a novel phytocannabinoid on which little has been studiedTherefore, talking about the legal viability of this is still somewhat risky. Within the complex legal history of marijuana in Spain, THC is the only cannabinoid that is listed as a prohibited substance.

However, Spanish law establishes that hemp is legal as long as the THC delta-9 is below 0.2%, as long as it is for industrial purposes, which means that the Cannabis sativa plant, and any part of that plant, including its seeds and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts and salts of isomers, growing or not for industrial purposes, they must have a concentration of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol not greater than 0.2 percent in dry weight.

Things change when it comes to hemp for uses other than industrial ones. In these cases, even if the concentration is less than 0.2%, a special license is still required for its distribution. This means that if the THCP comes from a legal hemp farm, it is extracted as an oil by a licensed hemp processor, and the delta-9 THC levels are non-existent., THCP could be legal in Spain.

The discovery of THCP is important for several reasons. First of all, it stresses that Cannabis industry continues to evolve and develop new solutions. It shows that scientists are looking to apply scientific research and methodology to cannabis. This new rigor will help doctors and patients who turn to cannabis and related products to treat a number of medical problems.

Second, it is crucial that the hemp industry continues to evolve beyond the novelty of THCP. For a plant that has been closely linked to human history, there is still much to learn about it. Only the future can shed light on the uses that can be made of this cannabinoid.

If you liked this article, why don’t you read New Cannabinoids | A world of possibilities for science and history of Lawrence Ringo, one of the fathers of CBD.

Author: Igor Vieira

Graduate in Molecular Biology, content manager and store manager in Natural Experience. Living life, talking about Cannabis Sativa, father. Collegiate number is 20787-X Linkedin Bio See all posts by Igor Vieira

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