Discovery of THCP and CBDP Cannabinoids Reveals New Potency Levels
Newly discovered cannabinoids THCP and CBDP could redefine cannabis potency, with THCP showing over thirty times higher receptor affinity than THC
Key Points
- 1THCP and CBDP are newly discovered cannabinoids with unique properties
- 2THCP shows significantly higher CB1 receptor affinity than THC
- 3The discovery could lead to new medical cannabis research and applications
- 4THCP may explain specific effects of certain cannabis strains
- 5CBDP has lower receptor affinity, making it less of a research priority
A groundbreaking study published in Nature has unveiled the discovery of two previously unknown cannabinoids, THCP and CBDP, which could significantly alter our understanding of cannabis potency. THCP, or tetrahydrocannabiphorol, has shown an affinity for the CB1 receptor that is over thirty times higher than that of the well-known THC. This discovery was made during tests conducted on mice, highlighting THCP's potential to surpass THC in terms of psychoactive effects
The study focused on an Italian cannabis strain, FM2, sourced from the Italian army, which contained 5.6% CBD and 3.9% THC. Through ethanol extraction, researchers identified 243µg/g of CBDP and 29µg/g of THCP. These findings suggest that THCP could be responsible for certain pharmacological properties of cannabis strains that were previously attributed solely to THC. This revelation is poised to drive further research into the medical applications of cannabis, particularly in understanding its full pharmacological potential
According to the researchers, the discovery of THCP could provide new insights into the pharmacological effects of cannabis extracts administered to patients. Given its high binding affinity and increased cannabimimetic activity compared to THC, THCP is likely to become a focal point in future studies. Researchers have emphasized the importance of including THCP in the list of major phytocannabinoids for a comprehensive evaluation of cannabis extracts' effects
While THCP has garnered significant interest, CBDP's lower binding affinity to CB1 and CB2 receptors makes it a less urgent subject for further exploration. Nonetheless, the identification of these cannabinoids underscores the complexity of cannabis and the potential for discovering additional compounds with unique properties. This complexity may lead to the development of new cannabis-based therapies targeting a wide range of conditions, from anxiety to neuropathic pain
Moving forward, the cannabis industry and scientific community are expected to focus on the implications of these discoveries for both medical and recreational use. As researchers continue to explore the diverse array of cannabinoids, the potential benefits for patients could expand significantly. The emergence of THCP as a more potent alternative to THC could also influence future cannabis cultivation and product development strategies, potentially leading to new strains and formulations optimized for specific therapeutic outcomes