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Synthetic and semi-synthetic: everything you need to know about the new cannabinoids
Reading time ⌛ 12 min
THCN, H4CBD, THM, THCP, HHCPO… new synthetic and semi-synthetic CBD derivatives are appearing at a crazy pace, so much so that it is not always easy to find your way around and know what you are dealing with.
Need a quick recap on all these products ? Interested in their manufacturing methods and effects? This is the place to be!
Synthetic or semi-synthetic: what's the difference?
As you probably know, a synthetic molecule is a molecule composed entirely (or almost entirely) in a laboratory. This is the case, for example, withHHCPO. This molecule does not exist in nature; it is the result of the transformation of HHC, itself derived from CBD.
A semi-synthetic molecule is also synthesized in the laboratory, but with it, we don't start from scratch. It involves synthesizing a molecule from existing biological material, hence the term semi-synthetic.
There are two types of semi-synthetic molecules: CBN and THCP belong to the first category. These molecules already exist in nature, but their synthesis is necessary to artificially increase the concentration in a flower. Therefore, CBD is modified to obtain more CBN or THCP.
The second type are those that result from the transformation of an existing molecule. This is the case with H4CBD, which is the result of a CBD molecule to which 4 hydrogen atoms have been added.
Why modify cannabinoids? What are the effects?
This modification allows cannabinoids to interact differently, often more strongly, with our endocannabinoid system. As you know, all mammals have a network of endocannabinoid receptors distributed throughout the body. These receptors react chemically to regulate certain biological responses in our body. They play a role in regulating stress, sleep, pain, inflammation, and many other areas.
There are two types of receptors stimulated by hemp consumption. It's a bit more complex, but broadly speaking, we can summarize the effects of hemp like this: CB1 receptors are more stimulated by THC, and CB2 receptors by CBD. Essentially, stimulation of the former produces a feeling of euphoria and altered sensory perception, which is referred to as the "high." Stimulation of the latter provides deep relaxation and a profound sense of calm.
THCN
THCN is similar to THM in some ways; like THM, it's a cannabinoid cocktail developed in our laboratories. The difference is that THCN is then infused into a high-concentration CBN isolate.
This product creates a powerful entourage effect, inducing deep relaxation, both physical and mental. With no psychoactive effects, it's perfect for chilling and unwinding evenings.
MCPN
Like THM, MCPN is a cannabinoid mix; its name stands for Maximum Cannabinoid Power Natural. It's a blend made from 100% natural cannabinoid isolates infused with high-quality CBD flowers. In addition to CBD, MCPN contains CBN, CBC, and CBG.
Cannabinoids create a synergy, an entourage effect, which has no psychoactive effect, but can induce mild euphoria and plunge you into a state of deep relaxation.
MCPB
MCPB is somewhat the psychoactive counterpart to MCPN. Its name stands for Max Cannabinoid Power Boost. It is also a cannabinoid blend, but not only natural cannabinoids; in addition to CBD, CBN, and CBG, MCPB also contains 8-OH-HHC and 10-OH-HHC.
Designed to create a psychoactive effect comparable to that of HHC, it also creates a strong sense of relaxation and calm.
Muscimole
Muscimole is an alkaloid secreted by mushrooms of the Amanita family. This molecule has been known since the earliest days of humanity for its psychoactive and psychedelic effects.
Muscimol flowers and resins are brand new to the market; ingested as an infusion, in the form of space cookies or consumed by vaporization, they promise you a powerful relaxation of a whole new kind.
THM
THM is not like other products. "THM" stands for "The Hot Mix." It's our signature CBDOO cocktail of natural cannabinoids, containing 15% CBD, 15% CBDP, 5% CBG, 5% CBN, and 5% CBC. These natural molecules interact with each other to create a powerful entourage effect. Some describe effects similar to those of HHC.
This type of product is flourishing in online CBD shops. It can be found under various acronyms such as HDH for "High Density Herb," RAF for "Rapid Absorption Formula," MCPN for "Maximum Cannabinoid Power Natural," or HSD for "High-Stimulant Delight." These products offer different cannabinoid blends, so be sure to read the product descriptions and ingredient lists carefully to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
CBDP
CBDP is a minor cannabinoid naturally present in very low levels in hemp and cannabis plants. It was discovered at the same time as its counterpart THC, THCP .
Like CBD, it shares many similarities with its cousin. However, its longer side chain ensures significantly greater effectiveness.
10-OH-HHC
10-OH HHC is a new type of molecule. It is not a cannabinoid, but rather a metabolite of HHC, a byproduct of its oxidation by liver enzymes.
In other words, it is one of the molecules created by the liver's digestion of HHC. Because this molecule is naturally produced by the body, some believe it has a greater safety profile than HHC.
What is certain is that, like him, it is capable of producing a psychoactive effect that causes a rapid and short-lived high.
H4CBD
H4CBD is obtained by adding four hydrogen atoms to one CBD molecule. This modification gives it a greater stimulating effect on CB2 receptors, resulting in a relaxation similar to that provided by CBD, but with ten times the intensity.
H3CBN
H3CBN is obtained by adding three hydrogen atoms to the CBN molecule. This completely changes its effects. While CBN is known for its relaxing properties, H3CBN, on the contrary, has an exciting and energizing effect , providing a feeling of euphoria without impairing your judgment.
THCP
THCP , its synthesis aims to increase its concentration within the flowers and resins. Like THC, it stimulates CB1 receptors, and their effects on the body can be quite similar. The only significant difference seems to lie in the potency of the effects. According to some preliminary studies, THCP has a stimulant effect 33 times greater than THC! But be careful not to confuse stimulation with the effects felt, as these are not always synonymous.
HHCPO
HHCPO is a derivative obtained by hydrogenating and acetylating HHC, which itself is derived from CBD. HHCPO is known for its psychoactive effects, similar to HHC , but with greater potency. Like HHC, HHCPO stimulates CB1 receptors, producing a feeling of euphoria and altered perception, resulting in a "high."
THCV
THC -V or tetrahydrocannabivarin is a minor cannabinoid that is relatively well known since it was discovered in the 1960s. Naturally present in hemp, it has long been used by customs to discover the origin of plants seized at bcheckouts.
Studies suggest that THCV offers an anti-stress effect similar to that of CBD. It also provides a mild, short-lived psychotropic effect.
THCJD
Tetrahydrocannabinol , THCJD , is a cannabinoid naturally present in hemp plants. However, it only represents a tiny amount .
At the molecular level, it differs from other cannabinoids in the THC family by its longer side chain. This is thought to provide it with a stronger interaction with CB1 and CB2 receptors, resulting in more pronounced and longer-lasting effects.
THCPO
Tetrahydrocannabiphorol-O acetate , THCPO , is a synthetic cannabinoid obtained from the acelytation of THC-P. This chemical process is said to give this synthetic cannabinoid greater potency and novel psychoactive effects while maintaining strength and longevity.
CBN-O
Like THCPO, cannabinol-O acetate is an acetylated version of an existing cannabinoid: CBN, which itself is derived from the oxidation of THC.
CBN-O, like most acetates, is unknown in its natural state and is therefore synthetic. In terms of its effects, this acetylation process appears to give it a greater relaxing power than its natural form. It is also said to be more helpful in inducing sleep.
THCB
Tetrahydrocannabinol , or THCB, belongs to the same family as THC-H, P and JD, but unlike the latter, it has a shorter carbon chain than THC.
According to the results of studies on this carbon chain, this molecule would therefore be capable of a weaker binding with CB1 and CB2 receptors, which would produce faster, milder and lighter effects than other cannabinoids in its category.
THCH
Tetrahydrocannabinol is a cannabinoid that has been found incidentally on hemp plants. To our knowledge, it has only been observed twice in its natural state, once in smoke and on only one hemp variety.
In terms of potency and effect, its molecular structure would place it in third position after THC-JD and THC-P, however, as this cannabinoid is very rare, we know very little about it.
THV
THV , also called THV2, is a synthetic cannabinoid derived from CBD. Unlike recent derivatives such as THCP or HHCPO, it was not designed to mimic THC, but to reproduce the effects of THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin).
No scientific study has yet precisely described its biological effects, but by analogy with THCV, it could create a feeling of mental stimulation, an energy boost at low doses, as well as mild euphoria and relaxation at higher doses.
THCF
THCF , also known as NL-1 , is a next-generation synthetic cannabinoid developed in a European laboratory. Inspired by THC, it was designed to replicate its positive effects (euphoria, relaxation, calmness , etc.) while reducing side effects such as anxiety or paranoia.
Users describe a mild, clear and controlled “high”, combining mental well-being, relaxation and concentration, without loss of lucidity.
CBX
CBX, or cannabioxepan, is a rare natural cannabinoid discovered in 2011 during research on Carmagnola industrial hemp, an Italian variety rich in CBD and low in THC. Its chemical structure is unique: it belongs to a biphenyl family, with an aromatic tetracyclic architecture very different from THC and CBD.
But despite this molecular novelty, CBX does not interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors, nor with TRPA1 channels involved in pain or inflammation. In other words, it has no known psychoactive or pharmacological activity.
CBDX
CBDX , sometimes called CBD-X, is not a single identified molecule but a commercial blend that emerged in 2024, following the ban on derivatives like HHCPO and THCP. Presented by some vendors as a more potent form of CBD, it is claimed to be a cocktail of cannabinoids and terpenes designed to mimic the relaxing and stress-relieving effects of CBD.
However, no official information is given on its composition: neither the cannabinoids used, nor the dosages, nor the manufacturing processes.
HPE
HPE, for High Potential Effect, is a recently developed synthetic molecule that appeared on the CBD market in the summer of 2024, shortly after the ban on HHC and derivatives such as THCP and H4CBD. Like CBDX, HPE has no identified chemical structure.
The shops that sell it present it as a “boosted” CBD, designed to amplify relaxing and anti-stress effects, or even cause mild euphoria.
CB9
Often confused with CBG9, CB9 (for Cannabinoid 9) is a recent cannabinoid whose discovery remains shrouded in mystery. It was reportedly identified by chance during the analysis of a CBD distillate.
Present in trace amounts in hemp, the CB9 available on the market is therefore most often semi-synthetic, obtained in the laboratory from other cannabinoids.
Its chemical structure, similar to CBD but slightly modified, is thought to produce effects closer to HHC : mild euphoria, marked relaxation, and sometimes creative stimulation. Scientific data is still limited, but it appears to interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors, which would explain its moderate psychoactive profile.
CBG9
CBG9 , or Cannabigerol-9, is presented by some shops as a new “innovative” natural cannabinoid, supposed to offer effects similar to CBG, but more powerful.
In reality, no scientific study mentions this molecule : “CBG9” seems to be primarily a commercial name, without a clear correspondence in research.
Its effects may vary depending on the website selling it, so we advise you to read the product information carefully and exercise caution if you wish to consume it.
THC-O
THC -O, or THC acetate ester, is an acetylated form of THC, just as THCPO is for THCP. Discovered in the early 20th century, this cannabinoid gained considerable attention in the 1970s, when some authors described it as the most "spiritual" and "psychedelic" cannabinoid.
This largely contributed to its reputation as a very potent cannabinoid, leading most countries in the world to classify it as a narcotic.
In reality, recent studies show that THC-O is not psychedelic, but rather psychoactive, with an intensity often considered stronger than that of classic THC. However, since it remains illegal in most countries worldwide, little data is available to confirm this.
Why consume CBD derivatives
CBD derivatives have been developed to enhance the effects of their consumption. Everyone has their own reasons for consuming CBD; CBD derivatives could:
- Helping you relax and regulate your stress more effectively than CBD
- To serve as a palliative for those who wish to stop their cannabis use
- Helping you reduce your consumption
- To offer you a moment of recreational escape
Are synthetic and semi-synthetic products legal?
In France, legislation primarily focuses on THC concentration. No product may contain more than 0.3% THC. Beyond this, each product must be rigorously tested and will be either prohibited or approved based on its addictive potential.
This is exactly what happened with HHC. As a new molecule, it couldn't be banned outright. Therefore, it remained available until studies demonstrated its addictive properties. All the molecules we discuss in this article, except for H3CBN and THCV, are now completely prohibited. THC-B, THCP, THCJD, and other HHCPO compounds were made illegal by being placed on the list of narcotics as of June 3, 2024.
If you want to learn more about the legal status of the different neo-cannabioids on the subject, we have written an article on this topic: Neo-cannabinoids and legislation of European countries 2026.
Is consuming derivatives dangerous?
This question comes up frequently, but it's not easy to answer. The transformation these molecules undergo is not inherently dangerous. It's commonly used in the production of many food products. However, the lack of research on natural cannabinoids already leaves significant uncertainty regarding their long- and medium-term effects. As for modified cannabinoids, the amount of information is even more limited. Several of these molecules have been classified as narcotics due to their harmful effects on health, particularly the risks of habituation and addiction. Furthermore, while the potential dangers of these molecules must be assessed on a case-by-case basis, we always advise you to exercise the utmost caution when considering CBD-derived products.
