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THCV and THCP: everything you need to know about these new compounds
Reading time
⌛
3 min
In addition to H4CBD, two other molecules will be available on the French and European markets in 2023: THCV and THCP. These are two of the many cannabinoids present in cannabis. As you probably know, alongside the two best-known and most concentrated compounds, THC and CBD, there are over 130 cannabinoids present in cannabis.
As their names suggest, tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) and tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCP) are closely related to THC, but their effects are different, and in some cases even opposite. Follow us as we explain it all!
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A bit of culture: the discovery of THCP and THCV
THCV was discovered in the 1970s. The molecule was mainly exploited for legal purposes. After its presence was found to be higher in certain African varieties, it was used to determine the origin of cannabis confiscated by police and customs authorities in various countries.
The discovery of THCP (and CBDP for that matter) is more recent. It was only discovered in 2019. It was made by a team of Italian researchers led by Professor Giuseppe Cannazza of the University of Modena.
Today, these two molecules are attracting renewed interest. Not only on the part of consumers, curious or looking for stronger effects than CBD, but also on the medical side, where there is interest in the many applications in which these substances could make a real difference.
Natural molecules, but not all of them
These two compounds, naturally present in the plant, have been little noticed and little studied due to their low concentration. By comparison, THC concentrations regularly exceed 20%, while THCV rarely exceeds 4% and THCP is generally around 0.20%. Certain chemical manipulations are therefore necessary to increase these levels and ensure that they reveal their effects when consumed. Products marketed for their high THCV and THCP content are therefore classified as semi-synthetic.
How do these two molecules work?
Like THC, THCP and THCV bind to CB1 receptors, but they also interact with CB2 receptors, giving rise to the effects of CBD. It's interesting to note that, in its natural state, THCV, which is not very psychoactive , multiplies the psychoactive effects of THC. And THCP is considered to be 30 times stronger than THC.
But we'll have to wait a little longer to find out more, as their use and research are still in their infancy, so data on their actual effects is still scarce.
The effects of THCP and THCV
Although the molecular structures of THC, THCV and TCHP are quite similar, their effects all seem to differ.
Properties of TetraHydroCannabiPhorol (THCP)
According to studies, THCP seems to bind powerfully to endoreceptors . Its effects on them are rapid, powerful and long-lasting. Although still relatively unknown, tests[2] have shown that the substance can reduce sensations of pain and nausea, as well as inflammation. Antioxidant and anti-epileptic properties have also been demonstrated.
It is also a product with powerful psychoactive effects; it could trigger effects quite similar to THC (euphoria, self-awareness, increased appetite…), but also more harmful ones such as paranoia, stress, tachycardia… and of course, dry mouth!
The properties of tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)
THCV is considered a "neutral" cannabinoid: it does not provide the psychoactive effects of THC. But this is not the case, as its effects vary according to concentration. When THCV concentration exceeds 10%, it is said to activate CB1 and CB2 receptors, triggering intense relaxation and mild euphoria . Other effects include the following:
- An exciting effect
- Regulation of appetite and blood sugar levels
- An anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving action
- Reduced anxiety
Studies[1] have also revealed that this substance may possess neuroprotective qualities. The substance could therefore be used to combat certain neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's), as well as obesity and type 2 diabetes, like CBD.
THCP and THCV: are they legal?
Regarding legality, these two substances benefited from a legal loophole that allowed them to remain legal for a while. However, based on initial results from consumer and laboratory studies, we thought that THCV might remain available longer than THCP due to its psychoactivity. And we were right; as of June 3rd , THCP is illegal in France. THCV, on the other hand, is now only authorized at a concentration not exceeding 0.3%.
