THCP AND CBDP: NEWLY DISCOVERED CANNABINOIDS

Cannabis and the substances it contains have been a hot topic for some time. With the gradual legalisation of cannabis products worldwide, there is a vast research potential. A team of Italian scientists studying technical cannabis has discovered two new cannabinoids: THCP and CBDP. Are you interested in learning more about these two cannabinoids and what changes they may bring to the field of cannabis potency research? Then continue reading this article to find out many interesting facts about these two newly discovered cannabinoids.

What are THCP and CBDP?

Cannabis plants contain nearly 150 different cannabinoids, and with the explosion of cannabis research, it is likely that many more similar substances will be discovered.CBD and THC are considered to be the primary cannabinoids and are found in significant amounts in the cannabis plant. However, minor cannabinoids also play an important role.

It is only recently that scientists around the world have begun to investigate how cannabis achieves its medicinal and psychoactive effects. This new research has shown that cannabis flowers may contain small amounts of previously unknown cannabinoids. These recently discovered substances have been named THCP and CBDP.

THCP

Research shows that the cannabinoid THCP differs in its side chain structure, which consists of seven carbons. Its better-known counterpart, THC, has only five carbons. THCP therefore exhibits a strong binding to CB1 receptors, which is roughly 30 times higher than that of THC, which may or may not lead to a significantly stronger psychoactive and medicinal effect.

THCP, with its seven side chain carbons, is one of the first of its kind. The vast majority of cannabinoids identified to date have at most five carbons, which is why THCP is such a significant discovery.

It is the length of this side chain that has been shown to have a major influence on the effects of THC on CB1 receptors in the body. At least three carbons are needed to bind THC to the receptor. The longer side chain of THCP appears to have an even stronger binding capacity to the CB1 receptor than regular THC, which could mean that it will have a stronger effect. To find out if the longer side chain is linked to increased psychoactivity, the researchers carried out tests on mice. The results showed increased psychoactivity for THCP compared to THC. However, the effects of THCP on the human body have not yet been proven, so we can only speak of conjectures for the time being, which should be confirmed or refuted by further studies.

In addition, new studies have shown that THCP may also be five to ten times more effective than THC on CB2 receptors, which help to reduce inflammation and pain, boost immunity and protect against bone loss in the body due to ageing. It is also thought that THCP may be one of the reasons why some cannabis varieties are more potent than others, even though they have similar or even lower concentrations of THC.

CBDP

CBDP has not been a priority for as much scrutiny as the factinating THCP. Early studies show that THCP binds very well to the human endocannabinoid system, and this increases the likelihood that THCP-rich cannabis varieties will be significantly more psychoactive than existing THC-rich varieties. However, scientists have found that, like THCP, CBDP has a side-chain structure with seven carbons instead of just five. However, as CBD only weakly binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors, it is very unlikely that the substance would have any stronger effects. For this reason, scientists have not yet carried out any biological studies on CBDP. Future research should therefore investigate whether the longer side chain of CBDP can increase its binding to other receptors. Scientists often point out that even science can often be very surprising, so future research may show that CBDP has hidden efficacy or therapeutic properties that are not yet known.

How were THCP and CBDP discovered?

At the end of 2019, a team of Italian scientists announced that they had discovered two new cannabinoids: THCP and CBDP. In an effort to define the cannabinoid profile of a variety of medicinal cannabis, they were able to uncover new cannabinoids with a slightly different chemical structure than THC and CBD. Since cannabis is illegal in Italy, this group of scientists had to apply for a special permit from the Ministry of Health to research technical cannabis. In doing so, they came across a molecule similar to CBD. Once they had identified CBDP, they had to apply for a permit to search for a THC correspondent, and soon managed to find THCP.

Therapeutic effects of THCP and CBDP

THCP

Research shows that the length of the side chain is crucial for the binding of cannabinoids to the endocannabinoid system. The most likely effect of THCP will be an intense psychoactive effect. Medical cannabis users are also curious about the effects THCP will have on pain relief. Many expect similar effects to THC, but probably slightly stronger.

CBDP

Many CBD users often cite feelings of calmness and mental well-being as the main benefits of the substance. CBDP is expected to enhance these qualities. However, given that CBDP has a low binding capacity to bothCB1 and CB2 receptors , it is unlikely that a longer side chain would contribute to CBDP binding more effectively to receptors in the body. Therefore, expectations for the effects of CBDP are somewhat lower than for THCP.

Side effects of THCP and CBDP

As there is not yet sufficient research, users should be very cautious when using THCP as a potential medication. One of the main side effects of using cannabis sticks containing THCP is likely to be overdose. Indeed, it may happen that a person consumes an excessive amount of THCP and develops unwanted side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness or lethargy.

Side effects of CBDP

It is too early to determine the possible side effects of CBDP.

How will THCP and CBDP affect the future of cannabis?

THCP and CBDP are considered to be of particular interest because they are the first cannabinoids discovered with chains longer than five carbons. This could mean in the future, for example, the cultivation of varieties with high THCP content or the production of THCP-rich concentrates.

The lack of substantiated medical research on cannabinoid compounds, their effects and benefits is very worrying, especially when it comes to CBD, as CBD is not an addictive substance and is considered by most experts to have the greatest potential for treating a wide range of health conditions.

The results of this new research show how important it is to carry out extensive chemical testing of medicinal cannabis varieties, while also investigating the effects of any minor cannabinoids. Cannabis has always been important to humanity. Discoveries such as THCP and CBDP are proof that there is still so much that needs to be discovered and understood about cannabis before it can finally be used to its full potential.

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