By Luke Sumpter


It might come as a surprise to many cannabis users and non-users alike, but weed and THC are not synonymous. Rather, the cannabis plant produces hundreds of chemicals that influence its aromas, flavours, and physiological effects. While THC and CBD stand out as two of the most abundant molecules in modern strains, they’re far from the only constituents in their chemical class. So far, researchers have discovered around 100 unique cannabinoids in the plant[1]—and they keep finding more.

THCP and CBDP are among a group of recently elucidated cannabinoids that are changing the way scientists view cannabis chemistry. Continue reading as we share everything we know about this exciting pair of phytochemicals, from their effects to their potential impact on the global cannabis industry.

Chemical structures of four cannabinoids: THCP, CBDP, THC, and CBD, including the newly discovered THCP and CBDP.

What Are THCP and CBDP?

As their initialisms suggest, both tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCP) and cannabidiphorol (CBDP) share close chemical traits with THC and CBD, respectively. As homologues of these superstar cannabinoids, they possess similar structures and functional groups. These novel compounds belong to an ever-growing list of cannabinoids discovered in the marijuana plant. THCP shows promise in drastically increasing the psychoactive potency of cannabis as a whole, whereas CBDP could mimic the effects of its close counterpart, CBD.

While researchers are only just getting to grips with how they work in the body, the cannabis community has already expressed great interest in these cannabinoids. As a result, breeders are likely to start developing strains that express THCP and CBDP in higher concentrations to meet consumer demand.

  • Understanding Cannabinoids: A Brief Overview

Before we dive deeper into the discovery of THCP and CBDP, it’ll help to briefly define the structure and function of cannabinoids as a whole. Traditionally, researchers have defined[2] these compounds as structurally similar molecules that appear exclusively in the cannabis plant. However, this definition has since broadened to include a wide range of compounds capable of binding to endocannabinoid system (ECS) receptors, including phytocannabinoids found in other plants and mycocannabinoids found in fungi.

The ECS plays a crucial role in many biological processes, from nervous system firing and digestion to bone density and immunity, and consists of three fundamental parts: signalling molecules, receptors, and enzymes. The first of this trio are called endocannabinoids (“endo” meaning “within”). The two primary endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-AG, which are tasked with activating the two chief ECS receptors, known as CB1 and CB2. Meanwhile, enzymes both build and break down endocannabinoids as and when the body needs them.

Interestingly, plant cannabinoids such as THC share molecular characteristics with our endocannabinoids, allowing them to bind to ECS receptors and influence both the ECS itself and the biological processes it manages. For example, THC produces psychoactive effects by binding to CB1 receptors in the central nervous system.

  • The Discovery of THCP and CBDP

The discovery[3] of both THCP and CBDP took place in 2019. A team of researchers from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy set out in search of novel cannabinoids. They received 10 g of raw plant material of FM2, a strain used by the Military Chemical Pharmaceutical Institute for breeding. They divided the material into two batches, one consisting of 500 mg and the other of 9.5 g. They prepared an extract from the 500 mg batch using 50 ml of 96% ethanol alcohol before analysing it using a form of ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC). They then extracted cannabinoids from the 9.5 g batch by freeze-drying, applying hexane and sonification and spinning the formula in a centrifuge. Next, they filtered it and isolated cannabinoids using a type of liquid chromatography.

At the end of this process, the researchers managed to isolate newly discovered THCPA and CBDPA. Much like THC and CBD exist as the cannabinoid acids THCA and CBDA in raw cannabis, both THCP and CBDP exist in their acidic forms before heating and drying. The researchers decarboxylated both compounds, a process that uses heat to eject a carboxyl group, and ended up with THCP and CBDP.

How THCP and CBDP Work in the Endocannabinoid System

But their research didn’t end there. They then tested THCP for its potential influence on human CB1 and CB2 receptors as well as a computerised docking simulation. What they uncovered next has left both academics and cannabis users as a whole flabbergasted: THCP exhibited an affinity with the CB1 receptor 30 times greater than that of THC. From there, they looked for the cannabimimetic activity of THCP in an animal model and found that THCP produced the same kind of results and behaviours as THC but at lower doses. While it took a minimum of 10 mg/kg of THC to provoke a response in these tests, it took 5 mg/kg of THCP.

So, what about CBDP? Well, the researchers effectively left it for another team to play around with. Ongoing studies are currently investigating CBDP, but they reasoned that because CBD itself lacks binding affinity with CB1 and CB2 receptors, CBDP probably does too.

Illustration of THCP and CBDP interacting with the endocannabinoid system, a crucial network of receptors and neurotransmitters that regulate key bodily functions.

THCP: The “Longer” THC

You can view THCP as the “longer” version of THC, owing to differences in their chemical structure. When looking at a picture of a THC molecule, you’ll see a group of three rings and a tail. This tail, known as an alkyl side chain, features five carbon atoms. When looking at an image of THCP, you’ll notice it has a longer tail made up of a total of seven carbon atoms. Although it seems like a minor difference, this extended alkyl side chain is what causes THCP to bind to the CB1 receptor with a much greater affinity and produce much more potent psychoactive effects.

Comparing THCP to Other Cannabinoids: THC, THCA, and Delta-8-THC

Though THCP has a lot in common with its close molecular relatives, its unique chemical structure makes it distinct from these compounds. Find out how they compare below.

  • THCP vs THC: What’s the Difference?

Because research shows that THCP possesses around 30 times the affinity with CB1 as THC, it has the potential to produce a much more powerful effect in smaller amounts. However, saying that a strain with 10% THCP would get you thirty times higher than a strain with 10% THC isn’t entirely accurate, as the effects of cannabis aren’t contingent on just one or two chemicals. With that said, THCP certainly appears to induce a far more potent experience, and its presence in some cannabis strains, although small, could underpin why you’ve felt much more stoned than normal on some occasions.

Researchers are now in the process of uncovering the therapeutic potential of the molecule. Logically, it makes sense that, through its action on CB1, THCP could help to address medical conditions that THC-rich strains are currently prescribed for in some areas of the world. Scientists will likely focus on areas already studied[4] in the context of THC, including pain, appetite, neuroprotection, and nausea and vomiting.

  • THCP vs THCA: Psychoactivity and Therapeutic Potential

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is the chemical precursor to THC found in raw cannabis flowers. Once exposed to heat, THCA converts into THC. THCA itself has a low binding affinity with both CB1 and CB2 receptors, with THC exhibiting a 62-fold greater affinity[5] with CB1. Therefore, considering that THCP binds with 30 times greater affinity than THC, the former cannabinoid absolutely dwarfs the activity of THCA at this receptor—a cannabinoid acid that is largely viewed as non-psychotropic. However, THCA influences human physiology in different ways, leading researchers to launch studies[6] assessing its effects on inflammation, immunity, and cancer.

  • THCP vs Delta-8: Which Is Stronger?

Delta-8-THC occurs naturally in cannabis, but in much smaller concentrations than THC. Though very chemically similar to THC, it features a double bond on the eighth atom of its carbon chain as opposed to the ninth. Research[7] suggests that delta-8 possesses around 50–75% of the potency of THC, making it considerably weaker than THCP.

Does THCP Get You High?

As a newly discovered molecule, human trials on THCP have yet to take place. However, scientific modelling that shows how the cannabinoid interacts with CB1 receptors suggests that THCP exerts a much stronger effect than THC. Some products labelled to contain THCP have made their way onto the market, and anecdotal accounts describe the effects as potent, relaxing, and euphoric.

Person in black gloves trimming a cannabis plant, highlighting that "THCP is a more powerful version of THC with stronger effects on the mind and body."

CBDP: What We Know So Far

Little information exists about how CBDP impacts the endocannabinoid system or the body as a whole. Studies[8] have shown that the molecule, much like CBD, lacks significant affinity with both CB1 and CB2 receptors. However, scientists are keen to test it on other receptors belonging to the “expanded” ECS, including TRPV1 and GPR[9] receptors.

  • How CBDP Compares to CBD

Similar to THC and THCP, the structural differences between CBD and CBDP boil down to their side chains. While CBD has a 5-carbon pentyl group, CBDP has a 7-carbon heptyl group. Future studies will likely uncover just how much of a difference this makes regarding the effects of these cannabinoids in the human body.

  • Is CBDP Psychoactive?

Because CBDP is not an agonist of the CB1 receptor, it is unlikely to produce euphoric or inebriating effects. However, as CBD binds to other receptor sites linked to mood, including serotonin and dopamine receptors[10], it’s possible that CBDP is psychoactive in a way that doesn’t inhibit normal functioning, much like CBD. That said, more research is necessary to determine whether CBDP shares this mechanism of action.

What Are the Potential Therapeutic Benefits of THCP and CBDP?

Right now, the potential therapeutic benefits of both THCP and CBDP are unconfirmed. However, research continues to explore the role of THC in pain[11], neuroprotection, and nausea, while CBD is studied in models of anxiety, insomnia, and inflammation. Because of their structural similarities to THC and CBD, THCP and CBDP are likely to also be studied in models of these conditions. Time will tell just how effective these cannabinoids may be.

Are There THCP-Rich and CBDP-Rich Cannabis Strains?

Both THCP and CBDP occur in cannabis naturally, but only in very small concentrations. At present, there are no commercial strains that produce high quantities of either cannabinoid. However, as with other discoveries in cannabis science, we can expect breeders to latch onto this trend and produce varieties high in both cannabinoids in the not-too-distant future.

Safety and Dosing Considerations for THCP

Because of the lack of human trials and information on how the body metabolises THCP, no safety or dosing guidelines exist. Therefore, it’s best to take a cautious approach when using any product believed to contain this cannabinoid. Consider the effects of a high-THC strain, then remember that THCP binds to the CB1 receptor with 30 times the affinity. In short, take things one hit at a time.

  • THCP’s Side Effects

Though the exact side effects of THCP in humans remain unknown, they are likely to be very similar to those produced by THC, albeit potentially stronger. These include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Red eyes
  • Hunger
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Intense anxiety or paranoia
  • Impaired short-term memory
  • Lethargy

What’s the Role of THCP and CBDP in the Future of Cannabis?

THCP and CBDP have an extremely bright future in the cannabis industry. Given its potency, THCP will likely gain popularity in the world of dabs and extracts. And though we know little about CBDP at this point, future studies will determine how best to put this cannabinoid to use. Prepare to see a boom in product diversification and new strains centred around these novel compounds. Sign up for our newsletter to keep up with emerging findings!

External Resources:
  1. Cannabinoids - Alcohol and Drug Foundation https://adf.org.au
  2. Cannabinoids: Definitional ambiguities and a proposal https://www.sciencedirect.com
  3. A novel phytocannabinoid isolated from Cannabis sativa L. with an in vivo cannabimimetic activity higher than Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol: Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabiphorol | Scientific Reports https://www.nature.com
  4. Therapeutic Potential of Cannabis: A Comprehensive Review of Current and Future Applications - PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. Affinity and Efficacy Studies of Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid A at Cannabinoid Receptor Types One and Two - PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. Critical Review and Novel Therapeutic Perspectives of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid A https://www.liebertpub.com
  7. Delta-8-THC: Delta-9-THC’s nicer younger sibling? | Journal of Cannabis Research | Full Text https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com
  8. CBD Versus CBDP: Comparing In Vitro Receptor-Binding Activities - PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  9. Possible Receptor Mechanisms Underlying Cannabidiol Effects on Addictive-like Behaviors in Experimental Animals - PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  10. Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids - The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids - NCBI Bookshelf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: