Researchers in Italy announced on December 30th that they have discovered two previously unknown cannabinoids, THCP and CBDP.

The first, tetrahydrocannabiphorol (Δ9-THCP), is allegedly 30 times more potent than THC. In mice, it appeared THCP was more active than THC at lower doses.

It is believed that the psychotropic effects in cannabis are due to other extremely active phytocannabinoids such as Δ9-THCP.

We believe that the discovery of an extremely potent THC-like phytocannabinoid may shed light on several pharmacological effects not ascribable solely to Δ9-THC. Scientific Reports

The scientists also found cannabidiphorol (CBDP), a cousin of CBD and are investigating CBDP’s anti-convulsive and anti-inflammatory properties.

What are the benefits of THCP and CBDP?

THCP and CBDP may be more abundant in other strains of cannabis, but it would take time to conduct more research.

The strain, FM2, a cannabis variety is obtained from the strain CIN-RO produced by the Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA) in Rovigo (Italy) and provided to the Military Chemical Pharmaceutical Institute (MCPI, Firenze, Italy) for breeding.

The report states that the binding activity of Δ9-THCP against the CB 1 receptor showed results similar to that of CP55940, a potent full CB 1 agonist.

In a cannabinoid tetrad pharmacological test, Δ9-THCP induced hypomotility, analgesia, catalepsy and decreased rectal temperature indicating a THC-like cannabimimetic activity. The presence of this new phytocannabinoid could account for the pharmacological properties of some cannabis varieties difficult to explain by the presence of Δ9-THC.

The discovery of THCP and CBDP is due to improvements in mass spectrometry, a tool used by scientists to weigh the mass of atoms.

After years of anecdotal evidence, it is great to see increasing proof of the potential of cannabis and its cannabinoids on a wide range of disorders from sleep to anxiety, multiple sclerosis, autism, and pain.