Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCP) has roughly the same structure as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the main compound in marijuana responsible for its psychoactive properties – but apparently, it’s 30 times more potent than than THC. In a pharmacological test, THCP “induced hypomotility, analgesia, catalepsy and decreased rectal temperature,” suggesting it has a THC-like effect on the body.  It’s not clear whether THCP is psychoactive or if it produces the same psychoactive effects as THC, although it appears to be more active than THC at lower doses administered to mice. Let’s not forget that THC also has many medicinal properties, as this is often overshadowed by the fact that it is ‘psychoactive.’

The researchers also  and identified cannabidiphorol (CBDP), which is linked to CBD, and has similar medicinal benefits.

The authors pointed out that phytocannabinoid of such a structure (with a “linear alkyl side chain containing more than five carbon atoms”) has never been reported as naturally occurring, which is very interesting .

“A number of clinical trials and a growing body of literature provide real evidence of the pharmacological potential of cannabis and cannabinoids on a wide range of disorders from sleep to anxiety, multiple sclerosis, autism, and neuropathic pain,” the authors emphasize in Scientific Reports,  stating that they expect THCP have “an even higher binding affinity for CB1 receptor [in the brain] and a greater cannabimimetic activity than THC itself.”

This means it could be even more medicinal.

Cannabis sativa has been found to have positive effects on health issues like glaucoma and epilepsy, and provides an “invaluable source of nutrients,” while proving to be an environmentally friendly material for making textiles – it’s also one of the most illicit drugs in the world. Astoundingly, the plant is able to produce at least 150 organic molecules known as phytocannabinoids, most of which have never been isolated or characterized, with THC and CBD being the most well-known of the bunch. Until now, THC was the only one known to get a person high. THCP and CBDP levels were very low in the strains tested, but the researchers note that other breeds of cannabis may contain higher traces of the compounds.

“In our opinion, this compound should be included in the list of the main phytocannabinoids to be determined for a correct evaluation of the pharmacological effect of the cannabis extracts administered to patients. In fact, we believe that the discovery of an extremely potent THC-like phytocannabinoid may shed light on several pharmacological effects not ascribable solely to THC,” note the authors.

The properties and potential uses of THCP and CBDP remain unknown – a determination that the authors conclude will require further research. (source)