Page 46 - FoodFocusThailand No.184 July 2021

SPECIAL REPORT
SPECIAL REPORT

Cannabis is the botanical gift that keeps on giving. As research into
cannabis ramps up, the chemical complexity and potential of the
plant are becoming ever more apparent.

THCP and CBDP

The Two Newly-Discovered Cannabinoids

from Inside the Cannabis Plant

On 2020, a group of Italian researchers announced the Since THCP is so potent, it’s possible that this compound might have stronger
discovery of two new cannabinoids the THCP potential as a medical treatment. Whatever the real story, THCP has already
(tetrahydrocannabiphorol) and CBDP (cannabidiphorol). If the taught us a lot. It has shown the scientific community just how little we really
names look familiar to THC and CBD, that’s because they are know about the cannabis plant.
similar in both structure and function.
Almost 150 phytocannabinoids have been detected in the Cannabidiphorol (CBDP)
cannabis plant, though most of them have not been isolated. CBDP has a similar structure to THCP. It features a total of seven links on its
Only recently have scientists around the world begun to side chain. The researchers believe that CBDP influences how people respond
understand how the plant exerts its medical and psychoactive to cannabis. Two people can consume the same cannabis strain and have
effects. This new research proved that cannabis flowers might entirely different reactions. CBDP might be at the heart of this versatility.
contain small amounts of previously unknown cannabinoids. CBD has been used to treat epilepsy for some time. Researchers think that
These compounds appear similar to the well-known THC and CBDP could also be effective in managing this condition. Since CBDP has more
CBD, respectively, and consequently could play a role in the mix links, it might be able to bind to receptors more easily than CBD. If this is the
of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that determine the case, CBDP could treat epilepsy more efficiently.
entourage effect of a specific cannabis strain.
What are the Implications of these Findings?
Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCP) One critical implication the study stresses is that THCP could account for why
THC uses a special structure to bind to receptors in the brain. cannabis can provoke such disparate experiences in consumers. As the
This structure is called an alkyl side chain. Most THC compounds researchers took care to emphasize, there’s an astonishing variability of subject
have five carbon rings on this side chain. response to cannabis-based therapies, even with equal doses of THC.
On the other hand, THCP has seven of these carbon rings. While we’ve always thought the plant’s psychotropic effects are primarily
The researchers tested THCP on a constructed receptor. They due to THC, they may, in fact, be partly attributable to THCP or other extremely
found that THCP binds to the receptor over 30 times stronger potent cannabinoids that haven’t yet been profiled. Deepening our knowledge
than THC does. When mice were exposed to THCP, they acted of the pharmacological effects of THCP may help us better evaluate the effects
like they had consumed THC. They looked more relaxed and of cannabis extracts on people.
their movements slowed down. But guess what? These mice Another fascinating implication the study suggests is the need to cultivate
only consumed half of the amount they’d need if they were breeds of cannabis that are not THC- or CBD-dominant. Genetics research into
consuming THC. This led the researchers to suspect that THCP cannabis has progressed in leaps and bounds in recent years and strains that
is more potent than THC. The scientists also found that THCP produce higher quantities of minor cannabinoids such as CBDV, CBG, and
binds more strongly to receptors outside the brain. These THCV are gradually becoming more available.
receptors control the way our bodies manage inflammation or Sometime soon, cannabis varieties rich in other minor cannabinoids, such
handle pain. as THCP, may follow suit. Cultivating strains rich in these minor cannabinoids
This research is so astounding because it might change the facilitates the production of the extract of those compounds, allowing consumers
way we understand cannabis. What if the psychoactive effects to enjoy the benefits of each compound’s specific pharmacological profile.
are actually caused by THCP? Of course, many people are Overall, the study’s authors assert that carrying out a comprehensive
concerned that THCP could also have more negative effects chemical profiling of cannabis is vital. Identification of minor cannabinoids and
than THC. If THC can cause anxiety and paranoia in humans, presently unknown cannabinoids may offer therapeutic riches that have the
then what will THCP cause? There are still many unanswered potential to transform medicine further. Or not. But it is worth finding out.
questions like this.
In the years ahead, scientists will work to understand more
about how THCP functions. This research will have a big impact Service Info C007
on the way we understand cannabis today. Outside recreational
use, THCP might also be beneficial in medical applications. More Information

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