What is THCPO and what are its effects? A trip to the cannabis garden

• What is THCPO?
• THCPO Effects Station
• Educational trail: Side effects
• Careful, you're entering the (semi)synthetic cannabinoid reservation
• Cannabinoid zoo or comparison of THCPO, HHCPO, HHCH, THCB and THCJD
• Souvenirs: what THCPO products are available?
• Conclusion

What is THCPO?

THCPO stands for tetrahydrocannabiphorol acetate, a semi-synthetic cannabinoid. It is a modified form of the cannabinoid THCP and the first synthesis has only recently occurred, in 2021 in the United States of America. Incidentally, THCP was discovered by Italian scientists in the cannabis plant 3 years earlier.

Unlike cannabinoids such as THCP, THCB, HHC or THCJD, THCPO is not present in even trace amounts in cannabis and is produced exclusively in laboratories.

 

How is THCPO produced? In a chemical reaction called acylation, an acetate group - "O" - is added to the cannabinoid THCP. By modifying the chemical structure, it is not only possible to amplify the potency of the cannabinoid, but also to obtain higher thermal and oxidative stability.

The molecular formula of THCPO is C25H36O3. THCPO has an alkyl chain composed of 7 carbons like THCP, but with the difference that it is supplemented with an acetate group.

Research from 2018 suggests that the length of the side chain in cannabinoid compounds can alter the interaction ability and pharmacology of cannabinoid receptors.

THCPO effects station

As THCPO is new, there are no studies yet looking at how it affects the body.

It is only reported that THCPO is more potent than THCP due to the addition of the acetate group, and there are claims that THCPO could be as much as 30 times more potent than THC. THCPO effectively binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, hence its strong psychoactive effects.

However, at the moment this is more speculation than scientifically based data. For now, only opinions, user feedback and information on other cannabinoids that have undergone similar chemical modification provide an idea of the effects.

THCPO can affect perception, induce strong feelings of euphoria, intoxication, relaxation or cause drowsiness. It has been reported that the effects can last up to 8 hours.

THCPO could have some therapeutic benefits similar to THC (appetite stimulation or help with nausea and vomiting), but there is still no research available.

 

❌ THCPO is not recommended for beginners, as it is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid, which can surprise even an experienced cannabis garden visitor with its intensity of effects. Under no circumstances should anyone drive or operate any machinery after ingestion.

Educational trail: side effects

As with any substance, side effects can occur with cannabis compounds. These are particularly likely if too high a dose is ingested.

Possible side effects of THCPO:

• red eyes
• dry mouth
• Anxiety
• increased appetite
• Sleepiness
• paranoia

At present, it cannot be ruled out that other as yet undetected side effects may occur. The intensity of these effects will vary depending on the dose and method of consumption, health, body proportions, metabolism, experience and tolerance of the individual.

Careful, you're entering the (semi)synthetic cannabinoid reservation

⚠️ Although experts agree that natural cannabinoids are safe for medical and recreational use, the purity and safety of (semi)synthetically derived cannabinoids often cannot be proven.

THCPO research and development is just at the starting line, highlighting the need for detailed, controlled and peer-reviewed research to evaluate the effects and safety profile.

Since the vast majority of states do not currently have legislation to regulate cannabinoids, it is difficult to assess the actual cannabinoid content of unlicensed products. In addition, unless you request third-party lab test results, you have no way of knowing if products are free of undesirable substances (pesticides, solvents, and heavy metals).

In case you want to buy any cannabis product, we have a recommendation for you: always ask for a lab analysis, check the product's ingredients to make sure it doesn't contain unsuitable substances, toxins and fillers, and choose companies that have been vetted.

 

Cannabinoid zoo or comparison of THCPO, HHCPO, HHCH, THCB and THCJD

	THCPO	HHCPO	HHCH	THCB	THCJD
Natural vs. synthetic cannabinoid	A semi-synthetic cannabinoid not found in cannabis.	A semi-synthetic derivative of a cannabinoid not found in cannabis.	A semi-synthetic cannabinoid derivative, not found in cannabis.	It occurs naturally in cannabis, but only in trace amounts, usually made from other cannabinoids.	It is reportedly found in trace amounts in the cannabis plant, but is more commonly produced from other cannabinoids.
Chemical structure modification	Acylation	Hydrogenation and acylation	Hydrogenation	Terpenylation	Isomerization
Psychoactive effects	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Legal status	In many European countries, it is already a banned substance or in a legal grey area.	It can be in a legal grey area, and is an illegal substance in the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Lithuania and Latvia, for example.	It can be in a legal grey area and is an illegal substance in Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Greece, the UK and the UK.	It may be in a legal grey area or on the banned substances list.	It may be in a legal grey area or on the banned substances list.

Souvenirs: What THCPO products are available?

🛒 The following products can be purchased in the US and some European markets:

• THCPO vapes - vape pens are ready to use immediately. They can be purchased as "disposables", which usually last approximately 200-600 puffs depending on the type of device, or vapes refillable with liquid or with replaceable cartridges.
• Cartridge - pre-filled cartridges with THCPO distillate in various concentrations and flavours, usually supplemented with natural terpenes.
• Liquids (e-liquids) - liquids intended for vaping.
• Hash - cannabis concentrate made from the pollen of technical hemp and THCPO distillate.
• THCPO flowers - sticks of technical cannabis infused with THCPO distillate, usually a combination of THCPO distillate and CBD in different concentrations, strains and flavours.
• THCPO pre-rolls - pre-packaged joints containing THCPO flowers.

Commonly available THCPO products meet the legal limit of 0,2-0,3 % THC in dry matter.

Conclusion

THCPO is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid that is produced by a chemical modification of the cannabinoid THCP called acylation.

It can affect perception, induce strong feelings of euphoria, intoxication, relaxation or cause drowsiness. There is currently a lack of research to evaluate the effects and safety profile of this cannabinoid.

If you are keen to try THCPO or any other cannabinoid with psychoactive properties, stick to the following rule: start with the lowest possible dose and bear in mind that these are substances that can carry health risks. Always choose only quality products that have been tested by an independent laboratory.

 

Author: Patricie Mikolášová

 

 

Photo: AI

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