The French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (ANSM) has just announced the ban, effective June 3, 2024, of several cannabinoid chemicals, including THCP. This decision raises a number of questions and sparks various debates among industry professionals, consumers, and regulatory authorities.What is THCP? THCP (Tetrahydrocannabiphorol) is a cannabinoid recently discovered by a team of Italian researchers. It shares a chemical structure similar to that of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. Like THC, THCP acts on the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the human endocannabinoid system.THCP Production
The production of THCP (tetrahydrocannabiphorol) is an emerging area of cannabinoid research, relying on advanced extraction and chemical synthesis techniques. As a recently discovered compound, its presence in cannabis plants is in very small quantities, making direct extraction difficult and expensive.
To isolate THCP, scientists use sophisticated methods such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry, allowing them to separate and identify this specific cannabinoid from the many others present in cannabis. Alternatively, chemical synthesis in the laboratory is a promising option for producing THCP in sufficient quantities. This approach involves chemically modifying THC molecules to obtain THCP, a complex process requiring expertise in organic chemistry. Does THCP pose a health risk to consumers?No major incidents related to THCP No adverse effects have been reported so far. However, no scientific research has proven the absence of danger from this substance. The only contraindications to its use are its prohibition for minors, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. It was also recommended to consume small doses to observe the body’s reaction. Why will THCP be banned in France on June 3, 2024? To understand this ban, it is essential to know THCP. This recently discovered cannabinoid has a chemical structure similar to THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, but with potentially higher potency. Consumer reports have described serious side effects such as vomiting, seizures, and anxiety, prompting the ANSM (French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety) to take this preventative measure. The consequences of the THCP ban Consumer reactions
On the consumer side, the THCP ban is causing both frustration and incomprehension. Some regular users of
CBD and its derivatives are expressing their disappointment with the reduced supply and the ban. Impact on the Cannabis IndustryFor the cannabis industry, the ban on
THCP
represents a major challenge. These cannabinoids, sold in various forms such as oils, resins, and flowers, were gaining popularity in the market. Their prohibition could lead to decreased revenue for producers and retailers who had specialized in these products. Furthermore, investments in research and development for these substances may not be profitable, resulting in significant financial losses.
The Consequences for CBD Shops The ban on THCP will profoundly affect stores specializing in the sale of cannabinoid products. These retailers will have to remove all products containing THCP from their shelves, resulting in a significant reduction in their offerings.
It is therefore important to emphasize that the ban on THCP in France by the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) is primarily motivated by the potential risk of addiction and undesirable side effects. This decision has had a significant impact on both retailers and consumers. While some specialized stores are already turning to other legal alternatives to THCP, the future of cannabis legislation in France is raising legitimate questions.
