Will the ANSM and France ban H4CBD, THCP and HHCPO in France?

The French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (ANSM) is closely monitoring synthetic cannabinoids such as H4CBD, THCP , and HHCPO. During the last meeting of the ANSM's Committee on Psychotropic Substances, Narcotics, and Addictions, members of the Committee examined these substances, which have recently appeared in pharmacovigilance data. Due to the theoretical risks associated with their use, a ban on these cannabinoids in France could be considered.

Synthetic cannabinoids: what are they?

Synthetic cannabinoids are substances created artificially to reproduce or mimic the effects of cannabis. They are generally available in the form of powders, liquids, or herbs coated with a chemical.

Some examples of synthetic cannabinoids

These substances include, in particular:

• H2CBD, a CBD analogue that may have distinct pharmacological properties;
• H4CBD, also similar to CBD but whose action on cannabinoid receptors is little known;
• THCP , often compared to THC in terms of psychotropic effects;
• HHCPO, another member of the synthetic cannabinoid family.

Potentially serious side effects

Some synthetic cannabinoids have appeared in pharmacovigilance data, meaning they were present in cases involving accidents requiring medical intervention or hospitalization. This is primarily due to negative experiences related to the consumption of these substances, as well as their potent side effects. The potential dangers of synthetic cannabinoid use can include cardiovascular, neurological, and psychiatric disorders, as well as addiction.

The ANSM's stance on synthetic cannabinoids

At its last meeting, the CSP (French Public Health Council) emphasized that some of these substances pose a theoretical risk to humans. French authorities may therefore implement restrictive measures regarding these cannabinoids to protect public health.

First step: risk assessment

Before any ban, it will be necessary to assess the risks associated with consuming each of these products. The CSA could therefore decide to conduct investigations into the pharmacological properties, adverse effects, and addictive potential of these synthetic cannabinoids.

Coping with the proliferation of new products

Banning certain cannabinoids could lead to the emergence of new substances on the market, complicating matters for authorities. The challenge will then be to establish mechanisms for quickly monitoring and assessing the risks associated with these new products.

What are the consequences for consumers and professionals?

In the event of a ban, owners and sellers of products containing the synthetic cannabinoids in question will have to comply with French law. They could be required to remove these substances from the market or modify their composition, depending on the decisions made by the authorities. For consumers, it is important to heed warnings from the ANSM (French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety) and avoid consuming products whose composition and effects are uncertain. The question remains whether the ANSM and France will actually ban H4CBD, THCP, and HHCPO within the country. The authorities will first need to accurately assess the risks associated with these synthetic cannabinoids before making a decision. In the meantime, consumers should exercise caution and educate themselves about the products they consume to minimize health risks.

THCP/H4CBD ban: the decision has been made

On May 24, 2024, the French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (ANSM) decided to ban the sale of several molecules, including THCP and H4CBD , which are specifically targeted because they have a chemical structure similar to that of natural cannabinoids but with modifications that could lead to unforeseen effects. Decision-makers based their decision on available scientific data and feedback from healthcare professionals to include these molecules on the list of controlled substances.