THCP: the molecule banned in France since 2024

THCP was isolated and described in 2019 by a team led by Cinzia Citti and Pasquale Linciano, within an Italian research consortium bringing together the CREA and the company Cannabiscienza. Chemically, THCP differs from THC in having a longer side chain, with seven carbons instead of five, which partly explains the better geometric fit with the CB1 receptor observed in the laboratory.

The work published in 2019 reports, in in vitro binding assays, an affinity of THCP for the CB1 receptor markedly higher than that of THC. These laboratory results do not automatically translate into an equivalent effect in humans: to date, no adequately powered clinical trial has precisely quantified the effect of consuming THCP, nor established its safety profile in the medium or long term.

THCP is present in trace amounts in certain cannabis varieties, but in quantities so small that it cannot be extracted profitably. The THCP marketed before it was banned was therefore, in the overwhelming majority of cases, produced by semi-synthesis from CBD, following a chemical process close to that used for other semi-synthetic cannabinoids such as HHC.

The ANSM order of 3 June 2024 classified THCP as a narcotic, alongside H4CBD, H2CBD, HHCPO, THCA and 10-OH-HHC. This classification follows that of HHC and its derivatives in June 2023. Possessing, selling or distributing THCP now falls under the criminal penalties applicable to narcotics trafficking, regardless of how the product is presented commercially.

A product displaying THCP, whatever its packaging or its origin, is in breach of French regulations. The legal framework for wellbeing CBD covers only natural, non-psychoactive cannabinoids such as CBD, CBG or CBN, with residual THC capped at 0.30%. THCP falls into none of these authorised categories. For a full overview of the cannabinoids banned since 2024, see our guide to the legal framework for THC.

Is THCP naturally present in hemp?

It exists in trace amounts in certain varieties, but in quantities too small for profitable extraction. Commercial products came overwhelmingly from semi-synthesis based on CBD.

Is THCP stronger than THC?

In vitro studies suggest a better affinity for the CB1 receptor, but no reliable clinical data allow the intensity of the effect felt in humans to be quantified precisely.

What are the risks of possessing a product containing THCP in France?

The penalties applicable to narcotics trafficking and possession, THCP having been listed as such by the ANSM since 3 June 2024.

How can I check that a CBD product contains no THCP?

The certificate of analysis from an independent laboratory must list all the cannabinoids detected and explicitly confirm the absence of THCP and of the other banned cannabinoids.