THCPO: a synthetic ester of THCP, banned in France

In the sector's informal nomenclature, the "O" suffix denotes an acetate ester of a base cannabinoid: the original molecule is chemically modified by adding an acetate group, a transformation intended to change its bioavailability and the intensity of the effect felt. THCPO is thus the esterified equivalent of THCP, itself a synthetic analogue of THC with a lengthened side chain.

THCPO combines two levels of chemical transformation relative to natural THC: first the side-chain modification that characterises THCP, then the esterification that characterises the "O" compounds. Neither of these two steps occurs naturally in the hemp plant. This double synthesis places THCPO close to other esters that appeared on the market at the same time, such as HHCPO, the acetate ester of HHC.

As with most of the semi-synthetic cannabinoids that appeared rapidly on the market between 2022 and 2024, no published toxicological or pharmacokinetic study validated by a health agency documents the safety profile of THCPO in humans. The lack of hindsight and of clinical data is, for this kind of recent and purely synthetic molecule, a reason for caution that deserves to be taken seriously before any consumption.

THCPO belongs to the same regulatory family as THCP and HHCPO, both explicitly classified as narcotics by the ANSM decree of 3 June 2024. That decree was adopted precisely to cover the wave of ester derivatives and chemical analogues that were circumventing the earlier bans on HHC in 2023. A product sold under the name THCPO, or any closely related chemical derivative, falls under this same prohibitive framework.

A cannabinoid whose name ends in "O" almost always signals a synthetic ester, not naturally occurring, produced in a laboratory to modify the effect of a base cannabinoid. In France, this family of molecules is today banned from sale and possession, whatever its commercial presentation. A compliant CBD product, with a certificate of analysis and no synthetic cannabinoids, remains the only documented and legal option. To go further into banned derivatives, see our guide to THC and the French framework.

Does THCPO occur naturally in hemp?

No. It is a molecule obtained entirely by chemical synthesis, from THCP, which is itself already rare in its natural state in the plant.

Is THCPO legal in France?

No. It belongs to the same regulatory family as THCP and HHCPO, classified as narcotics by the ANSM since June 2024.

Why do some cannabinoids carry an "O" in their name?

That suffix informally denotes an acetate ester of the base cannabinoid, a chemical modification meant to change its bioavailability and perceived intensity.

How can you avoid buying a product containing THCPO?

Always insist on a recent certificate of analysis from an independent laboratory, which must list precisely the cannabinoids present and confirm the absence of banned derivatives.