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THCP, short for tetrahydrocannabiphorol, is a cannabinoid that occurs naturally in the cannabis plant in very small amounts. Researchers in Italy described it for the first time in 2019. This guide explains what THCP is, how it differs from THC, what the legal situation looks like in 2026, and why Canapuff offers alternatives instead of THCP products.
What is THCP?
THCP belongs to the same family of cannabinoids as THC, CBD and CBG. A team at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia found it in 2019 while analysing a cannabis variety with liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. The results were published in the journal Scientific Reports (Citti et al., 2019).
In the plant, THCP makes up less than 0.1% of the weight. Because the amount is so small, extracting THCP directly from plants is not practical. Most THCP that was sold in Europe was made in a laboratory, usually starting from CBD from hemp.
THCP and THC: the difference in structure
THCP and THC share the same core structure. The difference is the side chain attached to that core:
- THC has a side chain with five carbon atoms (pentyl).
- THCP has a side chain with seven carbon atoms (heptyl).
In the 2019 laboratory study, this longer chain made THCP bind to the CB1 receptor about 33 times more strongly than THC. This figure comes from cell and animal tests. It describes how firmly the molecule binds to the receptor, not how a product feels in practice. A detailed comparison is in our article THCP vs THC. Related compounds are explained in HHC, THC, CBD and THCP explained and THCP-O.
THCP and its acid form THCPA
Like THC, THCP also exists in the plant as an acid, called THCPA. Heat changes the acid into THCP. This process is called decarboxylation. The same process changes THCA into THC, which our guide on THCA flower and THCA vapes explains in more detail.
THCP legal situation in 2026
The legal status of THCP is not the same in every European country, and it changes often. This is a short overview, not legal advice:
- Netherlands: since 28 January 2026, THCP is on List I of the Opium Act. It is not legal there.
- Germany and Austria: new psychoactive substances fall under broad laws (NpSG in Germany, NPSG in Austria) that can also cover related compounds. The status of THCP is uncertain.
- Other countries: many regulators are reviewing new cannabinoids. Always check the current rules in your country.
Why Canapuff no longer sells THCP
Because of these changes, Canapuff has removed THCP from its range. You will not find THCP in any Canapuff product today. Products from the former THCP collections now contain other cannabinoids, and the cannabinoid is always part of the product name.
Alternatives to THCP at Canapuff
If you are looking for an alternative to THCP products, these lines replace the former THCP range:
- THP420 Vapes: THP420 is a cannabinoid developed by Canapuff. The 1 ml pens have 79%, the XXL vapes with 2 ml have 99%.
- THP420 Flowers with 65%, for example Amnesia, Jealousy and Dosi Kush.
- THP420 Hash in several pack sizes.
- THCv products, a smaller line with vapes, cartridges and flowers.
Every product page shows the cannabinoid, the percentage and the pack size. A lab report (COA) is available on request. All products are for adults over 18 only, and the rules differ from country to country, so check what applies where you live before you order.
Sources
- Citti, C. et al. (2019). A novel phytocannabinoid isolated from Cannabis sativa L. with an in vivo cannabimimetic activity higher than Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol: Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabiphorol. Scientific Reports, 9, 20335. nature.com
