Detectability of THCP in drug tests

Detection & detectability of THCP in drug tests

Many potential users of THCP products are currently very uncertain as to whether and how THCP can be identified in standard drug tests. This question is becoming particularly important as the cannabinoid has a clearly noticeable psychoactive effect. This property makes it all the more important not to combine the consumption of THCP with driving a vehicle under any circumstances.

THCP: a cannabinoid with a strong effect

Tetrahydrocannabiphorol, a newly discovered cannabinoid in the cannabinoid family, has been shown in initial studies to have a significantly stronger psychoactive effect than THC. The compound binds with high affinity to the CB1 receptors in the brain, which are significantly involved in the development of the psychoactive effect of cannabinoids. This increased potency brings with it increased responsibility, especially with regard to activities that require a high level of alertness, such as driving.

Detection of THCP in drug screenings

In the practice of drug testing, there are still many unknowns regarding the specific detectability of THCP. Current drug tests are primarily designed for THC and its metabolites. It is assumed that the cannabinoid is detectable in most body fluids. In blood tests, such as those used to check fitness to drive, it is also likely to be recognized as a psychoactive substance.

Due to the structural similarities between THC and THCP, it is therefore possible that the cannabinoid is detected by some of these tests. However, it is unclear whether the sensitivity and specificity of the tests are sufficient to reliably distinguish THCP from THC.

The challenge is that THCP is usually present in much lower concentrations in the body than THC. Therefore, it may not be detected in standard tests designed for higher concentrations of THC metabolites. Furthermore, products containing THCP may also contain traces of THC, which could lead to false-positive results for THC in drug tests.

Until reliable studies or credible field reports on tetrahydrocannabiphorol provide further information, it is assumed that THCP has similar degradation times to THC.

The importance of separating THCP use from driving

In view of the strong psychoactive effect of tetrahydrocannabiphorol, it is essential to strictly separate the use of this substance from driving. Even if the exact aspects of detectability in drug tests still need to be clarified, the risk of impaired driving ability should not be underestimated. The ability to drive a vehicle safely can be significantly impaired by the consumption of the new cannabinoid, which not only poses legal risks, but also serious safety risks for you and those around you.

In summary, until further research results are available, the question of the detectability of THCP in drug tests should be treated with caution. In particular, the use of tetrahydrocannabiphorol in connection with activities that require a high level of concentration and coordination, such as driving, should be avoided.

Risks of driving while intoxicated

Regardless of the legality of THCP and its detectability in current drug tests, we emphasize once again: it is essential to clearly separate the consumption of THCP and driving. This applies to all psychoactive substances and cannabinoids, including HHC and H4CBD.

In our articles on"HHC and driving" and"Is HHC detectable", we explain why the detectability and legality of psychoactive substances are of secondary importance when it comes to possible impairment of fitness to drive. Driving under the influence of drugs not only endangers others, but also constitutes a criminal offense under § 315c of the German Criminal Code, not just an administrative offense.