Danish authorities reported that a young man entered a 40-hour coma after smoking half a joint containing THCP-O. The substance was legally obtained due to loopholes in current drug regulations. Medical professionals faced challenges in treating him because standard toxicology screens did not detect THCP-O, delaying appropriate care.
This incident prompted Danish police to issue public warnings, emphasizing that legality does not equate to safety.
Source:
Police warns: Young man in coma after smoking semi-legal joint
What Is THCP-O?
THCP-O, or tetrahydrocannabiphorol acetate, is the acetate ester of THCP. THCP itself is significantly more potent than THC, the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. By adding an acetate group to THCP, manufacturers create THCP-O, which may further increase its potency and alter how it interacts with the human body.
Research published in Nature reveals that THCP binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain with an affinity up to 33 times higher than THC. This heightened binding means even small doses of THCP—or its acetate form, THCP-O—can produce intense and unpredictable effects.
THCP-O is a relatively new substance with limited scientific research on its effects and safety profile. This knowledge gap means healthcare providers may be ill-equipped to treat adverse reactions effectively. Additionally, THCP-O often falls into legal grey areas, allowing it to be sold openly despite its potential dangers. The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) has expressed concern over the rapid emergence of new psychoactive substances that outpace legislative control.
Sources:
A novel phytocannabinoid isolated from Cannabis sativa L. with an in vivo cannabimimetic activity higher than Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol: Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabiphorol
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