Understanding Neo-Cannabinoids
Before June 2024, the hemp industry in France underwent a number of developments, including the emergence of neo-cannabinoids. These were unique cannabinoids, whether in terms of their composition or their effects, that were sold and consumed entirely legally.
On 3 June 2024, however, the ANSM (France’s National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products) took a clear stance against these substances, rendering the vast majority of them illegal. For CBD professionals, the announcement came as a blow, given the considerable interest that had built up around products based on H4CBD, THCP, and HHC.
So where do things stand today? What should you know about neo-cannabinoids? Where does the law currently sit? In the following article, we invite you to discover everything worth knowing on the subject.
What are neo-cannabinoids?
What exactly do we mean by “neo-cannabinoid”? The term refers to all molecules produced in laboratories from existing cannabinoids, with the aim of reproducing the effects of other molecules naturally present in the cannabis plant while remaining within the bounds of the law.
Now regulated, neo-cannabinoids had something of a golden age, culminating in the arrival of HHC, which was nonetheless quickly banned. Since then, developments have been less frequent, though they have not stopped entirely. Public authorities, for their part, have been attempting to regulate the market with mixed success.
Hemisynthetic vs. synthetic
Some molecules are hemisynthetic (semi-natural). They are derived from a naturally occurring molecule. THCV, for example, is a derivative of THC.
Other molecules are entirely synthetic. HHCPO is a case in point: it is a derivative of HHC, which is itself a semi-synthetic derivative of THC. In other words, HHCPO does not exist anywhere in nature.
CBD, THC, and neo-cannabinoids: where is the line drawn?
Within the European Union, the legislation is clear. When it comes to cannabinoids, only those most abundantly present in the hemp plant and best understood scientifically are authorised for sale and consumption. It is therefore permitted to produce and consume products based on CBD (cannabidiol), THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychotropic molecule, permitted at low concentrations below 0.3%), CBG (cannabigerol), and CBN (cannabinol).
Neo-cannabinoids belong more to the realm of chemistry and pure science. They were conceived and developed with the express purpose of circumventing existing legislation. On paper, a neo-cannabinoid contains less than 0.3% THC, yet in some cases it can produce effects similar to those of THC. They deliver a pronounced high while technically complying with the required limits (less than 0.3% THC).
A few examples of neo-cannabinoids
Below are some of the most well-known neo-cannabinoids that were sold and consumed prior to their definitive prohibition under European legislation.
1. HHC (hexahydrocannabinol)
One of the most widely known neo-cannabinoids, HHC is obtained through the hydrogenation of THC (i.e. the addition of hydrogen atoms). This process alters the molecule’s structure, giving it effects similar to those of THC, albeit less potent and, crucially, with a THC content of zero or near-zero (below 0.3%).
2. H4CBD
H4CBD is a derivative of CBD to which four hydrogen atoms have been added. This modification makes H4CBD more effective, enabling it to bind more readily to CB1 endocannabinoid receptors. It has no psychotropic effects, but its action is more potent than that of CBD. Like HHC, it is prohibited.
3. THCP (tetrahydrocannabiphorol)
THCP is a variant of THC that, unlike HHC or H4CBD, occurs naturally in the cannabis plant albeit in trace amounts. When isolated and used in distillate form to treat CBD flowers, resins, or to enrich oils, it is said by some to be up to 30 times more potent than tetrahydrocannabinol.
4. THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin)
THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) is a neo-cannabinoid whose action is said to stimulate brain activity. Unlike the other cannabinoids mentioned above, THCV remains tolerated provided its content does not exceed 0.3%. At such concentrations, it has no psychotropic effect.
5. HHCPO (hexahydrocannabiphorol acetate)
HHCPO is an acetylated derivative of HHCP, itself a derivative of HHCO (which is in turn derived from THC). It belongs to the family of acetylated cannabinoids, known for their heightened potency. It is extremely powerful and, according to some studies, may carry an increased risk of lung damage and lung cancer, particularly in cases of excessive consumption.
Are neo-cannabinoids legal in Europe?
Neo-cannabinoids are not legal in Europe at least, those that emerged before June 2024 are not. For others, such as THCX, the public authorities respond as swiftly as they can, based on whatever medical evidence they are able to obtain.
What the european countries have prohibited since 2023
It was in 2023 that some european countries, such as France, decided to ban HHC. A year later, Belgium, Danemark or Austrie went a step further by also prohibiting H4CBD, H2CBD, and certain synthetic cannabinoids with a specific chemical core structure, including HHCPO, THCP, and THCA.
These cannabinoids remain insufficiently understood, and their use could give rise to serious undesirable and adverse effects, including paranoia, anxiety, bloodshot eyes, food cravings, and high blood pressure. Furthermore, certain unscrupulous retailers claim to sell products whose composition is in fact unknown or poorly understood.
Which molecules are permitted for sale?
For professionals working in the legal hemp and cannabis sector, if you wish to remain compliant and offer only safe, natural, and lawful products, we strongly recommend focusing on CBD sales. You may also consider products enriched with CBG (cannabigerol) or CBC (cannabichromene), provided they contain less than 0.3% THC and always backed by a certificate of analysis.