Three Novel Synthetic THC Analogs Identified in European Consumer Products | Research

The takeaway

Researchers identified three never-before-seen semisynthetic THC analogs sold as "CB9," "tresconol," and "CBx" in the European market, none of which have safety data.

Cannabis consumers; regulators; forensic toxicologists

3 novel THC analogs with zero safety data sold openly in European markets

What the researchers found

Products marketed under invented cannabinoid names contained novel THC analogs that have never been found in cannabis plants and lack any toxicological data. The compounds cannot be identified using standard forensic methods without advanced spectroscopic techniques.

Why it matters

Consumers are buying products with made-up cannabinoid names, unaware they contain novel synthetic compounds with unknown safety profiles. Standard drug testing cannot detect these substances.

The numbers in context

Three novel compounds identified: [2-(E)-propen-1-yl]-delta8-THC-acetate from "CB9," [2-propen-2-yl]-delta9-THC from "tresconol," and [2-propen-2-yl]-delta8-THC from "CBx." None have existing spectroscopic or chromatographic reference data.

How the study worked

Mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were used to characterize compounds isolated from three commercial products in the European market.

What this study cannot tell us

Analytical chemistry study only; no toxicological or pharmacological data on these compounds. Limited to products available in the European market.

How to read the evidence

Analytical chemistry identification study; establishes existence of novel compounds but provides no safety or efficacy data.

When this study was published

2025 study identifying products currently on the market

The bigger picture

As regulators ban specific cannabinoids like HHC, manufacturers create novel analogs to stay ahead of regulations. This cat-and-mouse dynamic echoes the 2015 synthetic cannabinoid crisis and poses similar public health risks.

Questions still open

What are the pharmacological effects and safety profiles of these novel compounds? How widespread are they across consumer markets? Can rapid screening methods be developed?

Common questions

Are these products legal?

They exist in regulatory gray zones. Manufacturers create novel analogs specifically to evade existing bans on substances like HHC. Legality varies by jurisdiction.

Are they safe?

Unknown. These compounds have never been tested in humans or animals. They have no established safety profiles and cannot be detected by standard drug testing.

Read the original research

Identification of Three Novel Tetrahydrocannabinol Analogs in the European Market.

Drug testing and analysis, 17(9), 1594-1600

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Dadiotis, Evangelos; Mpakaoukas, Sotiris; Mitsis, Vangelis; Melliou, Eleni; Magiatis, Prokopios. (2025). Identification of Three Novel Tetrahydrocannabinol Analogs in the European Market.. Drug testing and analysis, 17(9), 1594-1600. https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.3866