THCNM: A New Cannabinoid and What We Know About It in 2025

In 2023-2024, researchers focused primarily on compounds such as THCP and HHC . However, another, lesser-known but promising cannabinoid, THCNM ( Tetrahydrocannabinol-N-methyl ), has emerged in the scientific community. While it is still rarely found in open publications, this molecule is already attracting significant interest among phytochemists. The main reason for this attention is the modified structure of Δ9-THC: the addition of a methyl group, which, according to preliminary assumptions, may significantly affect the mechanism of interaction with receptors of the endocannabinoid system.

Although THCNM is classified as a synthetic derivative of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, it is more accurately considered a structurally altered form of natural THC. Such targeted modifications have been used in pharmaceutical chemistry for decades: the addition of small functional groups can alter the duration of action of a compound, its affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors, or its metabolism in the liver. For this reason, THCNM is now considered an important tool for analyzing how minor structural changes affect the pharmacological properties of cannabinoids.

Initial results from in vitro experiments, as well as anecdotal user reports from 2024–2025, indicate that THCNM may exhibit increased affinity for CB1 receptors —the same receptors through which Δ9-THC exerts most of its psychoactive effects. This means the molecule likely binds more tightly and remains active longer than regular THC, so pronounced effects may occur even at lower doses. This opens the possibility for researchers to track how structural changes influence cannabinoid behavior.

What is the key difference between Δ9-THC and THCNM?

Classic Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol has a characteristic carbon chain structure. The addition of a methyl group (–CH₃) to the amine moiety of THCNM alters the spatial configuration of the molecule, its electron density, and polarity. Therefore, according to early models, THCNM may be metabolized more slowly in the liver. This explains reports of a potentially longer effect—approximately 6–8 hours versus the standard 3–4 hours for Δ9-THC.

Reference: THCNM is Tetrahydrocannabinol-N-methyl, with the approximate formula $C_{22}H_{31}NO_2$. The key difference from Δ9-THC is the modification of the nitrogen atom by the addition of a methyl group (–CH₃), which affects the kinetics and affinity for CB1 receptors.

The molecule's increased metabolic stability also means greater tissue accumulation with regular use. This has a dual effect in pharmacology: prolonged therapeutic action, but also slower elimination from the body. Therefore, THCNM is currently considered a research model rather than a compound for widespread commercial use.

Potential effects according to preliminary data

Data emerging in early preprints and on independent platforms suggests that THCNM can produce effects similar to Δ9-THC, but with different intensity and duration. The following reactions are most commonly reported:

• increased euphoria – improved mood, comfortable feeling of warmth in the body, slowing of internal dialogue;
• deep muscle relaxation , sometimes so pronounced that the body seems to “let go”;
• analgesic effect , which is described as similar to a combination of THC and CBD, especially in chronic pain conditions;
• mild sedation - easier falling asleep, reduced anxiety, more stable emotional state.

Some users have reported vivid visual effects at higher doses, which may indicate deeper involvement of CNS structures, but such observations are still purely subjective.

It is important for scientists to determine whether THCNM alters the interaction with CB1 receptors sufficiently to produce a profile of action distinct from that of Δ9-THC. If this is confirmed, THCNM derivatives could form the basis for molecules designed for applications requiring a longer-lasting or more stable therapeutic effect.

Why THCNM is being called the 'next stage' of cannabinoid research

Comparison of THCNM with other emerging cannabinoids

As of 2025, THCNM is increasingly appearing in comparative reviews alongside other emerging cannabinoids such as THCP, HHC , HHCP, and THCB. Analysts note that THCNM occupies an intermediate position in psychoactive potency: it is more potent than HHC, but does not exhibit the same exceptional receptor affinity as THCP with its extended side chain.

The unique feature of THCNM is that, unlike THCP, which enhances activity due to a modified carbon chain length, or HHC, a hydrogenated THC analogue with a smoother effect, THCNM acts primarily through modification of the nitrogen atom. This creates a different mechanism for altering pharmacological properties not through changes in the "tail" of the molecule, but through changes in the central part of the structure, which can impact metabolic stability and duration of action.

This is why experts consider THCNM a promising component for further laboratory experiments, as it complements already known classes of THC derivatives and allows for a better understanding of the differences between structural modifications and their pharmacological consequences.

For a conventional "strength scale" of cannabinoids, analysts place THCNM roughly between HHC and THCP, but with behavior closer to Δ9-THC than to its radically synthetic derivatives.

For reference: THCP has seven carbon atoms in its side chain and exhibits a multiple-fold increase in binding to CB1 receptors; HHC is a hydrogenated form of THC with a milder and shorter action; THCNM does not affect the carbon "tail" but modifies the nitrogen, which naturally affects the rate of breakdown and half-life.

Due to these differences, THCNM creates a distinct niche among new Δ9-THC derivatives and can be considered an intermediate model between the classic natural cannabinoid and highly potent synthetic analogues.

Risks and uncertainties of clinical data

Because THCNM has not yet undergone full-scale clinical trials, it is impossible to accurately assess the risk level. Some side effects potentially overlap with those of Δ9-THC: heart rate fluctuations, dry mucous membranes, fatigue, and a short-term decrease in blood pressure. However, due to its higher affinity for CB1 receptors, episodes of anxiety or acute emotional reactions are theoretically possible and more pronounced.

A separate issue concerns its legal status. Due to the lack of toxicological data in most countries (Europe, the US, and Canada), THCNM is neither listed as approved nor prohibited substances. This creates a legal gray area, where a compound is listed in scientific catalogues but not approved for human consumption.

Within the EU, regulators are taking a cautious approach. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) began monitoring all new cannabinoid derivatives, including HHCP, THCP, and THCNM, in 2024–2025. The results of the preliminary analysis will form the basis for a technical document that will determine whether such compounds can be submitted for approval as potential novel food ingredients.

The European CBD Observatory (EMCDDA) has documented cases of THCNM in samples of unofficial "designer" products, particularly vape cartridges and vegetable oils, but the purity and origin of such products are almost never confirmed. This poses a challenge for the CBD market, which is trying to distance itself from dangerous or untested compounds.

The situation is different in the American regulatory system: due to its chemical similarity to Δ9-THC, the DEA may treat THCNM as a controlled substance or precursor, even if the molecule is not formally listed. In states where THC is limited to 0.3%, the presence of THCNM in products may be seen as an attempt to circumvent legal restrictions.

Therefore, even chemical standard manufacturers indicate in their certificates that THCNM can only be used in laboratory studies and not in commercial products.

Prospects for research applications

THCNM remains an example of how a small modification to a molecule can significantly alter the balance between safety and potency. If further testing confirms that the compound has stable analgesic or anxiolytic potential without toxic effects, it could form the basis for new dosage forms, such as inhalation systems or microencapsulated supplements.

The scientific community is eagerly awaiting the first toxicological studies of THCNM in specialized journals such as Frontiers in Pharmacology and the Journal of Cannabis Research. Of particular interest is the potential interaction of THCNM with GABA receptors, which may explain its profound sedative effects.

Key scientific challenges

One of the key issues identified by researchers in 2025 is the instability of the THCNM molecule. Due to the additional methyl group, the compound is highly susceptible to oxidation by oxygen and ultraviolet light. This means that even under controlled laboratory conditions, its activity can rapidly decline. For practical applications, this property is critical and requires the development of protective formulations, such as microcapsules or stabilized suspensions.

Another aspect is interaction with the metabolic system. A preliminary study prepared by a McGill University team for publication in Frontiers in Pharmacology noted that THCNM can partially inhibit the CYP2C9 enzyme. This enzyme plays a key role in the metabolism of anticoagulants, NSAIDs, and some anticonvulsants. If these findings are confirmed, THCNM's interaction with the drug could be significant—similar to that seen with CBD, but potentially more pronounced.

Because of these factors, scientists note that although THCNM has high research value, it is not yet suitable for mass use and should remain within controlled laboratories until full toxicological and clinical data are available.

Result: Research potential of THCNM

THCNM in 2025 represents the next step in cannabinoid development—from natural compounds to more precise, molecularly modified structures. It demonstrates how significant even minimal changes to a molecule's structure can be and how this affects the duration, nature, and potency of a substance's effects. However, for now, THCNM remains a subject of fundamental research, not a market candidate.

McGill University (2025) data quote: "THCNM potentially exhibits longer kinetics and a moderate psychoactive profile, making it a useful tool for investigating cannabinoid pathways, but not a ready candidate for clinical use."

The main value of THCNM is that it helps scientists better understand the subtle mechanisms of interactions between cannabinoids and the nervous system. In this regard, its role is comparable to the position of CBD in the early 2010s: high interest, minimal data, and a wealth of theoretical possibilities.

Next steps include collecting and confirming toxicological parameters, investigating interactions with CB1 receptors, studying stability, and constructing molecular models for further derivatives. Only then will it be clear whether THCNM has the potential to become part of future therapeutic solutions.

Regulatory status and legal uncertainty of THCNM

As of early 2025, THCNM remains in a legal limbo: it is neither included in the lists of approved nor in the category of strictly controlled compounds in the EU, UK, Canada, or US. This status is typical for new cannabinoid derivatives, which appear in laboratory catalogs faster than they can undergo regulatory assessment.

In Europe, regulators use a precautionary approach: until sufficient data are available, new substances are not approved for sale. EFSA is already conducting toxicological screening of THCNM, HHCP, and other new derivatives. A technical document is expected by the end of 2025 that will define the indicative safety parameters and areas for possible future research.

In its 2024–2025 bulletins, the European CBD Data Observatory (EMCDDA) reports isolated detections of THCNM in illegal or designer vaping products. However, the concentrations are often unpredictable and lack purity certificates, reducing safety and tarnishing the reputation of the legal CBD market.

In the US, regulators have not yet issued a definitive position. However, DEA case law suggests that substances structurally similar to Δ9-THC may be considered analogs, even if they are not formally listed. This means that THCNM products may come under federal oversight.

Therefore, even official chemical standards providers note that THCNM is for laboratory use only and is not intended for contact with biological systems outside of experimental settings.

Possible areas of research application

Although the official status of THCNM remains uncertain, research interest in it continues to grow. In laboratory settings, this compound is used as a model for studying the mechanisms of cannabinoid interactions with CB1 receptors. Of particular interest is the ability to separate psychoactive action from therapeutic effects—for example, analgesic or anxiolytic effects.

Previous theoretical models and analogies with other modified cannabinoids suggest potential interactions between THCNM and CYP450 enzymes, including CYP2C9. As of 2025, there is no confirmed data on this matter, so any conclusions are merely hypotheses and cannot be considered proven fact.

One area where THCNM could have potential research applications is pain relief. In clinical trials, THC sometimes exhibits excessive sedation, limiting its use. THCNM, with its potentially milder action profile, could form the basis for further modifications that would retain the analgesic effect while reducing unwanted cognitive effects.

Another area of focus is neuroprotection. Animal models show that compounds with enhanced affinity for CB1 receptors can reduce oxidative stress and slow neuronal death. If this mechanism is confirmed by THCNM, it could serve as a platform for developing experimental compounds for the treatment of multiple sclerosis or Alzheimer's disease.

At the same time, chemists are testing combinations of THCNM with other natural components—terpenes, cannabinoids, and adaptogens. Specifically, synergy with linalool, beta-caryophyllene, and ashwagandha is being studied. The idea is to create regulatory systems in which THCNM amplifies the body's natural signals. However, all these approaches remain hypothetical and laboratory-based.

Scientific Challenges: Stability and Metabolic Risks

One of the main challenges in THCNM research remains its stability. Due to the additional methyl group, the compound is vulnerable to oxidation and can lose activity when exposed to air or light. This complicates its use and storage, as without protective formulas, stability is significantly reduced.

The second concern is potential metabolic interactions. A McGill University publication suggests that THCNM may potentially interfere with the CYP2C9 enzyme. This enzyme plays a key role in the metabolism of various drugs, so any changes in its activity could impair the drug's action. A similar effect has been observed with CBD, but theoretical models suggest that it may be more pronounced with THCNM. Until these findings are confirmed, they are considered preliminary.

Therefore, scientists note that despite THCNM's great potential, it is too early to discuss its safety or practical value. It is a research molecule, not a finished product. To develop it into a potential therapeutic agent, extensive studies, particularly toxicological ones, are needed.

Final conclusions

THCNM, in 2025, represents the next step in cannabinoid development—from natural compounds to more precise, molecularly modified structures. It demonstrates how a single additional structural element can significantly alter kinetics, potency, and receptor interactions. However, despite the scientific community's interest, the compound has yet to demonstrate clinical value and is available only for laboratory experiments.

McGill University (2025) data quote: "THCNM potentially exhibits longer kinetics and a moderate psychoactive profile, making it a useful tool for investigating cannabinoid pathways, but not a ready candidate for clinical use."

The main value of THCNM is that it helps scientists better understand the subtle mechanisms of interactions between cannabinoids and the nervous system. In this regard, its role is comparable to the position of CBD in the early 2010s: high interest, minimal data, and a wealth of theoretical possibilities.

The next steps include collecting and confirming toxicological parameters, studying interactions with receptors, studying stability, and constructing molecular models for further derivatives. Only then will it be clear whether THCNM has the potential to become part of future therapeutic solutions.