The OG of Synthetics: What Are CP-x Synthetic Cannabinoids?

Labeled CP55940, this synthetic cannabinoid mirrors the effects of THC at the traditional cannabinoid receptors, but it unexpectedly causes near-total shutdown of GRP55, sometimes considered the “third cannabinoid receptor.”

Why is CP55940 of use to the scientific community, and are there any other CP-x synthetic cannabinoids we should know about? Learn all the details in this guide to research surrounding cannabinoids in the CP-x family.

What’s different about CP-x cannabinoids?

CP55940 is considered a “total cannabinoid receptor agonist,” which means it causes complete expression of your CB1 and CB2 receptors. This makes CP55940 around 45 times as strong as THC, lending it use in medical science while also making it a dangerous substance recreationally.

The original compound CP55940 isn’t as commonly included in “fake weed” drugs like Spice as its derivatives, though, like CP47497. No, scientists mainly use CP55940 to research just how far they can take the endocannabinoid system. Remove the limiters from THC, and it’s incredible to see what it can do to the body.

Examples of CP-x cannabinoids

- CP55940
- CP47497
- CP945598

CP-x synthetic cannabinoid studies

To better understand how CP-x cannabinoids might affect the human body, let’s take a look at key studies that have been conducted regarding these synthetic cannabinoids and their effects:

(2000) Dynorphin B and spinal analgesia: induction of antinociception by the cannabinoids CP55,940, Δ9-THC and anandamide

As one of the first pieces of scientific literature to feature a CP-x cannabinoid, this study found that CP55940 is at least as effective at relieving pain as THC — if not more so.

(2007) Virodhamine and CP55,940 modulate cAMP production and IL-8 release in human bronchial epithelial cells

This study explored the usefulness of both CP55940 and virodhamine, a little-known but natural cannabinoid. It found that the two substances each had anti-inflammatory potential.

(2010) The effects of the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists, WIN55,212-2 and CP55,940, on salicylate-induced tinnitus in rats

Researchers have been taking a look at the usefulness of cannabinoids against tinnitus for decades. This study found evidence to suggest that CP55940 might be more useful against tinnitus than natural cannabinoids.

(2012) Efficacy and Safety of CP-945,598, a Selective Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor Antagonist, on Weight Loss and Maintenance

This study provides evidence to suggest that cannabinoids in the CP-x family might have a wide array of uses — even weight management.

(2012) "Spice" and "K2" herbal highs: a case series and systematic review of the clinical effects and biopsychosocial implications of synthetic cannabinoid use in humans

This study lists CP49497 as a member of “a new generation of synthetic cannabinoid (SC) agonists.” It found that this intoxicating substance can cause “acute anxiety and psychosis.”

(2015) On the effects of CP 55-940 and other cannabinoid receptor agonists in C6 and U373 cell lines

Although the results have not been replicated, this study provides evidence that CP55940 might be useful against cancer.

(2016) Effects of cannabinoid receptor activation by CP55,940 on normal bladder function and irritation-induced bladder overactivity in non-awake anaesthetised rats

In addition to providing evidence regarding the effects of cannabinoids on the urinary system as a whole, this study found that CP55940 might be useful against overactive bladder conditions.

(2020) Age-dependent hormesis-like effects of the synthetic cannabinoid CP55940 in C57BL/6 mice

This study is an example of using CP-x cannabinoids to better understand their natural equivalents. The researchers sought to better understand the age-dependent effects of THC by using CP55940.

(2022) Synthetic cannabinoid CP-55,940 induces apoptosis in a human skeletal muscle model via regulation of CB1 receptors and L-type Ca2+ channels

One of the most dangerous aspects of synthetic cannabinoids, including those in the CP-x family, is that they can cause muscle tissue to break down and enter your blood, a condition called rhabdomyolysis. This study used CP55940 to better understand rhabdomyolysis and its connection to synthetic cannabinoids.

Summary: Is it true that CP-x cannabinoids have medical potential?

Every time scientists synthesize cannabinoids, they play God. Naturally, cannabinoids are in balance — with each other and with your body. As cannabinoids in the CP-x family demonstrate, though, science can easily discard this balance, opening up both potential benefits and dangers.

CP-x cannabinoids have helped us learn more about the endocannabinoid system, it’s true. Synthetic cannabinoids in this family have also done irreparable harm, however, in the forms of K2, Spice, and other “fake weed” drugs. Like all synthetic cannabinoids, CP-x cannabinoids should be further regulated or removed from the market entirely except for research purposes.

Sources

1. Houser, S. J., Eads, M., Embrey, J. P., & Welch, S. P. (2000). Dynorphin B and spinal analgesia: induction of antinociception by the cannabinoids CP55,940, Δ9-THC and anandamide Published on the World Wide Web on 18 January 2000.1. Brain Research, 857(1–2), 337–342. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0006-8993(00)01981-8
2. Gkoumassi, E., Dekkers, B. G. J., Dröge, M. J., Elzinga, C. R. S., Schmidt, M., Meurs, H., Zaagsma, J., & Nelemans, S. A. (2007). Virodhamine and CP55,940 modulate cAMP production and IL‐8 release in human bronchial epithelial cells. British Journal of Pharmacology, 151(7), 1041–1048. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bjp.0707320
3. Zheng, Y., Stiles, L., Hamilton, E., Smith, P. F., & Darlington, C. L. (2010). The effects of the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists, WIN55,212-2 and CP55,940, on salicylate-induced tinnitus in rats. Hearing Research, 268(1–2), 145–150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heares.2010.05.015
4. Aronne, L. J., Finer, N., Hollander, P. A., England, R. D., Klioze, S. S., Chew, R. D., Fountaine, R. J., Powell, C. M., & Obourn, J. D. (2011). Efficacy and safety of CP‐945,598, a selective cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist, on weight loss and maintenance. Obesity, 19(7), 1404–1414. https://doi.org/10.1038/oby.2010.352
5. Gunderson, E. W., Haughey, H. M., Ait-Daoud, N., Joshi, A. S., & Hart, C. L. (2012). “SPiCE” and “K2” Herbal Highs: A case series and systematic review of the clinical effects and biopsychosocial implications of synthetic cannabinoid use in humans. American Journal on Addictions, 21(4), 320–326. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1521-0391.2012.00240.x
6. Ortega, A., Rangel-López, E., Hidalgo-Miranda, A., Morales, A., Ruiz-García, E., Meneses-García, A., Herrera-Gómez, A., Aguilar-Ponce, J., González-Herrera, I., Guevara-Salazar, P., Prospero-García, O., & Del Angel, S. (2015). On the effects of CP 55-940 and other cannabinoid receptor agonists in C6 and U373 cell lines. Toxicology in Vitro, 29(7), 1941–1951. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tiv.2015.08.003
7. Bakali, E., Mbaki, Y., Lambert, D. G., Elliott, R. A., Mason, R., & Tincello, D. G. (2016). Effects of cannabinoid receptor activation by CP55,940 on normal bladder function and irritation-induced bladder overactivity in non-awake anaesthetised rats. International Urogynecology Journal, 27(9), 1393–1400. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-016-2984-x
8. Hodges, E. L., Marshall, J. P., & Ashpole, N. M. (2020). Age-dependent hormesis-like effects of the synthetic cannabinoid CP55940 in C57BL/6 mice. Npj Aging and Mechanisms of Disease, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41514-020-0045-7
9. Tomiyama, K., & Funada, M. (2020). Synthetic cannabinoid CP-55,940 induces apoptosis in a human skeletal muscle model via regulation of CB1 receptors and l-type Ca2+ channels. Archives of Toxicology, 95(2), 617–630. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-020-02944-7