The facts about new THC and nicotine analogues

Examining the legal frameworks for new analogues 

The landscape of cannabis and nicotine regulation continues to evolve. Researchers and industry stakeholders are increasingly turning their attention to analogues, which share structural similarities with THC and nicotine but may have different properties and vary in legal status. Here, Chris Allen, CEO at Contract Research Organisation Broughton explores some notable analogues for THC and nicotine, highlighting the regulatory challenges they involve and sharing advice on how researchers can work within legal frameworks.

While new analogues may present opportunities of therapeutic or harm reduction applications, their safety and efficacy remain largely unchartered territory. Some jurisdictions have moved to control these substances, while others remain ambiguous. Understanding their chemistry, potential effects and legal status is essential for maintaining compliance and ensuring consumer safety.

THC analogues

THC analogues, such as Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THC-A), hexahdryocannabinol (HHC) and Delta10-THC are increasingly prevalent. These compounds share similarities with THC but often fall into regulatory grey areas.

THC-A is a non-psychoactive precursor to Delta-9 THC found in raw cannabis. When exposed to heat, it undergoes decarboxylation, converting into the psychoactive form of THC. Despite growing interest in its potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, its regulations are closely tied to THC.

In the US, THC-A’s legal status is complex as it is not explicitly controlled but may fall under THC-related prohibitions in certain jurisdictions. In the UK, THC-A falls under a grey area. Arguably, if it is a cannabis resin, it would be covered under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971). As a pure isolate, however, others would not view it as a controlled substance, nor would it be covered by the Psychoactive Substances Act (2016). If regarded as an unregulated cannabinoid, it is treated similarly to THC and is largely restricted under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971).

Although the legality of THC-A remains a subject of debate, possession could still lead to prosecution. Therefore, in the UK, for patients requiring cannabinoid-based treatment, the appropriate and legal route is through a recognised clinic, where they can be assessed and, if eligible, prescribed legal and compliant cannabis-based medicines.

HHC

HHC is a hydrogenated derivative of THC that is marketed as a legal alternative with milder psychoactive effects. Its pharmacological profile remains poorly understood, and questions about its metabolism and potential health effects persist. In the US, some states have explicitly banned HHC, while others allow its sale under hemp laws – such as the 2018 Farm Bill – which are regulated by the Department of Agriculture. In the UK, HHC is not a controlled substance but, based on its effects, it would fall under the Psychoactive Substances Act (2016).

Delta 10-THC

Delta-10 THC has a reportedly weaker psychoactive effect than delta-9 THC. It has been marketed as a ‘legal’ alternative in jurisdictions where delta-9 THC is restricted.

It is a regulatory grey area in the US as some states have banned it and others have permitted its sale under hemp legislation. In the UK, as the analogue can produce psychoactive effects, it would fall under the Psychoactive Substances Act (2016).

Nicotine analogues

Nicotine analogues are compounds structurally similar to nicotine but with chemical modifications that can alter their absorption, potency, or biological effects. Some naturally occurring analogues, such as nornicotine, anabasine, and anatabine, are found in tobacco plants, while others are synthetic derivatives developed for research or pharmaceutical purposes.

The most popular is 6-Methyl nicotine – a synthetic derivative that retains some pharmacological similarities to nicotine but may have altered binding affinities and toxicological properties. Its impact on dependence and harm reduction is still under investigation.

In the US, there is no regulation at federal level for nicotine analogues, but state-level restrictions are emerging. Tobacco derived and synthetic nicotine are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and products require a Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) before marketing. In the UK, while nicotine itself is exempt from the Psychoactive Substances Act (2016), any molecule that mimics nicotine’s effects but is not chemically identical to it may fall under this legislation, effectively making it prohibited.

Myosmine is a naturally occurring nicotine analogue found in tobacco and other plants. It has a similar structure but is believed to have a lower affinity for nicotinic receptors. Its presence in tobacco means it is subject to tobacco product regulation in the US, but its use in isolation is not well defined.

Regulatory uncertainty

Both THC and nicotine analogues are intriguing, but their potential applications come with considerable unknowns. Without robust toxicological and clinical data, their safety remains speculative. Additionally, the regulatory frameworks governing these compounds vary widely, making compliance challenging.

As scientific research and policy discussions evolve, it will be critical to balance potential benefits — such as alternative therapeutics or harm reduction innovations — against the risks of unregulated products entering the market. Until more is known, caution is required both in development and consumption.

While there is an appetite to increase our collective understanding of these emergency substances, it is critical that this is done within legal frameworks, which makes understanding the regulations in different jurisdictions a critical step in the process. Broughton has extensive experience in medicinal cannabis and nicotine research and testing as well as a comprehensive understanding of the legal restrictions in place on various analogues of both.

As regulatory positions on THC analogues evolve, it is critical that the industry stays up to date so it can ensure all research into these compounds is done safely and legally. As a contract research organisation, we can help businesses with analytical testing and compliance guidance to ensure all work is done within legal frameworks.

For more information on how Broughton can support your cannabinoid and nicotine testing and regulatory needs, contact our team today.