By now, you’re familiar with the most common psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants – delta 9 THC. But have you heard of THCP?
With the buzzing popularity of THCP carts, it’s important that you learn more about this recently discovered marijuana compound before diving in. So, what is THCP?
We’re here to give you a rundown on this special cannabinoid, determine its potency, and discover the difference between THC-O vs THC-P and other THC compounds.
What is THCP?
First of all, what’s THCP?
THC-P, or tetrahydrocannabiphorol, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid within cannabis plants. The typical cannabis plant often contains less than 0.1% of THCP, compared to around 30% of delta-9 THC. But this doesn’t make THCP any less potent. In fact, studies seem to show the opposite.
Italian researchers discovered THCP in 2019, so research is limited when it comes to its therapeutic effects.
But it is likely THC-P delivers the same medicinal benefits as THC, including pain relief, anti-nausea, anti-seizure, and aids in other disorders and discomforts.
What about THCP effects? Is there a THCP high produced upon consumption?
Does THCP Get You High?
Does THCP get you high? More research is needed to determine the effects of THC-P, but the answer seems to be yes: it looks like THCP is quite a potent, psychoactive cannabinoid.
THC-P works by interacting with your body’s essential endocannabinoid system, which contains two types of cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. THCP binds to the CB1 receptors 33 times more often than delta-9 THC.
The body experiences psychoactive effects when THC compounds bind with CB1 endocannabinoid receptors, meaning that THCP could produce a much more intense high than THC – over 30 times more intense to be precise.
Scientists and consumers find that THCP effects are practically the same as the effects of THC, but that THCP’s potency is much stronger. Because of this, proper dosing is critical.
A THC-P high could come with unwanted side effects like anxiety, paranoia, and dry mouth if you consume too much. So, keep dosing in mind when trying this potent psychoactive cannabinoid — even if you’re an experienced consumer.
Are There THCP Products on the Market?
Yes, you’ll find this potent cannabinoid in various forms, all of which come from legal hemp plants.
Customers can consume THCP in virtually the same ways that delta 9 THC is consumed: through flower, tinctures, edibles, drinkables, and concentrates.
Right now, THC-P carts are the most popular option. THCP edibles are also quickly gaining popularity for their taste, potency, and easy consumption methods.
Professionals can extract and isolate small amounts of THCP from cannabis plants by using mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography. Then, they will recreate THCP artificially – but it is still a natural substance.
Of course, for legal reasons, manufacturers create THCP products from hemp, making sure that its THC levels don’t exceed 0.3%.
Is THCP Legal?
The legality of THCP is still somewhat ambiguous due to the fact that it has only recently been discovered. In the United States, all hemp-derived cannabinoids and products are legal provided they contain no more than 0.3% THC by weight.
So, yes, THCP and THCP products are federally legal in the US thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. However, new updates may change that.
Read up on the 2024 Farm Bill updates in our blog here.
However, what constitutes as “THC” in this case is not entirely clear. If THCP is classified as a form of THC, then it may or may not be legal.
Some states have already made the distinction between what they consider to be “THC” and what they consider to be other cannabinoids like THCP.
For now, it’s best to stay informed and check your local state laws before purchasing any THCP product.
THCP vs Other THC Compounds
Now that you know the answer to, “What is THCP?” Let’s talk more about the contrasts between this cannabinoid and others found in cannabis plants.
So, what’s the difference between THC-P and other THC compounds? How different is a THCP high compared to the high produced by other psychoactive weed compounds?
It all comes down to the cannabinoid’s chemical structure. All cannabinoids have alkyl side chains, which are strings of carbon atoms.
The alkyl side chains decide how the cannabinoid will interact with the cannabinoid receptors in your endocannabinoid system.
(Three carbon atoms in an alkyl side chain are required for a cannabinoid to bind to your CB1 receptor.)
Delta-9 THC vs THCP
THCP and THC are similar in various ways, but they also have a few key differences: including their chemical structure.
THC has a five-carbon atom chain, while THCP has seven carbon atoms. THCP’s chemical structure directly influences how THCP interacts in the body, creating the potent form we see today.
THCP’s longer chain produces cannabimimetic properties far higher than THC, making it more potent. THCP effects are heightened compared to the effects of THC.
Delta-8 THC vs THC-P
THCP is much stronger than delta-8 THC. THCP can be extremely stimulating, while delta-8 THC is found to be much more calming.
Delta-8 can produce relaxation and pain relief with less of a possibility of extreme psychoactive effects caused by more potent THC variants.
THC-O vs THC-P
So what about THC-O vs THC-P? Is THCP stronger than THC-O? Yes, a THC-P high will likely be more powerful.
THC-O is another potent variant of THC, although THC-P effects are still quite a bit stronger. The THC-O cannabinoid is synthetic and its effects are delayed, while THC-P occurs naturally in the cannabis plant and the effects are immediate.
When it comes to THC-O vs THC-P, THCP is stronger. But, THC-O is still stronger than THC.
LEARN MORE: What is THC-O? | What is H4CBD?
Should I Try THCP?
You no longer have to wonder, “What is THCP?” But now, it’s important to ask yourself if you want to try THCP.
Ultimately, it is your decision if you want to try items with this cannabinoid. However, we highly recommend that you obtain products such as THC-P carts from the most reliable vendors who offer third-party testing and include certificates of analysis.
Compared to THC, THCP is legal under federal law, so it is likely to have many non-credible sellers.
If you experience anxiety from THC, it might be best to avoid THC-P entirely or be very careful with dosing if you choose to consume it. Remember, CBD acts as a buffer for THC’s psychoactive effects.
Consuming CBD before consuming any variant of THC or with the psychoactive compound will help calm anxiety or paranoia.
Elevate Holistics: Keeping You Informed and Medicated
No matter what you want to know about cannabis — medical or recreational — Elevate Holistics is here to help.
Our goal is to ensure cannabis access and education to everyone who wants it. That’s why we make getting a medical marijuana card easier than ever before.
With our online process, we can approve you in minutes over the phone or computer.
Our appointments are quick, private, and affordable. And, if you don’t qualify, you don’t have to pay a thing.
Click the button below to save money on weed, get higher allotments, and learn more about cannabinoids by getting your MMJ card.
