If you’ve heard whispers about a cannabinoid that might be up to 33 times stronger than THC, you’re not imagining things.
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?
How Does THCP Work in the Body?
THCP is quite a potent, psychoactive cannabinoid. It works by interacting with your body’s essential endocannabinoid system, which contains two types of cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2.
THCP has a longer alkyl side chain, seven carbon atoms instead of THC’s five. This little difference gives it a much stronger bond to your body’s CB1 receptors. It also explains why THCP is believed to be up to 33 times more potent 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.
Does THCP Get You High?
In a word? Yes.
THCP is very psychoactive. Users often describe its effects as more intense, longer-lasting, and unpredictable compared to regular THC. This isn’t something you take to unwind after a long day; it’s more like something you prepare for.
So if you’re new to cannabis or have a low THC tolerance, this may not be your starting point. Even seasoned users should ease into it with caution.
Where Does THCP Fit in the Cannabinoid Family?
THCP is part of the phytocannabinoid family; cannabinoids naturally found in the cannabis plant. That makes it different from synthetic options like THC-O, which are made in a lab.
Let’s compare:
- THC: The classic “high” cannabinoid.
- THCV: Often stimulating and sometimes used for appetite suppression.
- THC-O: Synthetic and potent, with delayed onset.
- THCP: Natural, extremely potent, and not for the faint of heart.
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 their 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% delta-9THC (dry 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.
Here’s how THCP compares with other familiar cannabinoids:
| Compound | Psychoactivity | Potency | Legal Status |
| Delta-9 THC | High | Standard potency | Federally illegal (some states legal) |
| Delta-8 THC | Moderate | Weaker than delta-9 | Legal gray area, banned in some states |
| THC-O | High | 2–3x stronger than THC | Federally illegal (2023) |
| THCP | Very High | Up to 33x stronger | Legal gray area |
Alkyl side chains (strings of carbon atoms) decide how the cannabinoid will interact with the cannabinoid receptors in your endocannabinoid system.
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
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?
Potential Benefits of THCP
Although human research is limited, early studies and user reports suggest THCP could offer benefits like:
- Pain relief
- Improved sleep
- Increased appetite
Still, it’s worth repeating: research is very early stage. The potential is exciting, but real-world studies are needed before we can make solid medical claims.
Side Effects and Safety Concerns
Because it’s so potent, THCP carries an increased risk of side effects, especially for those not used to potent cannabinoids. Possible reactions include:
- Intense anxiety or paranoia
- Excessive sedation or couch-lock
- Overstimulation or racing thoughts
Plus, there’s currently no data on long-term safety. With no dosage guidelines and no regulation, experimenting comes with real risks.
Should I Try THCP?
Ultimately, it’s entirely up to you. If you’re new to cannabis, THCP is probably too much. But if you’re a seasoned user with high tolerance, you can try it slowly and carefully.
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 technically legal under federal law, but it’s not explicitly regulated or standardized. This means that it’s 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
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