THCP exists naturally in the hemp and marijuana plants. The cannabinoid is unique because of it has a longer alkyl side chain, which makes it attach more securely to receptors throughout the body. This means it takes a much smaller THCP to affect different functions governed by the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) than for THC to have the same effect. As a result, THC P has a more pronounced impact on the strains' psychoactive than THC itself.
Key Takeaways
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THCP is a new cannabinoid that shows promise for treating conditions like chronic pain, inflammation, and anxiety.
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The side effects of THCP products are similar to other cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD. However, more research is necessary to understand the full range of side effects associated with this potent cannabinoid.
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THCP products are legal in the U.S., but this could change in the future. The DEA could choose to schedule THCP as a controlled substance, making it illegal to buy, sell, or possess.
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If you're subject to drug testing, it's best to avoid using products containing THCP.
Since its discovery in late 2019, THCP has been making waves in the cannabis industry. Hemp and cannabis are complex plants with over 500 naturally occurring compounds, and THCP is one of the most potent and promising of these—Yes, even more than Delta 9 THC. Here's everything you need to know about this latest hemp and cannabis plant compound.
How Was THCP Discovered?
Italian researchers discovered two new cannabinoids, THCP and CBDP, while studying a cannabis plant cultivar called FM2. The sample came from the Military Chemical Pharmaceutical Institute in Florence. The UNIHEMP research product funded the team.
To find the cannabinoids present in FM2, the Italian researchers tried several methods. The team first artificially synthesized THC P and CBD P to create reference materials. This means they recreate THCP artificially to test it. These results confirmed the natural expression of two cannabinoids in the FM2 cultivar.
The scientists investigated the effects of THCP on body temperature, spontaneous activity, immobility, and pain in mice. The results showed that THC P has similar effects to other cannabinoids, like delta-9 THC.
THCP is more active than THC, even in smaller amounts. The group found the chemical was present in FM2 at 0.0029%, whereas THC was expressed at 3.9%. This means that THCP is about 13 times more potent than THC.
Next, the group focused on THCP to study its binding affinity with CB1 and CB2 receptors. They published these findings in a report called "A novel phytocannabinoid isolated from Cannabis sativa L. with an in vivo cannabimimetic activity higher than Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol: Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabiphorol" in the open access Nature Journal.
What are the Effects of THCP?
To understand what THCP does, it's essential to know how cannabinoids work. Cannabinoids like THCP and THC bind with receptors throughout the body known as CB1 and CB2.
Cannabinoids act on CB1 receptors primarily in the brain and central nervous system, which explains why cannabinoids influence cognitive function and mood. CB2 receptors are found mainly in the immune system—clarifying how cannabinoids can reduce inflammation.
The binding of THCP to CB1 receptors is 33-times more active than delta-9 THC, according to a study by the researchers who discovered it. THC P has a more profound psychoactive effect than all THC compounds.
In other words, THCP products get you higher if that's the intent.
The study on mice found that THCP also has analgesic (pain-relieving), anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. These effects are similar to other cannabinoids, like CBD and THC. However, more research is necessary to understand the full extent of THCP's therapeutic potential.
Does THCP Make You High?
Yes, THCP products make you high. The hemp compound is more potent than THC and binds more strongly to receptors in the brain. This creates a more intense psychoactive effect, which is why some refer to THCP as "super THC."
If you're looking for a hemp plant that will get you high, look for strains with higher THCP content. However, consider that THC P is only present in trace amounts in most cannabis strains. It explains why some strains seem more intoxicating to users than others with similar THC levels.
Now that you know everything about THCP, it's time to find out what this cannabinoid can do for you. Try a hemp strain with higher THC P content and see how it affects your experience. You may be surprised by how potent this compound really is.
You won't find a strain that's 33% stronger—THCP is a minor cannabinoid, containing much less than 1% of the total compound in a plant. Because of the very low concentrations, the only way to experience its full potential is through extraction and isolation, which are currently only possible in a lab setting.
For those who prefer a more mobile and convenient option, consider investing in THCP disposable vape products. Just like vape cartridges, THCP edibles, and tinctures, THCP disposable vapes can deliver a powerful and intense experience of THC P, making them an excellent choice for those seeking the full benefits of this compound.
What Are the Therapeutic Benefits of THCP?
THCP is a new cannabinoid, and more research is necessary to understand its full therapeutic potential. However, studies on mice suggest THCP has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties.
These effects are like other THC cannabinoids, like CBD and THC. However, THCP is more potent than THC and binds more strongly to receptors in the brain. This creates a more intense psychoactive effect, which is why some refer to THCP as "super THC."
More research is necessary to understand the full extent of THCP's therapeutic potential. However, the newly discovered cannabinoid shows promise for treating conditions like chronic pain, inflammation, and anxiety.
The future looks promising for the therapeutic benefits of THC P. Consumers with chronic conditions may soon access more potent strains and products containing this cannabinoid.
Is THCP Legal in the US?
THCP is a new cannabinoid, and its legal status is currently unclear. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has not specifically scheduled the compound. However, THCP's legality falls under the definition of hemp because it contains less than 0.3% delta 9 THC.
This means that THCP products are currently legal in the U.S., but this could change in the future. The DEA could choose to schedule THCP as a controlled substance, making it illegal to buy, sell, or possess.
For now, THCP is legal in the U.S. However, the legal status of this cannabinoid could change in the future.
How Does THCP Work?
Delta 9 THC is the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana. THCP is a new cannabinoid that is more potent than delta 9 THC. The compound binds more strongly to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, creating a more intense psychoactive effect. Researchers need to conduct more studies for more specific information on how the compounds THC and THCP compare to other THC analogs and, more importantly, how the only difference is the potency.
Does THCP Bind to Cannabinoid Receptors?
THCP is a new cannabinoid, and more research is necessary to understand its full range of effects. However, studies on mice suggest THCP binds strongly to CB1 and CB2 receptors.
The CB1 receptor causes the psychoactive effects of THC. The CB2 receptor is associated with the body's immune system. THCP also binds more strongly to this receptor than delta-9 THC which may explain the compound's anti-inflammatory effects.
THCP Vs. Delta 9 THC
Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of the main psychoactive cannabinoids in cannabis. Many people refer to delta 9 as regular THC. It binds to the CB1 receptor in the brain, causing the psychoactive effects of marijuana. THCP is a new cannabinoid that is more potent than delta-9 THC.
The compound binds more strongly to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, creating a more intense psychoactive effect. While some of THCP's binding affinity may be wasted, it still seems likely that THCP will be more potent than delta-9 THC for many people.
However, because less than 1% of cannabis plants' composition is THCP, it may be difficult to find THCP flower strains or any option other than concentrates with a high enough content to have significant psychoactive effects.
THCP Vs. THCO
THCO isn't a naturally occurring cannabinoid. Instead, it's a cannabinoid that's been created in a laboratory by combining THC and oxygen (as in "THC O 2.") There isn't enough research on THC O-acetate to make a confident assertion about its safety. Despite the limited research, there's a burgeoning market for THCO disposable it's a laboratory-made cannabinoid, and more potent than THC makes it worth mentioning as a viable alternative for people seeking a more potent psychoactive effect.
THCP is the stronger binding phytocannabinoid to both the CB1 and CB2 receptors. It has more potential for psychoactive effects and for therapeutic benefits like pain relief and anti-inflammation.
Although THCP is naturally occurring, both are only available in concentrates because of the plant's low percentage of the THCP compound. If you are seeking a more potent psychoactive effect, THCP could be a better option than THC O acetate. However, more research is needed on the safety of THC O acetate before it can be recommended.
THCP Vs. Delta 8 THC
THCP is much more potent than delta 8 THC, another cannabinoid that has recently gained popularity. Delta 8 THC is only about one-tenth as potent as delta 9 THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis.
THCP is more than twice as potent as delta 9 THC. This makes THCP a more potent option for people seeking the psychoactive effects of cannabis. However, both cannabinoids have low concentrations and are more viable in the concentrated form.
What are the Side Effects of THCP?
One of THCP frequently asked questions is about adverse responses. THCP is a new cannabinoid, and more research is necessary to understand its full range of side effects. However, the strong cannabinoid may cause some side effects similar to delta 9 THC, such as:
Anxiety
Some people may experience anxiety when using THCP products. This is because the cannabinoid binds strongly to receptors in the brain, which can create a more intense psychoactive effect. If you're prone to anxiety, start with a low dose of THCP and increase gradually as needed. Too much THCP may be overwhelming for new consumers.
Dry mouth
A dry mouth is a common side effect of THC and other phytocannabinoids. This occurs because cannabinoids bind to receptors in the saliva-producing glands, reducing saliva production. To avoid dry mouth, drink plenty of water and chew sugar-free gum or mints.
Dizziness
Dizziness is another common side effect of THC cannabinoids. This occurs because the natural and not synthetic cannabinoid can interfere with the body's ability to regulate balance. If you experience dizziness, drink plenty of fluids and avoid operating heavy machinery.
The side effects of THCP are similar to other THC cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD. However, more research is necessary to understand the full range of side effects associated with this potent cannabinoid.
How to Use THCP?
THCP is only available in concentrate form because of the plant's low percentage of the compound in the cannabis and hemp plants. THCP products include tinctures, oils, and vape cartridges. Look for THPC products with third-party lab results to ensure potency and purity. Although we know the naturally occurring analog cannabinoid is safe, it's important to know the brand and where the product is derived from.
Does THCP Show on a Drug Test?
THCP is a new cannabinoid, and more research is necessary to understand its full range of effects. However, it's possible that THCP could show up on a drug test. Because THCP is a derivative of THC, it's possible that tests could detect the compound that screen for THC.
If you're subject to drug testing, it's best to avoid using products containing THCP. CBD products are safer because they're unlikely to trigger positive drug tests. A broad-spectrum CBD product contains CBD and other cannabinoids but no THC.
How Much THCP Should I use?
THCP is a new cannabinoid, and more research is necessary to understand its full range of effects. However, starting with a very low dose is generally recommended and increasing it as needed. This will help you avoid potential side effects and ensure you get the desired effect.
Final Thoughts
Although more research is needed, THCP is a new cannabinoid with psychoactive and therapeutic benefits such as pain relief and anti-inflammation. If you're seeking a more potent alternative to THC or CBD, THCP could be worth trying. However, start with a very low dose and increase it slowly for the best experience.