THCP Effects
Have you been curious about what kind of effects one of the most powerful cannabinoids around produces? Read on to learn all about THCP:
- What is THCP?
- What are THCP’s effects?
- Where to find THCP
- THCP vs THC and other cannabinoids
What is THCP?
Found in some strains of the Cannabis sativa plant at very low concentrations, 9-tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCP) is a potent, recently discovered cannabinoid. Abbreviations for this analog of THC include THCP, THC-P, THCp, and delta-p.
A team of researchers in Italy accidentally discovered it using mass spectrometry in 2019, although this particular cannabis strain is not unique. Manufacturers soon learned that, like all other cannabinoids, THCP starts out as CBGA. This means it can be extracted from legal hemp-derived CBD in a lab via chromatography. However, THCP is more like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) than CBD in terms of its effects.
Since delta-8 THC and a whole variety of hemp-derived cannabinoids have changed the face of the cannabis industry, they’ve been joining delta-9 THC in traditional cannabis strains and products on the shelves. These other cannabinoids are really growing in popularity, and offering consumers new experiences.
For example, an isomer like delta 8 THC or THCV might be thought of as “diet” weed of the cannabis plant; cannabinoids like like HHC or delta 10 THC are milder, stress relieving medical cannabis alternatives; and THC-O is sometimes thought of as the psychedelic cannabinoid.
Researchers, patients, and recreational users alike are just starting to learn about the potential of THCP. And people who love cannabis and cannabinoids are already parsing out all of the differences by trying them.
Does THCP get you high?
Obviously, delta 9 THC is the king of cannabinoids that naturally occurs in most cannabis strains in the greatest abundance. However, there are over one-hundred organic phytocannabinoids including THCP, each with a slightly different chemical structure and incident effects.
Specifically, compared to delta 9 THC, THCP has a longer alkyl side chain with seven carbon atoms, and this different molecular structure allows THCP to bind more readily with the human CB1 and CB2 endocannabinoid receptors. THCP is usually extracted from CBD and legal hemp plants in a laboratory.
The same Italian researchers who made the accidental discovery also experimentally established that THCP binds 33 times more handily with human CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) than delta 9 THC, likely due to its extended seven-atom side chain. The CB1 cannabinoid receptor, central to producing psychoactive effects, is found mostly in the brain and the central nervous system (CNS). THCP also binds more readily with the CB2 receptor, found elsewhere in the body and responsible for pain management.
What are the effects of THCP?
Because THCP binds so well with the cannabinoid receptors, it produces effects that feel qualitatively similar but stronger than classic delta 9 THC. For example, the research into THCP showed that mice taking higher doses of this new cannabinoid experienced pain relief and displayed a trance-like state.
In fact, it is entirely possible that tiny amounts of THCP in some of the cannabis strains we already know well may partly contribute to their healing powers. This powerful binding affinity could also be responsible for amplifying some of the less pleasant side effects of the cannabis plant such as anxiety, dry mouth and eyes, and paranoia.
[Learn more about THCP from the 2019 study here—but realize there has been no research into side effects or benefits in humans, so what we know can only be extrapolated from what is known about other cannabinoids and forms of THC.]
But this may not be as confounding as we imagine, because other hemp derived cannabinoids are already in most THCP products—not to mention most cannabinoid products currently available. There is no real way to know whether what is in a product is hemp-derived cannabinoids, naturally occurring cannabinoids, or both. In reality, the difference is not always clear.
For example, the researchers who discovered THCP in 2019, also isolated cannabidiphorol (CBDP) in their sample. An analog of cannabidiol (CBD), CBDP has a similar chemical structure to that of THCP, with a seven-atom side chain.
Will THCP show up in a drug test?
Although it is not 100% certain that THCP will appear on a drug test, you should avoid THCP if you are subject to testing. This is because along with all forms of THC (except pure CBD) and all other hemp derived cannabinoids, it may trigger a positive result.
Is THCP legal and where is it sold?
Congress legalized hemp, its derivatives, and any extracts and compounds made from hemp with the 2018 Farm Bill. A federal court has confirmed the legality of delta 8 THC all hemp products that have less than 0.3% delta 9 THC which extends to other hemp-derived products.
How can you buy THCP products?
There are vape pens with THCP, and THCP edibles like gummies and tinctures. Edibles are probably the most popular choice, because they’re delicious and convenient. Plus, although vapes are out there, THCP vape carts can be seriously potent!
Some states ban or restrict hemp-derived cannabinoids themselves, or regulate them for sale by licensed cannabis dispensaries only. In other places you can find all kinds of products with cannabinoids everywhere from gas stations to convenience stores.
But honestly, the better selections of hemp-derived cannabinoid products are almost always with online retailers. We sell THCP products and all of the other cannabinoids out there—and we have the highest quality.
Written by Diet Smoke Staff Writers
The staff writers for Diet Smoke have been researching and writing about premium hemp-derived THC and CBD products for more than 3 years. The team has a keen understanding of the topic, remain current on all FDA and industry news, and use their expertise to generate engaging and informative content to help educate consumers on Diet Smoke’s products. Each article is fact-checked and includes sources to scientific data to ensure readers receive the most up-to-date and accurate information possible.
Reviewed By Colby Wohlleb
Colby Wohlleb, editor of Diet Smoke, reviews and approves all content before releasing it for posting on the Diet Smoke website. As a tireless advocate for the benefits of premium hemp-derived THC and CBD products, Colby ensures that all content is accurate, engaging, and informative. He also works directly with a trusted source to ensure the purity of the products we sell and performs rigorous lab testing to ensure that Diet Smoke’s products are of the highest quality and safety standards.