Hemp industry has seen a tremendous growth over the past few years, driven by the increasing demand for hemp-derived products and the changing regulatory landscape. The growth of the hemp industry has also led to the development of new discoveries and innovations. After the commercial success of Delta-8 THC, the hemp industry has found a variety of cannabinoids, and one of them that has been generating a lot of buzz is THCP. Today, let’s find out what THCP exactly is. Its legality? How stronger it is? And many other interesting facts and details about THCP.
What is THCP?
THCP stands for tetrahydrocannabiphorol – a newly discovered cannabinoid(phytocannabinoid) similar to Delta -9 THC. It is found in hemp plants in much smaller quantities. It can also be produced synthetically in laboratories by altering legal hemp-derived CBD. THCP was first identified in 2019 along with another new cannabinoid called CBDP(Cannabidiphorol).
THCP is also known as Delta-9 THCP or THC-heptyl. It is very similar to Delta-9 THC which is the main psychoactive compound in hemp plants. It’s considered to be 33 times stronger or more potent than THC even stronger than Delta-9 THC.
Molecular Structure
The molecular and chemical structure of THCP is different than Delta 9. THCP’s chemical structure has a linear side chain with seven or more carbon atoms (longer alkyl side chain), while Delta 9 has a cyclic chain with five carbon atoms. What do I have to do with this information? The molecular and chemical structure of cannabinoids(THCP) plays an important role in their binding capacity of Endocannabinoid system(ECS) receptors such as CB1 and CB2 receptors. ECS receptors regulate the body’s various physiological processes such as mood, appetite, pain, perception, and immune function. We have just stated that THCP has extra carbon atoms which allows THCP to bind more easily with receptors(CB1, CB2).
Read More: The Role of Cannabinoids in Endocannabinoid System
Does THCP Get You High?
As THCP is more potent, 33 times higher than THC which may get you very ‘high’. Although every person has different tolerance and body chemistry, due to the high potency of THCP it produces stronger psychoactive effects than Delta 9.
Why is THCP so strong?
Delta-8-THC and Delta-9 THC differ in molecular structure. From delta-9-THC in the location of a double bond between carbon atoms 8 and 9 rather than carbon atoms 9 and 10. Due to its structure, Delta 8 has a lower affinity for the CB1 receptor and hence it has lower psychoactive effects than Delta 9. While THCP has an elongated side-chain of seven atom side which affects the potency and binding affinity of ECS receptors. This more readily binding affinity of the CB1 receptor creates stronger psychoactive effects than Delta 9 which is stronger than Delta 8.
How Stronger is THCP?
- 1.5 Times Stronger than THC-O
- 5-10 Times Stronger than Delta-9 THC
- 1–20 Times Stronger than Delta-8 THC
- 40 Times Stronger than THCV
Read More: THC-O vs THC-P: What’s the Difference?
How To Use THCP?
Like other cannabinoids, you can consume THCP in the form of gummies, cartridges, tinctures, flowers, and topicals. It’s always advised to start with a low dose and wait for 20-30 minutes for the effect to kick in your system. If you feel the first dose is too weak or strong you can adjust the dosage accordingly. Always pay attention to the effects you are getting.
Is THCP Safe?
It is completely valid to have concerns about the safety of the product especially when the substance is new and not well researched. THCP is found in hemp plants in trace quantities and alternatively, most manufacturers convert CBD into THCP similar to Delta-8. It’s always advised to buy from a credible brand (D8 Gas), that thoroughly tests products and ensures that all the products are free from potentially harmful compounds.
What Are The Benefits of THCP?
THCP is still new to the world of hemp and is still in its early stages. It has similar effects on the body like other derivatives do but in a more potent form. Since the binding capacity of THCP is powerful which only not useful for recreational but to relieve pain and other therapeutic effects:
- Stress Relief
- Pain Relief(Analgesia)
- Hypomobility
What Are The Side Effects of THCP?
As we have mentioned, THCP is a newly discovered and less studied cannabinoid(phytocannabinoid), so the side effects of this cannabinoid are somewhat unknown. However, since THCP is also a THC, we can say that the side-effects will be similar to THC side-effects include
- Anxiousness
- Dry Mouth
- Red Eyes
- Sickness
- Self-consciousness
- Sleepiness
- Alertness
- Paranoia
- A heavy physical and mental buzz
Is THCP Legal?
According to the Farm Bill 2018, products that are derived from hemp, such as CBD products must contain 0.3% THC or less by dry weight in order to comply with federal regulations. You might be asking why this limit. This limit ensures that hemp-derived products have minimum psychoactive effects and are considered non-intoxicating.
However, the legality of THCP(phytocannabinoid) depends on the jurisdiction and is determined by the laws regulating cannabis and controlled substances. The legality of THCP depends on the level of THC it contains. According to the Farm Bill 2018, you can purchase hemp-derived THCP products that contain no more than 0.3% THC.
Read More: The Entourage Effect: How Different Cannabinoids Work Together in Hemp
Will THCP Show On A Drug Test?
Yes, THCP will show up on a drug test as drug tests are specifically designed to detect THC or cannabinoids. Standard drug tests like Urine tests, blood tests, saliva tests, and hair follicle tests typically target the presence of THC metabolites in the body. While THCP contains THC like other cannabinoids do which could cause users to fail a standard drug test. As long as THC is present in your body you will fail drug tests. If you want to avoid failing a drug test it is better to abstain from using drugs for some time.
Are there any THCP products?
Yes, there are THCP products available on the market and can be found as disposable vapes, capsules, gummies, tinctures, and topicals. Most of the brands sell products that contain THCP blended with single or multiple hemp-derived cannabinoids like Delta 8, Delta 9, etc.
Here are some of the popular brands’ products that contain THCP:
- Delta Extrax THC-P Cartridge 1G
- Torch THC-P + THC-B Live Resin Cartridge 2.2G
- Delta Extrax THC-P Disposable 2G
- Wavy Delta 8 THC-P Disposable 2G
- Sugar THC-P Disposable 5G
FYI: Check All The THC-P Lab Reports Here
Conclusion
It’s important to note that you should always purchase products from a reputable brand(D8 GAS) that provide third-party lab testing report(COA). This report provides an objective assessment of the product’s quality, purity, and potency and doesn’t contain contaminants, heavy metals, and pesticides.