Today’s article is a special one. Why, do you ask? Well, we’ll be covering a member of the THC family that’s rumored to be 30 times more potent than Delta 9 THC.
Yes, you read that right. The potency of THCP is claimed to be 30 times stronger than the primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. In this article, we’ll be investigating this claim, and sharing what we know about this mysterious beast.
Are you as excited about this as we are?
What is THCP?
THCP is truly the new cannabinoid on the block, unintentionally discovered in 2019 by Italian researchers analyzing a specific marijuana strain.
THCP is the abbreviated name for Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabiphorol, but it’s also referred to as Delta 9 THCP, THC-P, THC-heptyl, and THCp.
It is one of the 140 phytocannabinoids that are naturally present in cannabis and hemp plants, but in tiny amounts. Natural concentrations are far lower than 0.1%. To put things into perspective, hemp has THC concentrations of 0.3% or less, compared to marijuana’s 25% to 30%.
Chromatography techniques are used to extract and isolate this cannabinoid from legal hemp-derived CBD.
THCP has potential, firstly as a potent option for recreational users, but also for medicinal and therapeutic purposes.
Next Up: Uncovering the Truth: Is HHC Safe to Vape?
What Effects Does THCP Have?
Since THCP binds to cannabinoid receptors so well, it is anticipated to have effects that are comparable to but maybe even stronger than Delta 9 THC. To evaluate the physical effects of the newly discovered cannabinoid, researchers used standard cannabis mouse tests.
At lower doses, mice were less active, and at higher doses, they went into a trance-like state called catalepsy. At higher dosages, it also seemed to provide effective pain relief. Apart from offering a desirable recreational high, its capacity to connect with cannabinoid receptors in the body might make it helpful in treating pain, reducing nausea, and promoting sleep.
THCP is a cannabinoid that has an unrivaled affinity for binding to human receptors. While it has not yet been properly researched, it is anticipated that this cannabinoid will be particularly helpful in managing these conditions. But for now, we can only make educated guesses, as we wait for more research on humans.
Can You Get High From THCP?
Several people who have tried THCP have reported that the effects are comparable to those of THC.
While there isn’t much scientific proof that it has any medicinal advantages or psychoactive properties, anecdotal testimonies are clear: The psychoactive effects of THCP and THC are almost identical.
But the same researchers who discovered THCP tested it on cultured human cells. What they found was that it binds to the CB1 receptor 33 times better than Delta 9 THC. This is most likely due to its extended seven-atom side chain. The CB1 receptor is the most crucial cannabinoid receptor for producing psychoactive effects, and THCP appears to bind to the CB2 receptor more easily.
It doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll get 33 times higher from THCP than Delta 9. There is probably a limit to how much each cannabinoid can stimulate the endocannabinoid receptors, and we all react to each cannabinoid differently. But judging from people’s experiences, it seems like it’s more potent than Delta 9 THC.
Can THCP Fail a Drug Test?
No one knows for sure if THCP will make you fail a drug test because this hasn’t been researched yet. But THCP is probably metabolized in the body in the same way as other related cannabinoids, which can fail common drug tests.
The bottom line is that no one knows for sure, so if your employer tests for cannabis use, you should abstain from THCP, as well as other cannabinoids for a while, just in case.
Is THCP Legal?
The only cannabinoid listed by the Convention on Psychotropic Substances is delta-9-THC, making THCP legal around the world. In the U.S., it is, for the most part, considered legal if it’s hemp-derived.
But the legality of any cannabinoid is a bit of a gray area. Although it may arguably be allowed under federal law, individual state restrictions may still apply since each state can make its own cannabis regulations.
THCP isn’t specifically mentioned in any state bill – yet. But it’s safe to assume that it’s probably illegal in the states that have banned THC.
These are the states where THC (and probably THCP) are prohibited:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nevada
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Vermont
- Washington
Laws can change at any point, though. For more information on the federal legalization of cannabis-related products, you should refer to the 2018 Farm Bill.
How Does THCP Compare to THCO?
The use of THCP as a stand-alone cannabinoid hasn’t been well studied, nor have there been many actual observations. Most of the THCP products currently on the market are combinations of various THC analogs. When one cannabinoid is combined with several others, it is hard to isolate its effects.
The specific effects of consuming THCP in contrast to THC-O, for instance, or how THCP differs from other well-known hemp-derived cannabinoids like HHC or Delta 8, are still unknown. So for now, we’ll have to wait and see. Rest assured we’ll be keeping you posted.
Our Thoughts on THCP
It is entirely up to you whether or not to try THCP products. Because it’s still such a new substance, paired with the fact that there hasn’t been much research on it, we strongly recommend you only buy THCP products from trusted brands that have passed rigorous third-party testing.
Our Pick: These Energy Blend Canna Gummies from Golden Goat.
DISCLAIMER: THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information in this article, including but not limited to text, images, graphics, and other material contained herein, is for informational and educational purposes only and is solely intended to be used as a self-help tool. The information in this article and website does not substitute for professional medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Always seek guidance and advice from a qualified healthcare provider before undertaking a new healthcare regimen.
