From a medical marijuana strain, Italian researchers in 2019 identified Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiphorol. This small cannabinoid, also known by the abbreviations THC-P, THCP, and THCp, is found in hemp and cannabis plants. It appears to work quite effectively on endocannabinoid receptors. According to studies, THCP is now the most potent psychoactive cannabinoid. Even more potent than delta-9, according to users, is THCP.
An interesting substance derived from hemp, THCP is the newest widely used, legally legal cannabinoid, joining the ranks of HHC, Delta-8, and Delta-10.
Here, we examine the properties, applications, advantages, legality, and potency of THC-P.
THC-P: What Is It?
An organic cannabinoid (or phytocannabinoid) called THC-P is comparable to delta-9 THC, the cannabinoid that is most prevalent in most marijuana strains.
The chemical structure of THC-P is similar to that of delta-9 THC with one important exception: it has a longer alkyl side chain with seven carbon atoms as opposed to delta-9 THC's five. Researchers claim that the additional carbon atoms in THC-P make it easier for it to attach to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and nervous system. THC-P is the strongest THC analog that has been found so far as a result.
THC-P is a minor cannabinoid that naturally occurs in hemp and cannabis plants in extremely small amounts, similar to other minor cannabinoids like delta-8 and delta-10. As a result, producers create the majority of THC-P by chemically modifying CBD that has been derived from legitimate hemp plants.
Effects of THC-P: Overview
The effects of THC-P are essentially the same as those of THC, but stronger. The majority of the information we have regarding THC-P comes from a 2019 study. Researchers discovered that THC-P binds to CB1 receptors in the brain and nervous system 33 times more potently than delta-9 THC. The longer seven-atom side chain of THCP is most likely to blame for this. The euphoric effects of marijuana are mostly delivered through CB1 receptors, which also affect bodily processes like sleep, mood, and appetite.
A cannabis strain or product strong in THCP produces a potent "high" that may be more sedating, energetic, or calming than one high in delta-9 THC. Some users even go so far as to call THC-P "psychedelic-like," claiming that it can intensify colors and noises, a rare effect with regular THC. THCP users generally report:
- Relaxation
- Appetite Stimulation
- A strong physical and mental buzz
The 33X receptor-binding affinity of THCP makes it unquestionably more potent than THC. However, that does not imply that this unique substance increases user levels 33 times. Most people claim that THC-P is five to ten times stronger than Delta-9 THC. That's because any cannabinoid can only stimulate endocannabinoid receptors so many times before its effects become maximal.
What is THC-P Used For? Benefits and Uses of THC-P
The Italian research team discovered various physiological consequences when investigating the impact of THC-P on human cannabinoid receptors, including:
- Analgesia (pain relief)
- Hypomotility (slowing of movement)
- Catalepsy (trance-like state)
- Decreased rectal temperature
According to researchers, THC-P's potent characteristics could explain some of cannabis' potent therapeutic effects that are difficult to explain with THC alone. For instance, THC-P more quickly attaches to immune system receptors. As a result, THCP might enhance marijuana's capacity to relieve pain, sleeplessness, and nausea.
What is THC-P Flower, exactly?
Cannabis and hemp do not naturally contain enough THCP to provide a high when smoked. As a result, producers cover or infuse the plant with pure THC-P distillates (or THC-P-containing mixes).
Because THC-P is so powerful, flower strains that have been improved in this way are potent while still providing many of the same benefits that THC users experience, including the reduction of pain and nausea, stimulation of hunger, euphoric high, and sleeping effects.
Other Cannabinoids vs. THC-P
Delta-9 vs. THC-P
THC-P and delta-9 THC have medicinal and mood-enhancing properties as well as euphoric recreational effects. However, because of its molecular makeup, THC-P is more powerful than delta-9. Additionally, Delta 9-THC generated from marijuana is a Schedule 1 prohibited narcotic, but THC-P is entirely allowed on a federal level.
THC-O vs. THC-P
THC-O acetate does not naturally present in hemp or cannabis plants, in contrast to THC-P. It is created by adding an acetic anhydride to the mixture to create an acetylated version of THC. THC-O is a stronger derivative of Delta-9 THC, just like THC-P. According to general agreement, THC-O is approximately three times stronger than THC-P, and vice versa.
Delta-8 vs. THC-P
Another THC analog that occurs naturally in hemp and cannabis at low concentrations is delta-8 THC. It is less strong than Delta-9 THC and much less potent than THC-P because it seems to have a lesser affinity for the CB1 receptor. The majority of users claim that THC-P can be more stimulating whereas Delta-8 tends to be more calming.
THC-P vs. HHC
Tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) like Delta-8, Delta-9, or THC-P are not HHC. Hexahydrocannabinol, or HHC, is a hexahydrocannabinol having hydrogen molecules in place of double atom bonds. Customers claim that HHC has less intense euphoric effects than traditional delta-9 THC or THC-P, comparing it to THC-P as being more intellectual and less energizing.
How Can I Buy THC-P Online and Is THC-P Legal?
In most areas, THC-P is readily available and completely legal on the federal level. However, several jurisdictions have prohibited or restricted the sale of "artificially derived cannabinoids" (which producers create from CBD or THC derived from hemp). Other states passed legislation making it illegal for hemp-derived goods to contain more than 0.3% THC, effectively banning numerous THCP products.
THC-P: Is it safe?
Users should start with smaller doses to evaluate how THC-P affects them because it is more potent than standard delta-9 THC.
Additionally, because CBD only occurs in trace amounts in cannabis plants, most producers transform it into THC-P using a chemical process involving acids and solvents, much as delta-8 THC. To ensure that their purchases are free of these potentially dangerous substances, consumers should opt for reputable brands that extensively test their products for residual pollutants.
Last Words on THC-P
Natural cannabinoid THC-P produces a potent and overwhelming euphoric high and is up to 33 times more effective at connecting with cannabinoid receptors than THC. THC-P, a THC analog generated from hemp, is not specifically designated as a controlled substance and is therefore legal in the United States. The potential of THC-P, which might provide novel therapeutic advantages, is still being investigated by researchers. This potent substance rival’s delta-9 THC, according to preliminary studies and user reports, making it worthy of study.
