What is THCP and How Is It Different From THC?

In the year 2022, you would think that we’d have run out of naturally occurring cannabinoids to discover at this point. There are at least 113 cannabis-derived cannabinoids that are known to researchers, with many of them providing unique benefits to consumers. With as many cannabinoids as we do know about, it is very likely that there are many more still undiscovered. The finding of a new cannabinoid in 2019 with exciting new properties proves that there is still plenty more to discover about cannabis as a whole.

The new cannabinoid is called tetrahydrocannabiphorol or THCP in abbreviated form. While THCP has always been present in the Cannabis sativa plant, researchers have only recently discovered how to isolate the compound. As a closely related analog to Delta-9 THC – the primary psychoactive compound responsible for producing the intoxicating effects of marijuana – THCP produces similar effects. The kicker is that THCP produces significantly stronger psychoactive effects than traditional THC.

What is THCP?

In basic terms, THCP is a naturally occurring cannabinoid derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. Like many other cannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabiphorol or THCP is unique in its chemical structure and produces its own unique properties. Unlike other cannabis-derived compounds like CBD which is found in high concentrations in marijuana and hemp plants, THCP is found in very low quantities. That is what has made it so elusive to researchers until recently.

The overall chemical structure of THCP is remarkably similar to Delta-9 THC with a couple of differences that set them apart. As a result, THCP produces similar psychoactive effects as traditional THC, yet with much more potency. The Italian researchers that were able to isolate THCP claim that the compound is 30 times more effective at binding to CB1 receptors in the brain than Delta-9 THC, leading to significantly more potent effects.

Due to the fact that THCP has only been on the cannabinoid radar for a couple of years, there are still quite a few questions that have yet to be answered. At this point, very little research has been done on the substance meaning there is still a lot to be learned about THCP.

What is the Difference Between TCH and THCP?

As we’ve already established, THC and THCP are very similar in their chemical makeup. However, THCP contains a higher presence of carbon atoms, making it more effective at binding to CB1 receptors in the brain. Without going too far down the chemistry rabbit hole, the chemical difference between the two substances boils down to their alkyl side chains.

The THC compound has a five-carbon alkyl side chain while THCP has a seven-carbon side chain. While it might seem like a small difference, the extra two carbon atoms play a major role in how THCP interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system. As a result of the longer carbon side chain, THCP is far more effective at binding to the CB1 receptors in your brain.

Does THCP Get You High?

In short, yes, THCP does get you high. In fact, THCP has the potential to get you much higher than regular Delta-9 THC. The main reason for THCP’s psychoactive effectiveness is its binding abilities.

All psychoactive cannabinoids interact with the brain and body in a very similar way. Their structure emulates the naturally occurring cannabinoid compounds that your brain produces and floods the endocannabinoid system with stimulus. When a psychoactive cannabinoid like THC or THCP binds with your brain’s endocannabinoid receptors, psychedelic effects start to manifest. Since THCP is much more effective at binding to the brain’s endocannabinoid receptors than most other cannabinoids, it produces the most extreme effects.

In essence, THCP will get you higher than any other known cannabinoid in the Cannabis sativa plant.

What is THCP Good For?

Since we don’t know a whole lot about THCP yet, the therapeutic benefits of the compound aren’t fully understood either. However, most researchers have come to the conclusion that THCP can be used to the same effect as THC.

Due to the increased potency of THCP, it can actually provide increased relief for issues like chronic pain and insomnia. User reports claim that the effects of THCP are nearly indistinguishable from THC, yet require a smaller dose to feel the effects to a similar degree. For that reason, it is important to start with a much lower dose than you would traditionally use with a regular THC product.

From a recreational perspective, THCP can be extremely enjoyable, especially if regular THC products aren’t cutting it anymore. The compound can be a good way to get the psychoactive effects of THC if you have a high tolerance or are looking for stronger effects.

Is THCP Legal?

This is a tricky question that doesn’t really have a definitive answer, unfortunately. Like most other cannabis-derived cannabinoids, THCP falls in a strange legal grey area, especially in states where marijuana is illegal.

Overall, there are arguments for and against THCP’s legality. While TCHP is not directly considered federally illegal under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, arguments have been made that it could be considered illegal by the Federal Analog Act as a THC analog.

THCP’s legality is also dependent on the plant from which it is isolated. The 2018 Agricultural Act (Farm Bill) legalized the cultivation of hemp and hemp derivatives, meaning that TCHP derived from hemp plants is federally legal.

So, as you can see, THCP legality is a bit of a messy topic. Generally speaking, THCP is widely accepted as federally legal, especially when derived from hemp plants containing less than 0.3% THC content.

How Do You Take THCP?

Since THCP is so new, the market is still expanding when it comes to THCP products. With that being said, it is already available in a few forms that most THC or derivative consumers are familiar with.

There are three ways of consuming THCP at this point, including inhaled THCP, THCP gummies/edibles, and THCP tinctures/distillates. Each of these methods will work in a similar way to how they do with THC or other cannabinoids. For example, THCP vapes will produce effects the quickest and have the shortest effect duration. THCP edibles will take a while for your body to process, but the effects will last longer. THCP tinctures are a good middle ground between vapes and edibles, with effects coming on fairly quickly and lasting for a substantial duration.

If you are looking to try THCP in any of the three forms listed above, Silver Owl CBD provides naturally derived THCP products to suit anyone’s needs. If you are looking for a THCP vape, Silver Owl offers both disposable and cartridge options in Sativa, Indica, and hybrid strains. If tinctures are more up your alley, take a look at Silver Owls 1,000MG sublingual THCP tincture. It contains 30 doses of THCP and takes effect quickly. For the edible lovers out there, Silver Owl also offers 30MG THCP gummies intended for a relaxing and extended high.

What is THCP? Summary and Takeaways

As one of the most recently discovered cannabinoids, THCP is exciting. Beyond just being the shiny new compound on the block, THCP’s potency and effectiveness make it a great option for those looking for a more potent alternative to Delta-9 THC.

THCP is especially appealing due to the fact that it is technically federal legal. While THCP does fall in a strange legal grey area, the 2018 Farm Bill makes hemp-derived THCP federally legal regardless of other prohibitive legislation.

Since THCP is such a new compound, there is still a lot to be learned about it and additional research to be done. It is certainly a promising compound that will only continue to increase in popularity and availability.