THCP: The New Cannabinoid On The Block

THCP is a new type of cannabinoid that researchers stumbled upon during a cannabis study conducted in 2019.  Little did they know that their discovery would have a massive impact and paradigm shift in the cannabis world.

The biggest draw for this new cannabinoid among enthusiasts was its overwhelming potential compared to the revered THC. Researchers put it at about 30 times more potent, which means it may be more compatible and significantly better for medicinal and recreational applications than THC.

This guide reviews the research and discoveries about THCP cannabinoid to help you understand its significance in the cannabis world.

Key Takeaways

• THCP’s heptyl chain structure gives it a strong bind with CB1 and CB2 receptors, leading to a potency of 30 times more than THC.
• While the cannabinoid occurs in trace amounts in cannabis plants, its binding affinity makes it an exciting subject in cannabis research and exploration.
• Users report intensified effects of altered sensory perceptions and euphoria.

What is the THCP Cannabinoid?

THCP stands for Tetrahydrocannabiphorol, the new cannabinoid that Italian researchers discovered in 2019.

THCP has a longer chain

As you can see in the image above, THCP resembles the delta-9 cannabinoid, also famous for its wide range of benefits.

However, THCP has seven carbon atoms in its chain, two more than THC. This difference, although minor, significantly affects the cannabinoid’s shape and, eventually, the interaction with your body.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) normally controls your well-being and equilibrium (homeostasis) through its CB1 and CB2 receptors. So, a cannabinoid with a longer carbon chain may have a stronger bind with the receptors, leading to more potent effects.

The only drawback is THCP ‘s rarity. It makes a paltry 1% in a cannabis plant, which proves hard to extract and isolate.

As a result, most THCP products you find on the market today may not be extracted from the cannabis plant but instead created in laboratories. Unfortunately, there are limited ways to spot the difference since research about the new cannabinoid is ongoing.

Nonetheless, the source may be labeled on the products to help you understand the quality and legality of your jurisdiction.

Besides, you can use analytical methods like HPLC-UV or HPLC-MS to break down the cannabinoids’ molecular structure.

How Does THCB Compare to THCP Cannabinoid?

THCP and THCB are derived from cannabis plants

Both were discovered during the same 2019 research and proved incredibly potent. However, THCP has the upper hand in potency and effects thanks to its additional three carbon atoms over THCB’s four.

The structural variance affects the potency and the interaction with the body as THCP’s longer atomic chain might help it bind better with the CB1 receptors.

Nonetheless, it all depends on the dosage, your body, and your method of consumption. Notably, cannabinoids may have psychoactive properties, hence the need to tread cautiously.

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How Does THCP Compare To THC?

THCP and THC

Both belong to the same cannabinoid family but differ in chemical composition, availability, awareness, etc.

Below are the four significant points of departure for THC and THCP;

1. Concentration in Cannabis Plants: THCP is a trace cannabinoid due to its minute amount not exceeding 1% of the entire plant’s chemical composition. On the other hand, THC can reach up to 30% in a single plant.
2. Chemical Structure: THCP has a heptyl chain with seven carbon atoms, while THC has a pentyl chain (five carbon atoms). This difference asserts a crucial bearing on the affinity of the body’s receptors, leading to varying effects.
3. Research: THC is better understood than the newly discovered THCP cannabinoid. THC’s effects and medical applications are well-documented, but more research is needed to understand THCP’s potency fully.
4. Availability: THC is currently the star of marijuana products, given its incorporation in topicals, oils, edibles, and more. However, THCP’s trace presence in the cannabis plant makes it elusive and rare to find.

Does THCP Get You High More Than THC?

Smoking with A Gravity Bong

THCP’s enhanced binding affinity makes it about 30 times more potent than THC, meaning you can get a more intense effect with just a tiny amount. It is the type of cannabinoid you don’t want to start with when you’re a beginner or have low cannabinoid tolerance.

Users have reported heightened feelings of increased introspection and relaxation, notably taking longer than traditional THC.

It’s worth noting that THCP does not work in isolation as it interacts synergistically with other cannabinoids and compounds to enhance the effects. Remember that the effects may vary based on your body, the consumption method, or the presence of other cannabinoids and terpenes.

Risks And Side Effects Of THCP

Cannabis Strain

The scant research about THCP contributes to its risks and effects, as only a fraction of the information has been scientifically proven. Here are the side effects and risks you’ll likely encounter with this cannabinoid.

• Quality of THCP Products

THCP extraction involves complex chemical processes that could lead to low-quality products. Manufacturers may take shortcuts or disregard crucial quality controls to produce a safe, high-quality product.

Moreover, regulations and testing standards for these new cannabinoids lag behind the evolution, so you’ll likely encounter non-certified THCP products.

• Potent Psychoactivity

As a potent psychoactive cannabinoid, THCP can potentially overwhelm the mind. Common effects include paranoia, anxiety, and psychological distress, especially in high doses.

THCP’s psychoactive property can also cause impaired decision-making and altered perception, which increases the risk of injuries and accidents.

• The Unknown

We’re still in the early stages of understanding the THCP cannabinoid, meaning that significant risk details about its interaction with the body, potential health hazards, and long-term effects remain unknown.

Is THCP Legal?

According to the 2018 Farm Bill, THCP cannabinoid is legal, provided it is derived from hemp and has a weight not exceeding 0.3% of its dry weight.

However, states keep revising their cannabis regulations especially on new developments like THCP, so confirm your local laws before you buy or possess.

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Stay Informed About THCP Cannabinoid

Since the research on THCP is ongoing, it would help to stay informed on developments and discoveries. As with the evolving world of cannabis, the documented THCP benefits and applications could be the tip of the iceberg.

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