In the quest for the strongest high, it’s only natural to wonder which hemp-derived cannabinoid is the most potent. Yet with many enticing compounds to choose from as well as how your body reacts to them, you might be a bit curious on which one gives you the strongest buzz for your buck. In our last article, we talked about THC-O and why you won’t readily find it on the shelves of your favorite brick-and-mortar store or on your favorite cannabis website. THCp has taken its place but there is still so much we’re learning about this particular compound. In order to give a better idea of how potent this compound is, we’ll be comparing it to one of the most well-known compounds since 2018: Delta-8 THC. You may already have an idea of the winner, but let’s take a look at why (or why not!) your guess was correct.
What is THCp?
Take a deep breath and read the following word slowly: tetrahydrocannabiphorol. Whew! Quite a mouthful, isn’t it? THCp, as it’s commonly shortened to, is one of over 100 known compounds found naturally within the hemp plant. However, the level at which it’s found is less than 0.1%. This extremely low amount makes it difficult to infuse into the delicious edibles, tinctures, and inhalables currently on the market. Yet this potent cannabinoid is readily available thanks to scientific methods of extraction and infusion. THCp was first discovered in 2019 by Italian researchers and is thought to be 33x more powerful than traditional THC found in marijuana. It’s also 63x more potent than another minor cannabinoid known as THC-V. We can go on down the list, but you get the gist…it’s dang strong! Its potency is due to the longer alkyl side chain (seven carbon atoms compared to the five carbon atoms of THC) as well as how well it bonds to your endocannabinoid (ECS) receptors. This steadfast bond means that low doses of THCp will produce the same effects as a higher dose of traditional THC and other hemp-derived compounds.
What Is Delta-8 THC?
Similar to THCp, Delta-8 THC is also a naturally occurring compound of the hemp plant and is also available in very low quantities. The Delta-8 THC found in most products today is actually an analog of THC, as it’s derived from CBD (the most abundant compound in the hemp plant) found within the hemp plant. The bond of Delta-8 THC is with your CB1 receptors in your body’s ECS, but not quite as strongly as traditional THC found in marijuana. Delta-8 THC is affectionately referred to as “diet weed” or “lite weed”, making it the ideal choice for those who have been scarred by the hard-hitting effects of marijuana products. Delta-8 THC gained enormous popularity after the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill and continues to be heralded as a great way to get high without feeling overwhelmed or out of control during the high. Many users report feeling a combination of relaxation, energy, better concentration/focus, and generally less uneasy while enjoying its effects. Delta-8 THC may help those struggling with despair, stress, sleep deprivation, and more. More research is needed to fully understand all the potential uses and benefits of the Delta-8 THC compound.
What’s The Point of THCp If Delta-8 THC Already Exists?
You’ve probably heard the saying “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” Which begs the question, why is THCp such a big deal when other compounds already exist that gets you equally high (albeit in smaller doses)? Well, for starters, medicinal THC is becoming more accepted amongst cancer patients and those struggling with severe physical discomfort. THCp may be an acceptable substitute that can provide the same relief but in small quantities. The compound may also help those on a budget who are looking for ways to cut back on how much they spend on weed or other hemp-derived psychoactive cannabinoids. More research is needed to fully understand the potential for THCp for both recreational and medicinal use, but what we do know so far is very promising!
Are Both Delta-8 THC & THCp Legal?
Technically, both Delta-8 THC and THCp are legal on a federal level, provided they are derived from hemp and contain 0.3% THC or less. Yet the legality of either compound may depend on the state in question. Certain states have outlawed Delta-8 THC and even go so far as to classify it as a controlled substance. Since both compounds require a degree of chemical processing to make them viable in consumable products, you’ll need to do your research on whether or not it's allowed in your state as well as if you’re planning to travel to other states.
Will Delta-8 THC & THCp Get Me High?
Both compounds have greatly varying effects, meaning you should be extremely cautious when trying a new product type of either compound for the first time. This allows your body to adjust safely to the effects without feeling overwhelmed or uncomfortable. You may experience different effects than your peers based on previous exposure to THC, height, weight, metabolism, gender, and other factors. It’s recommended to start out with 1-3mg of THCp/5-15mg Delta-8 THC for first-time users; remember you can always increase your dosage in the next session. You can probably tell that while THCp is more potent, you’ll less of it to feel the same effects. Yet you may prefer the effects of one to the other based on how you feel and not just how high you get.
Do Both Delta-8 THC & THCp Take The Same Amount of Time For the Effects To Kick In?
The effects of both Delta-8 THC and THCp will vary depending on the consumption method and product type. Inhalables like vape carts or pre-rolls for Delta-8 THC can take about 5 minutes or so, whereas THCp may take as long as 15-20 minutes. The longevity of the high for either compound is comparable but equally short-lived, both lasting around 1-2 hours. THCp edibles, on the other hand, can take up to 1-2 hours to feel the effects! Compare that to Delta-8 THC edibles, which take anywhere from 30-90 minutes. The longevity of the high for either compound is about the same, 4-6 hours. These time estimates aren’t exact, which is why it’s important to start off slowly and work your way up!
Aren’t Both Delta-8 THC & THCp Natural Cannabinoids?
Technically, yes. Both Delta-8 THC and THCp are naturally found within the hemp plant, but in very low quantities. Delta-8 THC requires some advanced technological processing to make the compound viable, while THCp requires synthetic processing to infuse the compound into various product types. Without getting too technical, THCp comes from hemp-derived Delta-9 THC while Delta-8 THC comes from hemp-derived CBD.
Final Thoughts
Just from pure observation and consumer reports, THCp is much stronger than Delta-8 THC. THCp has a much stronger potency (up to 33x times stronger than THC and about 65% more potent than Delta-8 THC) and requires much lower doses to achieve the same effects. Delta-8 THC may be more readily available since it’s been on the market for much longer. More research is needed to fully understand the potential effects and benefits of both compounds, but THCp may offer greater potential for medicinal uses as well as a budget-friendly way to get high. If you’re looking to replicate the effects of traditional marijuana, THCp may be a better choice for you. If you’ve been scarred by traditional marijuana in the past, Delta-8 THC offers a smoother and more subdued high that has earned it the title of “lite” or “diet” weed. Regardless of which one you choose, both will get you good and high; the time it takes to feel the effects coupled with the longevity of the high will depend on the type of product you consume.
Here at TwoHawk Extracts, we’re excited to offer our newest addition to our catalog: 2-gram THCp inhalables! We’ve added in a few other psychoactive compounds to deliver a smooth and balanced high from just a few pulls. Each of our three THCp vape carts have been thoroughly tested by third-party independent labs to ensure purity and potency. You can view these results by scanning the QR code on the product packaging with your smartphone or by clicking on the embedded link in each of the product’s descriptions. Should you have any questions regarding anything in this article or about hemp/cannabis in general, feel free to reach out to us! Our team of experts are knowledgeable about everything we carry and can offer insight as you navigate through the wonderful world of legal psychoactive cannabinoids. We look forward to hearing from you!