The cannabis industry continues to grow by leaps and bounds, particularly with recently discovered cannabinoids. In today’s article, we’ll be looking at a particularly recent discovery of a new hemp-derived compound called THCp. You may know this cannabinoid already by its full name (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiphorol) or by one of its many abbreviations (THCP, THC-P, THCp, Delta-P, THC-heptyl or Delta-9 THCP). THCp, as we’ll be referring to it as, follows a long list of beloved cannabinoids that not only get you high, but are legal on a federal level! There’s many questions surrounding this particular compound, several of which we’ll answer today and others in upcoming articles. Right now, let’s talk about what this compound is and how it works.
What is THCP?
As with many of the psychoactive cannabinoids, THCp is naturally found in the cannabis plant but only found at very low levels and in specific cannabis strains. Researchers in 2019 accidentally discovered the compound while analyzing a particular strain but were able to produce it in a laboratory by altering federally legal CBD. In fact, any usable THCp must be crafted in a lab in order to infuse into various products. Due to its chemical makeup, THCp is very similar to the Delta-9 THC cannabinoid, one of the most abundant compounds found in cannabis (particularly marijuana). The difference lies in the carbon chain; THCp has seven carbon atoms while Delta-9 THC only has five. THCp has a longer “tail” (alkyl side chain) that extends past the largest section of the molecule, allowing the compound to bind better with the body’s endocannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors. The result is a potent mind and body high, estimated to be 33x more potent than traditional THC.
Almost all information known about THCp is solely depending on a 2019 study when the compound was first discovered. There is still much research to be conducted on the potential side effects, safety issues, and overall comparison to other compounds. It’s estimated that the effects would be similar to those of other hemp-derived compounds that get you high. What we do know is that THCp may be effective for medical patients for its therapeutic benefits. Medicinal marijuana has been the go-to for several years now, but perhaps THCp can offer a more effective (and federally legal) way of getting high to harness the benefits of the cannabis plant while using lower quantities to achieve the same effects.
Potential Uses and Benefits
One of the best uses of cannabis is for managing physical discomfort. Due to THCp’s ability to bond better with your ECS’s cannabinoid receptors, the compound may be a solution for those with particularly high discomfort levels and tolerances. For those wrestling with insomnia due to physical discomfort, THCp may be able to help users finally catch those coveted sleeping sessions
For those using high doses of THC, whether that be from marijuana or hemp-derived psychoactive compounds, the 2019 study suggests that low doses of THCp may be as effective as high doses. This is not to be confused that taking the same amount of THCp as your THC doses will produce a high 33x more intense! More research is still required to see just how much more intense the effects from THCp are compared to other compounds.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
As we mentioned earlier, THCp was discovered in 2019. Not a lot is known about the potential side effects or successful uses for its consumption. Any consumption of THCp should be done cautiously at first and in low doses to establish tolerance. Once your body has had time to adjust to the effects, you may need to tailor your doses accordingly. Taking too much THCp could result in undesirable effects, such as uncomfortable bouts of dry mouth, dizziness, lethargy, and others. If you discover that you have indeed taken too much of a psychoactive cannabinoid and are uncomfortably high, he important thing to remember is to not panic. The unwelcome effects aren’t permanent and will fade as the high progresses. You may need to lay down, drink lots of water, and try to find things that soothe you (reading, taking a walk, listening to music, meditating, etc.).
What are the effects of THCP?
While THCp is found in low quantities in the cannabis plant, nearly all products containing this compound feature the lab-created version. Many users report feeling more “pronounced” effects than those of Delta-9 THC and similar compounds. In the 2019 study, the effects on mice were noted as being more lethargic at low doses yet more trance-like in higher doses. Many consumers report feeling relaxed, comfortable, euphoric, and noted an improvement in overall mood and battling uneasiness.
In addition to a potent mind and body high, some users claim to experience better physical discomfort management, quelling nausea, and an excellent sleep aid. While many may use THCp for recreational purposes, its quite possible that the compound has medicinal uses as well. The ability for THCp to bind well with your endocannabinoid’s CB1 and CB2 receptors may make it immensely valuable for future pharmaceutical treatment options. However, until more research is conducted, we’re at the mercy of consumer reports to know how potent the effects are.
Final Thoughts
The recent discovery of THCp has brought many questions that have yet to be answered. How much more intense is it than other hemp-derived compounds? What is the ideal dosage? Can I fail a drug test with THCp in my system? Is THCp right for me? All of these questions are good ones, and ones we intend to answer in future articles. The world of cannabis is growing, and we as consumers must grow right along with it! As of right now, the research on THCp is limited, but what we do know is that this compound is a powerful one and may be ideal for those with high tolerances to THC. Lower doses of THCp equating to higher doses of other psychoactive compounds may result in an extended useful life for consumers without sacrificing quality or expected effects.
Here at TwoHawk Extracts, we embrace change with open arms! Several of our products contain the THCp compound along with other popular psychoactive cannabinoids. Right now those products are limited to THCp vape cartridges that also contain Delta-8, 9, and 10 THC, but keep checking to see when if and when we release other product types! Just keep in mind that THC affects each user differently depending on a number of personal factors (i.e., metabolism, age, previous exposure to THC, and others). Start off slow with these inhalables; one to three puffs should get you comfortably high, but remember you can always adjust your dose in future sessions. We also carry a number of product types including gummies, softgels, tinctures, disposables, and vape cartridges. Browse all these product types available in three unique cannabinoid blends: Delta-8 THC, Farm Bill Compliant Delta-9 THC, and HHC! All of our products have been tested by third-party independent labs to ensure purity and potency. You can view these results by scanning the QR code stamped on each product’s packaging or by clicking on the embedded link in the product description.
In our next article, we’ll be comparing the effects of THCp with a cannabinoid you may be familiar with: THC-O. Is it stronger? Are the effects the same? Is one compound more effective than the other? Join us next time for the answers to these equations and many more surrounding the wonderful world of hemp. We hope to see you there!