When the US Government legalized hemp in 2018, consumers and manufacturers only talked about one compound: cannabidiol (CBD). Not only is CBD the most abundant cannabinoid in hemp flowers, it’s a non-psychoactive substance. CBD’s lack of psychoactivity makes it far more accessible to a wide range of consumers, hence the high demand for high-quality CBD oils, tinctures, and vape carts.
Although the CBD market remains a dominant force in the hemp industry, more customers have been gravitating toward cannabinoids with potent properties. For instance, the new cannabinoid THCP has been getting a lot of “buzz” for the polar opposite reasons CBD rose to prominence. Indeed, people curious about THCP need to spend plenty of time researching what this cannabinoid is, how to dose it, and the effects to expect. THCP is wildly different from non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD or CBG, so new users must know how to prepare for their first THCP experience.
THCP Basics: Preliminary Facts to Consider
The recent discovery of THCP proves that many scientists still don’t know much about the cannabis plant. It wasn’t until 2019 that researchers in Italy first discovered THCP molecules when studying a sample cannabis strain. Short for “tetrahydrocannabiphorol,” THCP is similar to the more abundant psychoactive cannabinoid delta-9 THC, but it has a notable difference in its chemical structure. The key to understanding THCP has to do with an “alkyl side chain,” which is a kind of “tail” on the end of a molecule. THCP’s alkyl side chain has seven carbon atoms, while delta-9 THC has five carbon atoms.
Having a few extra carbon atoms may not seem like a big deal, but scientists noticed THCP appeared easier to attach to cannabinoid receptors in rats’ brains. According to preliminary trials, THCP binds 33x more than delta-9 THC. While this doesn’t necessarily mean THCP is 33x stronger than delta-9 THC, it suggests this cannabinoid has a greater affinity for the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
What Is The Best Way To Dose THCP?
The annoying truth about THCP is there’s not enough research to say anything conclusive about this cannabinoid. Although scientists have started to examine THCP’s effects in mice, there are still no robust trials on THCP’s impact on humans. Since this cannabinoid is so new, it will take years to tease out the long-term effects of THCP.
Due to THCP’s novelty and strong attachment to CB1 receptors, new consumers must start with an ultra-conservative dosing strategy. Most THCP manufacturers recommend starting with no more than 1 mg of THCP on the first usage and waiting to see how it affects their body.
Also, customers need to be extra cautious with edible products as these are the easiest to overdo. The effects of THCP gummies take far longer to kick since this cannabinoid needs to go through the liver before entering the bloodstream. By contrast, smoking or vaping a THCP product directly enters the lungs, provoking a much faster reaction. Also, when THC-related edibles go through the liver, the THC compounds tend to transform into more potent derivatives like 11-hydroxy-THC.
THCP’s Standard Effects — What To Expect With THCP
Unfortunately, there’s not a lot of scientific data on how THCP products like flower or a cartridge containing THCP concentrates affect customers. Therefore, the “evidence” on THCP’s effects mostly comes from anecdotal testimonies on forums like Reddit. Many people who try THCP products claim it hits far harder than other varieties of THC like delta-8 or delta-10 THC. Some users also liken THCP to a “savita-heavy” and borderline “psychedelic” experience that does not feel like using a marijuana hybrid but rather a strong sativa strain. Unlike indica cannabis strains, sativa cultivars are known for inducing energizing effects that center around a user’s head. People using sativa strains often report feelings of euphoria combined with lightheadedness, uncontrollable giggles, and tingly temples.
Since sativa strains tend to accelerate thoughts rather than provoke a relaxing “body-heavy” sensation, they tend to increase the risk of undesirable side effects like panic attacks or paranoia. Therefore, people prone to anxiety may notice worsening symptoms when using THCP, especially at higher doses. People unprepared for THCP’s psychoactive effects may also notice side effects like confusion, increased heart rate, and tremors (aka “weed shakes”). THCP may also trigger less severe — but uncomfortable — reactions such as cottonmouth, bloodshot eyes, and intense hunger.
Go Lower & Slower With THCP Dosing
The classic advice when dosing any new cannabinoid is to go “low and slow,” but this phrase goes double (or even triple) when dealing with THCP. If THCP is 33x stronger than delta-9 THC, it won’t take much to induce serious psychoactive effects. Ideally, customers should know how other THC products like delta-8 affect their bodies before moving to more experimental and potentially stronger hemp cannabinoids like THCP. Also, consumers must work with hemp THCP manufacturers offering high-quality lab-tested results. Without third-party lab reports, it’s impossible to verify the purity and potency of THCP tinctures, vape pods, or edibles, so always work with reputable companies which publish this information.