The news about the most recent incredible cannabinoid may be getting old at this point but trust us when we say you’re going to want to hear more about THCP.
This is the new cannabinoid that’s simply too good to ignore. Here’s what you need to know about THCP.
What is THCP?
THCP, also known as tetrahydrocannabiphorol, is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It’s an analog of the much more famous THC.
THCP is much less abundant in the cannabis plant than THC, however. The extremely low concentration of THCP is probably why it remained undiscovered for so long.
How and when was THCP discovered?
THCP was discovered very recently and only by accident. In 2019, researchers were trying to identify which specific cannabinoid profile makes a strain of marijuana useful for medicinal applications. As part of their research, they experimented on an Italian cannabis variety, FM2.
Throughout this research, they were able to identify two previously unknown cannabinoids: THCP and CBDP. As you might be able to guess, these two compounds are very close in structure to THC and CBD, respectively. There is one key difference between them, though, and that difference can make THCP and CBDP much more potent.
Is THCP Natural?
Yes, THCP is a natural cannabinoid. It is one of more than 100 phytocannabinoids that naturally occur in the cannabis plant.
That said, the natural levels of THCP are extremely low in most cannabis plants. By low, that means less than 0.1 percent. To give you an idea, THC is generally found in concentrations between 25 and 30 percent in marijuana. That’s a big difference.
Because the natural levels of THCP are so low, producers of THCP products recreate THCP through an artificial process.
What are the effects of THCP and is it stronger than THC?
Have you been consuming THCP inadvertently?
Anyone who has used cannabis products has probably consumed some THCP inadvertently.
Though THCP was only discovered in 2019, it has been present in cannabis plants for a very long time.
After the research about THCP came out, many people concluded that an unexpectedly strong intoxicating effect when using a cannabis product could be due to THC and THCP together, instead of THC by itself. That seems logical.
What are the side effects of THCP?
The possible side effects of THC are a major factor that keeps people from using THC-high strains of marijuana. Potentially adverse reactions are possible with any cannabis compound and that’s true of THCP, too.
Some of the common side effects of THC include anxiety, paranoia, dizziness, sedation, and dry mouth. Since THCP is so much more potent than THC, it might amplify these adverse side effects and make them more severe.
For this reason, it’s critical for anyone who tries THCP products to carefully monitor their dosage and their response to the compound. If you notice that you’re experiencing any dangerous effects of THCP, you should contact a medical professional as soon as possible.
Is THCP legal to buy?
As with several other cannabinoids, it’s hard to definitively answer whether THCP is legal. Many sellers of THCP products argue that THCP is, in fact, legal because it isn’t found on any banned substance lists in the United States.
They also generally use hemp to create THCP. You may know that the 2018 Farm Bill made hemp and hemp derivatives legal as long as they contain less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC. So, since THCP is usually made from hemp, it can be considered a legal substance.
It’s just not that simple, though. THCP may be illegal in the United States because of the Federal Analogue Act (FAA). Under the FAA, an analog of a prohibited substance is also prohibited. If you recall, THCP is an analog of THC. THC is a prohibited substance, therefore, THCP is probably illegal at the federal level.
What are people saying about THCP products?
THCP products aren’t extremely popular yet so many people still haven’t had a chance to try them. Anecdotally, those who have used THCP products say that the products produce a satisfying high that’s close to the one from delta-8-THC.
Others were unimpressed by the low THCP content in the products.
In Summary
In the coming years, we will likely learn much more about THCP, a very exciting new cannabinoid. The potency level of THCP alone makes it worth researching.
More information will come out about the potential benefits (and risks) of using THCP. For now, be sure to proceed with caution if you plan to try any THCP products.
