THCP – Go Higher
If you thought delta 9 was too strong to handle, you’ll have to brace yourself for Diamond’s brand-new groundbreaking cannabinoid that’s running laps around all the others.
THCP, a mind-blowingly potent hemp-derived compound, was discovered and published to the National Library of Medicine in late 2019 by a team of Italian researchers. And ever since then, we can’t get enough!
But what exactly is this new cannabinoid that hemp enthusiasts, consumers, and researchers are going crazy over? What are its benefits and other effects?
What Is THCP?
THCP, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiphoral, is a cannabinoid closely related to delta 9 that is usually present in low concentrations in the cannabis plant. The researchers who discovered it claim that THCP’s influence on the endocannabinoid system is strikingly similar to that of THC. That said, they discovered that THCP binds to CB1 receptors up to 33x more than traditional THC, meaning THCP has the potency to be 33x more potent than the classic cannabinoid.
Something that distinguishes THCP from other cannabinoids is its longer alkyl side chains. In simple terms, the string of seven carbon atoms in THCP is much longer than the five of regular THC. This is also what makes the cannabinoid attach more securely to endocannabinoid receptors, meaning that it takes much less THCP to impact the endocannabinoid system than THC.
Is THCP Natural?
Yes!
THCP is one of over 140 phytocannabinoids found naturally in the cannabis plant. That said, natural levels of THCP are very low, meaning that hemp—and marijuana, for that matter—doesn’t contain enough of the compound to go around.
In nature, some cannabis plants contain THCP levels of well below 0.1%. For scale, THC concentrations in marijuana are of 25%-30% and around 0.3% or less in hemp. CBD concentrations usually range between 20% and 30% in hemp and approximately 15% in marijuana.
So, although THCP does occur naturally, researchers need to create more of it so everyone can enjoy its properties—not just a select few.
How Is THCP Made?
Because it is naturally found in extremely low concentrations in cannabis, researchers have been able to create THCP using a series of chemical extractions and processes, all of which begin with CBD.
Because CBD is so abundant in the plant, using CBD as a starting material makes THCP not only completely federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, but also extremely effective to derive from hemp.
All cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, start off as CBGA, or cannabigerolic acid. But how exactly does CBGA turn into THCP?
CBGA undergoes an enzymatic reaction with other acidic compounds in hemp to create the precursor molecule for THCP called tetrahydrocannabiphorolic acid, or THCPA. This compound is then slowly converted to THCP through decarboxylation, a chemical reaction that removes a carboxyl group and releases carbon dioxide. In plain English, decarboxylation removes a carbon atom from a compound’s carbon chain.
THCP Benefits
THCP is still new to the world of cannabinoids. As we mentioned previously, it wasn’t discovered until 2019, so it’s only natural that there exist no precise studies on the benefits and effects of the cannabinoid. Apart from the observations made by the original discoverers, humans have a lot to learn about the compound.
That said, the limited evidence is promising. Because it is so closely related to THC, we can assume that its safety profile isn’t too different from the classic compound, but its effects are a lot more pronounced than those of THC.
Some of THCP’s potential benefits include
- Alleviation of pain
- Remedy for insomnia
- Potent psychoactive effects
The effects of THCP are virtually identical to those of THC, but with added horsepower. This means that THCP should, theoretically, have more pronounced effects on pain and insomnia relief than regular THC.
Its main benefit, however, remains the fun that comes from the compound’s monster high.
THCP Effects
Again, because THCP is a newer cannabinoid, its side effects are somewhat unknown. But since it’s so similar THC, we can assume they share side effects, some of which may include:
- Paranoid thinking
- Feelings of unease
- Exhaustion
- Lack of saliva in the mouth
- Eye redness
- Short-term memory impairment
- Feeling of sickness in the stomach
Since THCP is thought to bind more effectively to CB1 receptors, making its high more potent than other cannabinoids, the compound’s effects may also be more pronounced.
How Does THCP Work?
THCP works just like every other cannabinoid—by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system has two kind of receptors, CB1 and CB2 receptors. They behave differently and create different effects.
CB1 receptors are located in the nervous system and responsible for giving you the buzzy feelings of psychoactive compounds like THC and THCP.
When THCP binds with CB1 receptors, it causes a psychoactive effect on your nervous system, thus making you high.
How Does THCP Compare To Other Cannabinoids?
THCP is our strongest cannabinoid yet. Even though its effects may be similar to those of less strong cannabinoids, they are much, much stronger.
THCP vs. Delta 8
THCP is roughly 60 times as strong as delta 8—yikes!
Apart from strength, THCP has a Sativa-like effect on the body; it’s stimulating, potent, and is also very likely to result in unwanted side effects like anxiety and a rapid heart rate.
Delta 8, however, has a milder and far more mellow feel to it. Delta 8 products are definitely psychoactive, but their potency makes these negative side effects far more unlikely.
THCP vs. Delta 9
Delta 9 products and THCP products are essentially the same effects-wise. That said, their only difference is potency.
THCP is theorized to be over 30 times more psychoactive, meaning you’ll feel intense effects with much less THCP than you would with delta 9. As a matter of fact, the common dose of delta 9 THC is estimated to be around 10mg. THCP's equivalent dose? Approximately 300 micrograms or 0.3mg.
THCP vs. Delta 10
Delta 10 products offer an energetic, focusing, and creative buzz. The compound is usually used during the day as a way to stimulate the mind and increase productivity.
Compared to THCP, delta 10 is much milder and has substantially fewer psychoactive effects. THCP will alter your mental state to a point where it may impact your ability to be productive, while delta 10’s mild effects would enhance it.
THCP vs. HHC
HHC is strikingly similar to delta 9. The two compounds share identical effects with HHC being only slightly weaker than delta 9.
Thus, THCP’s comparison to HHC products also include considerable differences in potency.
Final Thoughts On THCP
THCP is one of the industry’s most revolutionary cannabinoids yet. With a gargantuan potency unlike anything else we’ve ever seen, this compound has the potential to change the hemp game forever.
Because it remains a relatively new cannabinoid, further research is needed to pinpoint its exact properties and safety profile. That said, as a close relative of other, better-studied cannabinoids, the outlook is good on THCP!
When it comes to the latest developments in the hemp-derived cannabinoid market, Diamond CBD is your one-stop-shop for all the products you need, mild or strong.
So browse around, find something you like, and let us blow your mind!
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