Nowadays, there are numerous new cannabinoids and there’s no shortage of THC analogs; one of them is the recently discovered THCP. More and more people are trying the THC alternatives such as delta-9 THC, delta-10, and delta-8.
As the more potent THCP is newly discovered there are many questions about it which we will answer in this THCP Guide. Keep reading to learn more about it!
What is THCP?
A recently found cannabinoid called Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiphoral, or THCP, is found at very low concentrations in some strains of cannabis and it can be made in a lab by modifying hemp-derived CBD. THCP is a naturally occurring phytocannabinoid found in cannabis and an analog of THC, the primary psychoactive component of cannabis.
THCP is one of 120 or more cannabinoids that have so far been identified in the cannabis plant, with many more possibly still to be found. It was very recently discovered in late 2019 by a group of Italian researchers via an open-access Scientific Reports research.
Potency of THCP
THCP interacts with the endocannabinoid system similarly to THC, but with a much higher affinity for cannabinoid receptors, as suggested by the researchers who first discovered it. According to the study, THCP binds to CB1 receptors up to 33 times more often than THC, suggesting that it may be up to 33 times more potent than THC.
However, this doesn’t mean that THCP will get you 33 times higher than Delta-9. Every cannabinoid has a different effect on every person, thus there is probably a limit to how much it can stimulate endocannabinoid receptors.
Benefits of THCP
Patients who need high doses of THC for their treatment, such as those who use Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) to treat cancer, may experience significant pain relief from THCP. Higher concentrations of THCP may also have sedative effects akin to those of high dosages of THC and may be useful for treating insomnia or intractable pain.
However, there is no conclusive data about the precise benefits of THCP on people or which strains may contain higher concentrations of it. There is also no concrete proof that THCP is more potent when consumed, despite the fact that many people have claimed it to have a stronger or more pronounced effect than THC.
Effects of THCP
Although we are still in the dark regarding how THCP functions in the human body, what we do know is that it has a 33x greater affinity for CB1 receptors than THC. Due to the fact that these receptors are largely found in the brain, THCP in smaller amounts can probably cause users to feel higher than with THC.
The effects of THCP are nearly identical to those of THC but with more potency and they may be stronger when combined with other cannabinoids and terpenes, making the effects more sedating, stimulating, or calming. We can only speculate as to what it might be useful for in the future in the absence of any other compelling data to prove its therapeutic application.
Obviously, the strong binding affinity of THCP has the potential to intensify the typical side effects of THC, such as dry mouth and eyes, dizziness, anxiety, and paranoia. However, more research is needed in order to see the outcomes of studies on human participants.
Is THCP Legal?
The legal status of THCP is an unclear issue, much like that of delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC. THCP is nonetheless a THC analog even if it is not designated as a controlled substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The Federal Analogue Act (FAA) by default forbids the use of any THC analogs unless specifically permitted by state or federal laws.
THCP Dosing
The majority of users claim that this substance is 5 to 10 times more strong than THC so the rule of thumb is to start slow with a 0.3 mg dose and increase it gradually. Note that whereas the typical psychoactive dose of delta 9 THC ranges from 10 to 40 mg, the active starting dose is somewhere around 5 mg. Therefore, the range for the THCP equivalent dose is between 1 and 4 mg.
Lastly, apart from the observations made by the original team that found the cannabinoid, there are currently no definite studies on THCP’s benefits and side effects as it is still new in the cannabis industry. The findings and potential medicinal uses, however, are promising.
At California Street Cannabis Company our SF dispensary offers a wide variety of THC-P strains to choose from. Whether you’re looking for mild or potent effects, we’ve got something that will fit the bill! From classic varieties like OG Kush and Grand Daddy Purple to more exotic options like Sour Diesel and White Widow, there’s something for every cannabis connoisseur. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced pro, our knowledgeable staff is here to help you find the perfect strain for your needs. So come on down to our San Francisco dispensary and check out our amazing selection of THC-P strains today! You won’t be disappointed!
