Extensive studies on cannabinoids in hemp plants has brought the discovery of compounds such as Delta 9, Delta 8, CBD, and CBN. Amongst the family of cannabinoids, Delta 9 is known to be at the top of the list in terms of its mood-altering effects.

However, Delta 9 has just lost that title to another compound that was recently discovered. This cannabinoid is called THCp. Details about this cannabinoid have been discussed below.

What Is THCp?

THCp aka Tetrahydrocannabiphorol, is a cannabinoid found in marijuana or hemp plants. Naturally, hemp plants contain around 0.1% concentration of THCp.

The chemical compound is extracted from hemp plants through chromatography techniques. THCp has been found to have a potency 30 times greater than that of Delta 9. This means that it’s 30 times more effective than Delta 9 in binding with the CB1 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. 

The stimulation of CB1 receptors is what causes cannabinoids such as Delta 8 and Delta 9 to have psychoactive effects. 

How Is THCp Obtained?

THCp is not a man-made chemical. It’s a member of the 140 phytocannabinoids found in hemp plants. However, it’s available only in minute traces as compared to other cannabinoids such as Delta 9 and CBD.

For this reason, researchers developed an artificial way of acquiring THCp in higher amounts. This involved extracting CBD from hemp plants, which is an essential ingredient for synthesizing THCp. 

In hemp plants, THCp is formed from an organic compound called cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). This forms the foundation for all cannabinoids that exist in hemp plants. 

The CBGA undergoes enzymatic reactions in the presence of acidic chemicals, causing it to form Tetrahydrocannabiphorolic acid (THCpA). This chemical compound undergoes decarboxylation, which forms the THCp found in marijuana.  

Is THCp Legal Under Federal Law?

There is some ambiguity on whether THCp is legal. In the US, the cannabinoid is allowed in federal law as long as it is derived from hemp plants but not from marijuana. 

However, the legality of THCp also depends on the laws legislated by each state in the US. If you’re deciding to try THCp, then it’s recommended to go through THC regulations depending on which US state you live in. 

Difference Between THCp And THC

Both Delta 9 (THC) and THCp almost have the same chemical structures with 1 difference. This difference is due to the length of their alkyl side chains. THCp has seven carbons in its chain, whereas Delta 9 has only 5.

This change in chemical structure is what causes THCp to have more intense psychoactive properties as compared to THC. In fact, THC is 30 times less potent as compared to THCp.

Ways To Consume THCp

Currently, THCp is available in a limited range of products. Product ranges include vape cartridges, gummies, and tinctures. With time, as demand grows, greater varieties of THCp products will be manufactured.

If you’re looking forward to purchasing a THCp product, make sure that the cannabinoid provider has a certificate of analysis for that product and proof of purity tests conducted by a certified third party laboratory. 

Does THCp Get You High?

As THCp is more potent than Delta 9, it must mean the same for its psychoactive properties. In fact, many users have reported that after taking THCp, they feel the same euphoric feeling that they get after consuming Delta 9, but the effects are stronger and more overwhelming. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is THCp More Potent Than Delta 8?

THCp is a lot more potent as compared with Delta 8, i.e, around 60 times more intense. Both bring different effects to the body. Delta 8 is known to be much milder as compared to both Delta 9 and THCp.

However, THCp brings strong psychoactive effects, inducing a stronger high on the body. 

• How Long Does THCp Take To Kick In?

THCp is a cannabinoid that is highly potent. The time for its effects to appear, varies according to the way of consumption. If it is consumed via vaping, effects can start within 15 minutes.

However, if THCp is consumed via edibles such as tinctures or gummies, then it may take an hour for its effects to be felt. 

In both ways, the psychoactive effects of THCp reach their peak in the 2nd hour after consumption. 

• Will THCp Give A Positive Result On A Drug Test?

Currently, there isn’t enough research on how long THCp remains in the blood. However, experts recommend that since it’s a cannabinoid, a person should avoid THCp for a month before taking a drug test. 

• Which Cannabinoid Is The Strongest?

Among Delta 8, Delta 9, CBD, and other cannabinoids, THCp has proven to be the most potent. 

Takeaway – What Is THCp?

THCp is another member of the phytocannabinoid family that is naturally found in hemp plants. The cannabinoid is the most potent as compared to all the other cannabinoids that have been discovered until now. 

Therefore, it’s advised to consume THCp with caution.