With THC-P being so new, there's not much scientific research on its effects, benefits, or safety profile. There's no evidence suggesting that THC-P carries any more risks than THC, but more research is needed.
Early findings suggest that THC-P has the same mind and body-calming effects as THC, just at a higher potency. THC-P appears so far to have a comparable safety profile, provided it's used responsibly and taken in suggested serving sizes.
One legitimate risk of using THC-P is the lack of strict manufacturing and testing requirements. The hemp cannabinoid industry is largely unregulated, so seek out credible, trustworthy THC-P brands that provide full transparency with accessible Certificates of Analysis (COA) to confirm purity and potency.
How Strong Is THC-P?
So how strong is it?
Strong!
The 2019 study during which THC-P was discovered showed it to be 33 times more active than conventional THC against the endocannabinoid system’s CB1 receptor, and up to 10 times more active than THC against the CB2 receptor.
Does that mean that THC-P will produce 33 times the effects of conventional THC?
Not necessarily. Other factors influence the type of experience and pharmacological effects you’ll have with THC-P. Those who have used THC-P say it's more like 5-10 times more potent than delta-9, but things like genetics, tolerance, body make-up, and eating schedules can factor in.
What are THC-P Effects?
Like all cannabinoids, THC-P elicits its effects by interacting with the endocannabinoid system.;
Research shows that THC-P binds well with the endocannabinoid system’s CB1 and CB2 receptors.
CB1 receptors are mostly found in the central nervous system.
CB2 receptors are mostly found in the peripheral nervous system (immune cells, especially).
By activating these receptors, THC-P stimulates the endocannabinoid system and creates a range of effects on your body and mind.
Those sought-after strong euphoric effects of THC-P? They specifically come from the compound’s activation of CB1 receptors, and data shows it binds with these receptors more efficiently than conventional THC.
What is THCP?
THC-P – short for tetrahydrocannabiphorol – is a naturally-occurring cannabinoid in the hemp plant. It shares a similar molecular structure to conventional delta-9 THC but has a longer alkyl side chain. THC-P behaves like THC, but with its longer side chain, it more effectively binds with receptors, producing stronger effects.
A team of Italian scientists discovered THC-P in late 2019, and the revelation came by accident. During a study investigating the cannabinoid profile of a strain called FM2, the researchers inadvertently isolated and identified two brand new cannabinoids, one being THC-P.
THC P exists naturally in cannabis plants like hemp, but only in trace amounts (well below 0.1%). Scientists can extract and isolate THC-P from the plant using chromatography techniques. But because of its low concentration, the cannabinoid is often created by converting it from hemp-derived CBD.
