As cannabis research continues to evolve, scientists have discovered new cannabinoids that change the way we think about the plant's effects. One of the most exciting discoveries is THCP (Tetrahydrocannabiphorol), a cannabinoid that has been found to be significantly stronger than THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). For cannabis enthusiasts and researchers alike, this raises questions about just how potent THCP is compared to its more well-known counterpart, THC.
In this blog post, we'll explore what makes THCP different from THC, how much stronger it is, and what this means for cannabis consumers.
Table of Contents
What Is THCP?
THCP, or tetrahydrocannabiphorol, is a recently discovered cannabinoid that shares a similar chemical structure to THC, the most famous psychoactive compound in cannabis. However, the critical difference lies in its molecular structure, which is what makes it so much more potent.
THCP was discovered by Italian researchers in 2019 while studying a particular strain of cannabis. What makes it stand out is the length of its alkyl chain, a feature that affects how it interacts with the body's cannabinoid receptors.
THCP vs. THC: The Alkyl Chain
The alkyl chain is the part of the cannabinoid that binds to receptors in the body's endocannabinoid system. THC has a five-link alkyl chain, which allows it to bind effectively to CB1 receptors in the brain, creating the psychoactive "high" that cannabis is known for.
THCP, on the other hand, has a seven-link alkyl chain, which makes it bind more strongly to the CB1 receptors. This increased binding ability is why THCP is believed to be significantly more potent than THC.
How Much Stronger Is THCP Compared to THC?
Research suggests that THCP is up to 33 times more active at CB1 receptors than THC. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that THCP is 33 times stronger in its effects on the human body. In practice, THCP is estimated to be about 5 to 10 times stronger than THC, depending on factors like dosage, tolerance, and individual body chemistry.
This means that a small dose of THCP could potentially have the same psychoactive effects as a much larger dose of THC. For example, if you're used to consuming a 10mg THC edible, consuming just 1-2mg of THCP might produce a similar high.
Potency in Psychoactive Effects
According to Burning Daily, the exact experience of THCP's strength will depend on how it's consumed. Smoking or vaping THCP-rich cannabis may feel more intense than smoking THC-heavy strains. Because THCP binds more effectively to CB1 receptors, the psychoactive effects may be stronger and last longer, even at lower doses.
In terms of psychoactive effects, users have reported that THCP delivers a more intense and prolonged high than THC. This means that cannabis products containing THCP could be much more potent and should be approached with caution, especially by beginners or those with low tolerance.
How Does THCP Affect the Body?
THCP interacts with the body similarly to THC by engaging with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS plays a crucial role in regulating various functions, including mood, pain, appetite, and sleep. THC and THCP both bind to CB1 receptors in the brain, which is what causes the well-known psychoactive effects.
However, since THCP binds more strongly to these receptors, the effects are amplified. This could mean stronger feelings of euphoria, relaxation, or altered perception. It could also mean that the therapeutic benefits associated with THC, such as pain relief or stress reduction, are enhanced with THCP.
Potential Benefits of THCP
Because THCP binds more strongly to CB1 receptors, it may offer amplified versions of THC's benefits. Early research suggests that THCP may be useful for:
- Pain Relief: Given its potency, THCP could provide more powerful pain relief than THC, making it potentially useful for people dealing with chronic pain or severe conditions like fibromyalgia.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: THCP may have stronger anti-inflammatory effects, which could make it helpful for conditions like arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.
- Sleep Aid: Since THC is often used to help with sleep disorders, THCP's more potent effects could make it a powerful sleep aid for those dealing with insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns.
However, more research is needed to fully understand the range of potential therapeutic benefits that THCP offers.
Are There Any Risks?
Like THC, THCP could have side effects, especially at higher doses. These may include:
- Anxiety or Paranoia: Some people experience increased anxiety or paranoia with high doses of THC, and given THCP's strength, this effect could be even more pronounced.
- Dry Mouth and Eyes: As with other cannabinoids, THCP may cause dry mouth or red, irritated eyes.
- Increased Heart Rate: THC can cause an elevated heart rate, and THCP might have similar effects, especially in larger doses.
Because of its potency, it's essential to start with very low doses of THCP to gauge how your body reacts. Those new to cannabis or with a low tolerance should be particularly cautious.
How Does THCP Compare to Other Cannabinoids?
THCP is not the only newly discovered cannabinoid with potent effects. It's helpful to compare it to other cannabinoids like THC, CBD, and HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) to understand its unique place in the cannabis world.
THCP vs. THC
As mentioned earlier, THCP is much stronger than THC, primarily due to its ability to bind more effectively to CB1 receptors. While THC offers psychoactive effects and various medicinal benefits, THCP amplifies those effects, making it a more potent alternative.
THCP vs. CBD
Unlike THC and THCP, CBD (cannabidiol) is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn't get you high. CBD is often used for its potential therapeutic effects, such as reducing anxiety, relieving pain, or helping with sleep, without the intoxication associated with THC. THCP, on the other hand, delivers a much stronger psychoactive experience and should not be confused with CBD.
THCP vs. HHC
HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) is another cannabinoid that's gaining attention. While HHC offers a more mild high compared to THC, THCP is significantly more potent than both HHC and THC. HHC might be suitable for users looking for a less intense experience, while THCP is better for those seeking a much stronger high.
Is THCP Safe?
Since THCP is still a relatively new discovery, there is limited research on its long-term safety. However, based on its similarity to THC, it's likely that THCP has a similar safety profile when used in moderation. As with any potent cannabinoid, the key to safe consumption is starting with low doses and increasing gradually.
Because THCP is so much stronger than THC, consuming too much can lead to overconsumption and unpleasant side effects like extreme intoxication, dizziness, or confusion. To avoid these risks, users should always start with a minimal amount of THCP and monitor their reaction.
Conclusion
THCP is an exciting new cannabinoid that has taken the cannabis world by storm due to its incredible potency. With a binding ability up to 33 times stronger than THC, THCP is estimated to be about 5 to 10 times more potent in its psychoactive effects. This means that even small amounts of THCP can deliver a strong, lasting high.
While its potency may offer enhanced therapeutic benefits for pain relief, sleep disorders, and inflammation, it's crucial to approach THCP with caution. As a new and highly potent compound, it's best suited for experienced cannabis users who are familiar with THC's effects and want to explore something stronger.
If you're new to cannabis or have a low tolerance, starting with small doses of THCP is the best way to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
FAQs
- How much stronger is THCP than THC?
THCP is believed to be about 5 to 10 times stronger than THC in terms of psychoactive effects. - Does THCP get you high?
Yes, THCP binds to CB1 receptors in the brain much more effectively than THC, producing a stronger and longer-lasting high. - Is THCP safe to use?
THCP is likely to have a similar safety profile to THC, but due to its potency, it should be used with caution, especially by beginners. - Can THCP help with pain relief?
Early research suggests that THCP could offer stronger pain relief than THC due to its increased potency. - What are the side effects of THCP?
Potential side effects include anxiety, paranoia, dry mouth, and increased heart rate, especially at higher doses.
