Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCP) is a cannabinoid that has been isolated from the cannabis plant. Due to its naturally occurring presence in extremely small quantities, THCP was only recently discovered. It is known for its potent psychoactive effects, binding to cannabinoid receptors over 30 times more efficiently than THC.
Below, we will discuss the origins, legality, effects, and potential benefits of THCP, which are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of this cannabinoid.
- THCP is more potent than THC, binding to CB1 receptors with higher affinity, which may lead to stronger and longer-lasting psychoactive effects.
- THCP is naturally found in cannabis but in trace amounts, so most commercial products are synthesized from hemp-derived CBD.
- THCP’s legal status is uncertain, as it is derived from hemp and not explicitly regulated, but its psychoactive effects may lead to future legal restrictions.
_-Origins,-Effects,-and-Risks.jpg?v=1741683510)
What is THCP?
Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCp) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in cannabis that has gained attention due to its unique properties and potential potency. It was discovered in 2019 by a team of Italian researchers and is structurally similar to delta-9-THC, the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. [1]
What sets THCP apart is its extended seven-carbon alkyl side chain, compared to the five-carbon chain in THC. [1] This seemingly small difference significantly impacts how THCP interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, particularly the CB1 receptors in the brain responsible for its psychoactive effects.
Early studies suggest that THCP binds to CB1 receptors with approximately 33 times the affinity of delta-9-THC, potentially making it much stronger. [1] This enhanced receptor interaction may explain why some users report stronger and longer-lasting effects from THCP compared to traditional THC. However, due to the limited research available on THCp, the full scope of this cannabinoid’s effects and therapeutic potential is still being explored.
Although THCP occurs naturally in cannabis, it is found only in trace amounts. Because of this scarcity, most commercial THCP products are synthesized from hemp-derived cannabinoids such as CBD. This process allows manufacturers to produce THCP in quantities suitable for commercial use while complying with legal regulations surrounding hemp-derived cannabinoids.
THCP origins
THCP was first isolated from a medicinal cannabis variety known as FM2 by a team of Italian scientists in 2019.[1] However, despite its recent discovery, THCP has always been present in cannabis.
Its minute concentrations made it difficult to detect and isolate in earlier research. Advances in analytical techniques allowed scientists to finally identify and study this elusive cannabinoid, shedding light on its unique interactions with the endocannabinoid system.
Is THCP synthetic?
THCP is not inherently synthetic—it occurs naturally in cannabis plants. However, because it exists in only trace amounts, isolating it directly from cannabis flower is very difficult and rarely done. As a result, nearly all THCP found in commercial products is synthesized from hemp-derived cannabinoids like CBD. This process allows manufacturers to produce THCP in usable quantities for vapes, edibles, and other products.
Cannabis flower marketed as high in THCP is often sprayed with a THCP solution, although some research has found it naturally occurs in higher quantities in Sativa strains. [2]
Is THCP the same as THC?
While THCP and THC share structural similarities, they differ in potency and prevalence.
THCP has an extended alkyl side chain that allows for a stronger binding affinity to CB1 receptors, potentially resulting in stronger psychoactive effects compared to THC.
Despite these differences, both cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system in similar ways.
How is THCP used?
Because THCP is found in only trace amounts in cannabis plants, high-THCP strains and natural extracts do not exist. Instead, manufacturers produce THCP using a process similar to that of Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC. This process begins with extracting CBD from hemp or cannabis. Then, using a chemical reaction involving acids and solvents, CBD is converted into THCP.
Once created, THCP extract is typically blended into vape cartridges. Other THCP-based products include disposable vapes, edibles, concentrates, and even cannabis flower sprayed with THCP distillate. It is important to exercise caution when using THCP-marketed products, as research has found that the actual levels of THCP in these products can vary significantly. [3]
THCP vape
Vaping THCP involves inhaling vaporized extracts using a vape pen or similar device. This method allows for rapid absorption into the bloodstream, leading to quicker onset of effects. Vaping THCP should be done with extreme caution due to its more potent effects.
THCP gummies
When ingested, THCP gummies are metabolized through the digestive system, which works much slower than inhalation. This causes a delayed onset of the effects but means they will typically last longer than with vaping. As with vaping, it's important to start with a low dose to assess individual tolerance. [4]
THCP legal status
The legal status of THCP is complex and varies based on where you live.
Because THCP is typically derived from CBD in the United States, THCP is technically considered legal and is not explicitly listed as a controlled substance. This is largely due to the U.S. Farm Bill, which states that products derived from hemp are legal—except in the state of Idaho. [5]Â
However, due to its structural similarity to THC and strong psychoactive effects, legislation may change. There are ongoing discussions about banning hemp-derived psychoactive products, but no laws have been enacted yet.
THCP effects
Preliminary research indicates that THCP may produce effects similar to THC, including euphoria, relaxation, and altered sensory perception. Due to its higher binding affinity to CB1 receptors, these effects could be more intense, so users should start with lower doses to gauge their tolerance. Individual experiences may vary, and further studies are needed to fully understand THCP's impact.
Negative effects and risks
Potential adverse effects of THCP are not well-documented, but they may resemble those associated with THC, such as anxiety, paranoia, dry mouth, and increased heart rate. Because it is stronger than THC, overconsumption could intensify these negative effects for some individuals.
According to a research study, online reports suggest that THCP’s effects could last up to 24 hours or more, but this information is largely anecdotal and lacks details on factors like dosage, individual tolerance, and whether the product contained pure THCP or additional cannabinoids. [4]
Is THCP addictive?
Currently, there is insufficient research to determine whether THCP carries a risk of addiction. However, THC is addictive, with chronic, heavy use linked to cannabis use disorder, a type of substance use disorder.
Studies estimate that 22% to 30% of people who use cannabis develop this disorder. The DSM-5 defines cannabis use disorder as a pattern of problematic cannabis use leading to significant impairment, with symptoms including increased tolerance, withdrawal, cravings, and continued use despite negative consequences. [6]
Since THCP interacts with the same receptors as THC, it is possible that it may carry similar risks, though further research is needed.
Potential benefits of THCP
Since THCP was only recently discovered, research into its therapeutic benefits is limited. However, because of its structural similarity to THC, it may provide similar benefits, such as pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, and appetite stimulation.
Early studies indicate that THCP, along with cannabidihexol (CBDH), produced pain-relieving effects in mice at doses comparable to THC, suggesting potential medicinal applications. [7]
Its heightened potency suggests that lower doses may be effective, but more research is necessary to determine its safety and full therapeutic potential.
_-Origins,-Effects,-and-Risks-guide-detail.jpg?v=1741613914)
_-Effects,-Benefits,-and-Risks-guide-detail.jpg?v=1741683488)