Humans have had a relationship with cannabis since ancient times. Using this versatile plant for everything from clothing to medicine cannabis is an area of constantly ongoing research and development, and breakthroughs. Part of that progress involves something called THC-P, a term cannabis consumers are starting to see pop up more and more.   Most people are generally aware that cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds in cannabis that are responsible for both the euphoric mental high, as well as the physical effects that come from consuming cannabis. There are two well-known cannabinoids THC, and CBD that are what most folks think of when they hear terms like cannabis, medical marijuana, and weed. (There are at least 113 cannabinoids in cannabis, however not all have the same effects.)  

The Most Commonly Known Marijuana Cannabinoids

THC – tetrahydrocannabinol

THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol which is the main psychoactive hemp compound in cannabis, found in both marijuana and hemp. THC levels in hemp are far less than in marijuana. THC is what is responsible for the “high” feeling people experience when consuming marijuana.  

CBD – cannabidiol

CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is also found in both marijuana and hemp. Hemp contains far more CBD than marijuana. CBD works in the body to promote a sense of physical wellbeing.   CBD and THC work with cannabinoid receptors that are part of the body’s natural endocannabinoid system. Both have been shown to have some medical benefit when used to manage certain conditions. CBD for example is often used by patients suffering from long term pain, arthritis, Crohn’s disease, digestive issues, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, depression, nervous system and other medical condition. CBD has been approved by federal law in the United States to treat seizures brought on by specific forms of epilepsy. CBD products made from less than 0.3% THC hemp have a federally legal status are becoming quite popular as a lifestyle and wellness tool.  

What is Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THC-P)?  

THC-P stands for tetrahydrocannabiphorol and refers to a THC cannabinoid discovered in 2019. This does not mean it is brand new, just a newly discovered psychoactive hemp derivative. THC-P is an analog of THC and is almost identical in chemical structure. THC-P however has 7 carbons on its alkyl chain, THC has 5 carbon atoms. This slight difference makes THC-P a powerhouse and much stronger than THC because it forms a stronger bond with cannabinoid receptors in the body. Researchers are looking into the idea that THC-P may be the reason some strains of cannabis are far stronger than others. It is believed that THC-P can be over 30 times more potent than THC.  As one can imagine, the idea of synthetic cannabinoids that are much more powerful than THC is enough to pique the interest of many. It has potential for use both recreationally and medically and research has begun to learn more about this powerful “new” cannabinoid. THC-P is believed to be the strongest naturally occurring cannabinoid identified to date.  THC-P is a relatively new area of study in the cannabis world as it was only identified a couple of years ago. It is believed to have similar effects to other THC hemp derivatives and can act as a booster. It is likely that THC-P has been consumed by humans as long as we have consumed cannabis, it simply was only discovered as its own compound recently.   THC-P was discovered by Italian researchers in late 2019 who were looking to define the cannabinoid profile of a medical cannabis strain and found THC-P, the lookalike cannabinoid to THC. They also discovered CBD-P, cannabidiphoral, which appears to be a similar, yet more potent, compound as CBD. More research is being done there as well. 

How To Take THC-P 

While much is yet to be learned about THC-P and the psychoactive effects, there are already products available that contain THC-P. While there is no agreed-upon dosage recommendation yet for THC-P, those who have used it report effects anywhere from 5 to 10 times stronger than traditional THC. THC-P is quite potent, so it is always best to start out with small amounts. THCp products such as gummies, tinctures, and vape cartridges are starting to be manufactured by some cannabis companies. Because this is a relatively new area There is still work to be done on creating high-quality THC-P products that are readily available for consumers. 

What are the specific properties and chemical makeup of THC-P?

THC-P, or tetrahydrocannabiphorol, is a newly discovered cannabinoid that has shown to have potent mental and physical effects. Its specific properties and chemical makeup are still being researched, with initial studies suggesting it may have a stronger psychoactive effect than THC. Its potential for medical use is also being explored.

Intense Effects of THC-P 

As mentioned, the psychoactive effects of THC-P are stronger, more intense than that of traditional THC-P. THC-P can amplify the psychoactive effects of THC, making the cannabinoid receptors experience far more intense than one might expect.  

• THC-P can make one’s perception stronger and focus on things that otherwise may not seem of interest. It can make music sound deeper, may make colors appear more intense, etc.  
• THC-P can have stronger mental effects, affecting how someone interacts with others, and how they make decisions.  
• It is safe to assume because THC and THC-P are so similar in structure that they will have very similar side effects. If you experience medical conditions like anxiety, self-consciousness, paranoia, sleepiness, dry mouth, memory loss, nausea, nervous system, etc. from using regular THC, expect to experience some of those same, if not more intense, side effects when using THCp.  
• Be prepared to experience a more intense mental and body high from taking THC-P, as well as amplified emotions and reactions while under its influence. Just as positive effects may be more amplified, negative effects should also be expected to be somewhat stronger. 

How is THC-P Made?  

THC-P occurs naturally, however, there is not enough found in the cannabis plants to create the high potency products, such as THCp gummies that are starting to show up on store shelves. In a laboratory setting it can be created from the hemp plant that contains a maximum of 0.3% delta 9 THC. There is no clear information publicly available yet that explains this process. As a relatively new area of cannabis research and development, it is likely as knowledge and the hemp industry grows with THC this information will become more readily available.  THC-P exists in a legal gray area as things currently stand. When derived from hemp THCp can be generally assumed to be legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. Nor is THC-P itself listed on any prohibited substances list. However, as it is an analog of THC, which is on that controlled substance list, it could be considered illegal by federal law. Again, this is an area of growing study, and as with many other hemp derivatives and cannabinoids the legal status of THCp may fluctuate as we learn more.  

Learn More About Cannabis With Leafy Mate  

If you are curious about THC-P you can check in with a cannabis professional or a medical marijuana provider to learn more. Remember that THC-P is exceedingly more potent than regular THC itself and to always use caution and care when trying products. As THC products are relatively new on the market there is not much known about exactly how they are made, what they might contain, and how they will affect one’s body or mind. Because of this, it is best to discuss the use of THC with someone who is more knowledgeable before use. Should you decide to try a THCp product make sure to read all the labels and to purchase products at licensed legal dispensaries.  Leafy Mate is a resource here to help you navigate your cannabis experience. From connecting consumers and patients with licensed medical marijuana providers in their area, as well as keeping you up to date on dispensaries, products, and cannabis news, Leafy Mate is here to help. Connect with us today to see how we can help make your cannabis experience the most beneficial for you possible.