What Is THC-P? Legality, Benefits, & More

Are you always the first of your friends to try something new? If you're 420-friendly but don’t know what the THC-P buzz is about, keep reading to learn more and see if you're down with THC-P.

Key Takeaways

• THC-P is found in very low concentrations in cannabis plants and is most commonly synthesized in a lab.
• THC-P is a highly potent psychoactive cannabinoid that may be legal at the federal level, due to the 2018 Farm Bill, but its legal status varies state by state.
• THC-P's psychotropic effects are more intense than Delta-9 THC, but more research is needed to understand its impact, therapeutic benefits, and risks.

See Related: How Long Does CBD Last In A Dog's System? A Helplful Guide

What Is THC-P?

Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THC-P) is a psychoactive cannabinoid. It has a similar atomic formula and chemical structure to Delta-9 THC but with a longer alkyl side chain. This unique structure impacts the potency of its psychoactive effects.

To understand why the chemical structure of THC-P matters, it's helpful to understand a bit more about the human body's endocannabinoid system.

The Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system regulates many critical functions in our bodies, including digestion, immunity, pain, appetite, sleep, and mood.

CB1 and CB2 (cannabinoid receptors) are part of the endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors and neurotransmitters throughout the body.

CB1 receptors are primarily located in the central nervous system, where they influence mood, appetite, pain perception, and other cognitive functions.

CB2 receptors are more concentrated in the immune system and peripheral tissues, playing a role in regulating inflammation, pain, and immune response.

How THC-P Interacts With This System

Cannabinoids like THC-P interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Due to its extended alkyl side chain, THC-P binds to CB1 receptors 33 times stronger than Delta-9 THC and 10 times stronger to CB2 receptors.

Therefore, the extent to which it can affect anything from inflammation to nausea increases.

How Is This Different From THC and Other THC Analogs?

THC-P's molecular structure makes a difference.

All cannabinoids possess alkyl side chains or strings of carbon atoms. These side chains determine how the cannabinoid interacts with the cannabinoid receptors in your body's endocannabinoid system.

As alluded to above, THC-P is unique due to its longer alkyl side chains. This string of carbon atoms is longer than traditional THC. THC, the most abundant cannabinoid in marijuana plants, has a pentyl chain (meaning five carbon atoms). THC-P's oversized side chain contains seven carbon atoms.

Many people consider Delta-9 THC and THC to be essentially the same thing. Delta-9 THC is the specific chemical name for the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis. So you may also hear people say Delta-9 THC only contains five carbon atoms compared to THC-P's seven.

The important thing to note is this difference in molecular structure leads to heightened potency. THC-P has a stronger affinity for CB receptors than THC, meaning it binds better to the endocannabinoid receptors that play a pivotal role in regulating so many of our essential functions.

Where Does This Newly-Discovered Cannabinoid Come From?

THC-P can be found naturally in very small amounts in certain cannabis plants. However, it's most commonly made synthetically in a laboratory setting.

A lab setting allows for a more controlled and consistent production of THC-P.

The exact process of synthesizing THC-P can be complex and involves several chemical steps. However, a simplified explanation involves a chemical reaction that modifies the structure of a precursor compound derived from CBD. 

The process involves adding a specific chemical group, known as a heptyl group, to the THC molecule. This alters the molecular structure. The resulting compound, THC-P, has a longer side chain than THC. As explained above, this contributes to THC-P's potency.

Bonus: Is Delta 9 THC Legal In Ohio?

Intensity of the Psychoactive Effects of THC-P

Cannabis plants bring many benefits. There's an increasing number of hemp-derived products and new cannabinoids available, and they differ in their impact on our systems.

Since we've already alluded to this increased potency, it's only natural to want to know about the psychoactive properties of THC-P.

THC-P will indeed get you high due to its strong affinity for CB1 receptors. However, some sources claim THC-P is up to 33 times stronger than the intoxicating effects of traditional THC, which may not be exact. It's difficult to provide a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the actual effects.

THC's psychoactive effects in existing marijuana strains may already be a little hard to measure, given that every individual's system is unique. Still, it's safe to say that THC-P has more psychotropic strength than Delta-9.

Benefits and Uses of THC-P Compared to Other Cannabinoids

THC-P’s effects are similar to Delta-9 THC, including psychoactive effects and intoxicating properties.

The high that’s experienced from THC-P is often described as a microdose level of psychoactivity, with some people reporting a sense of dissociation and out-of-body experience.

Due to the dearth of scientific studies on THC-P, it's hard to state with certainty the therapeutic benefits of THC-P as compared to other cannabinoids. However, it may have similar benefits as Delta-9 and Delta-8 when it comes to conditions such as pain relief, anxiety, appetite, and insomnia.

Potential Side Effects of THC-P

THC-P’s side effects are not entirely known but may include increased adverse events due to its strength.

Some anecdotal evidence suggests proceeding with a bit of caution. Even with smaller doses, more psychoactivity is possible. One could over-consume and have unwanted side effects like dizziness, dry mouth, or lethargy.

Factors like individual tolerance, metabolism, and chemical composition of the originating cannabis plants affect how THC-P behaves in one's system.

Legality of THC-P

With the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoids are considered federally legal in the United States. Since it's technically a naturally occurring hemp-derived product, THC-P may fall under the protection of the Farm Bill.

THC-P is a naturally occurring phytocannabinoid in cannabis, though the amount found in cannabis plants occurs in very small quantities. Still, this may factor into decisions around its legality in some states.

Some make the distinction between THC-O and THC-P. THC-O is not a naturally occurring cannabinoid. It's a synthetic cannabinoid created only through a chemical process involving THC and acetic anhydride. It's a man-made compound that doesn't occur naturally in the plant itself.

With THC-P, natural extraction involves isolating the naturally occurring THC-P from cannabis sativa or legal hemp plants using solvents like ethanol.

Some states have more lenient laws on THC analogs, while others impose stricter controls. It is critical to check local laws and consult with local cannabis law resources to determine true legality.

And while it's federally legal here, THC-P is still a controlled substance in many other countries (as are other cannabis products), so be extra careful to consider legal status when traveling.

Safety Considerations

We all take on some amount of risk when making health decisions and recreational choices. While initial research into THC-P is still rather sparse, those who have self-reported their experiences describe something akin to other cannabis products, but much stronger.

Drug Testing

If you're concerned about the hoops you may have to jump through with a future employer, here's what you should know. THC-P can stay in your system for two to 30 days, depending on individual factors, which may result in a positive drug test.

Of course, with ongoing usage, it will stay in your system longer. One more reason to start your own business and become self-employed, right?

Ways to Consume THC-P and Other Cannabis Products

As with weed in general, there are various methods of consumption.

THC-P can be consumed in oils, capsules, edibles, vaporization, and smoking. However, while you're working your way up to that level of intensity - or just prefer to play it cool - consider some other appealing ways to partake.

If you're newer to the scene and in search of something more mild, you may want to start with some Delta-8 gummies.

For a deeper relaxation, mood boost, and full-body high, this Delta-9 chocolate bar beats out just about any other option.

Summary of THC-P Effects, Benefits, and Considerations

Of the hemp-derived cannabinoids out there, THC-P is a relatively new cannabinoid with unknown effects and potential therapeutic benefits. However, its potent effects come with some pros and cons.

While research is in its early stages, THC-P is thought to have therapeutic potential for conditions such as pain relief, anxiety, and insomnia.

As long as you're aware that this cannabinoid has intense psychotropic effects and you don't consume higher doses than recommended, it could be something to explore.

The cannabis industry is paying close attention to THC-P, and after reading all of this, you might be as well! Feel free to swing by our Avon, OH, shop and browse our selection of THC and CBD products, from THCa flower to THC oil!

Keep Reading: THC-O Frequently Asked Questions

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