The primary psychoactive component of cannabis, THC, is an analog of THCP, a naturally occurring phytocannabinoid found in cannabis. THCP, discovered in 2019 by an Italian research team, is one of 120 or more cannabinoids that have been identified so far in the cannabis plant, with many more perhaps still to be found.

But in the cannabis scene, THCP is stirring things up. The researchers discovered evidence indicating that THCP may have a stronger influence on the psychoactivity of a cannabis strain than THC alone. This article explores the scant knowledge we currently have about identified cannabinoids.

What is THCP?

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiphoral also known as THCP can be found in cannabis plants but very low concentrations and is a cannabinoid that is closely related to THC.

The researchers who first identified THCP claim that it interacts with the endocannabinoid system like that of THC, but with a far higher affinity for cannabinoid receptors. According to the study, THCP can be up to thirty-three times more effective than standard THC because it attaches to CB1 receptors up to thirty-three times more frequently than THC does.

Potential uses and benefits

There are currently no THCP studies in the cannabis market, aside from the findings made by the initial team that discovered the cannabinoid. However, the results and potential medical applications are encouraging.

Patients who need a high dose of THC for their treatment may get more significant pain relief from THCP, like those who use Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) for their cancer treatment. Higher concentrations of THCP may also have a sedative effect akin to those of high dosages of THCP and may be useful for treating insomnia or intractable pain.

However, there is no conclusive data about the precise effect of THCP on people or which cannabis strains may contain higher concentrations of cannabinoids. There is no concrete proof that THCP is more potent when eaten, despite the fact that many people have claimed it to have a stronger or more pronounced effect compared to THC.

Potential risks and side effects

Until more research is available, patients should use appropriate care when evaluating THCP as a prospective medicine.

Even at lesser doses, THCP can still induce psychoactivity since it may bind to CB1 receptors 33 times more potently than THC. If THCP is used in excess, one may have unpleasant side effects such as dry mouth, wooziness, or drowsiness.

It’s also important to keep in mind that THCP is often only found in trace amounts in cannabis. It is therefore difficult to ascertain how the cannabinoid(s) contribute to the overall effects of cannabis. It is thought that THCP may be one factor in why some cannabis cultivars are so much more potent than others, despite having a similar or lower percentage of THC. There is no strong proof in order to support the concept.
Frequently asked questions

Does THCP get you high?

THCP has a 33x stronger affinity for CB1 receptors than THC, despite the fact that we are yet unsure of how it works in the human body. Given that the majority of these receptors are located in the brain, THCP can likely make users feel more intoxicated than THC with less of it. However, more study is required.

Is THCP safe?

People should be cautious when considering THCP as part of their medical tool kit. As the research is still very early for determining if it is safe for human use.