What Is THC-P?

Since the 2018 Farm Bill was signed into law and effectively legalized all hemp-derived products across the US, several different popular strains of cannabinoids have hit the market. One of the newest strains available is THC-P.

It did not take long for THC-P to grow in popularity with cannabinoid enthusiasts and the market demand to rise to meet that. You may be wondering what exactly is hemp-derived THC-P and how does it work? This guide will offer a closer look so you can better understand the popular cannabinoid products containing THC-P and whether or not these hemp derivatives are right for you.

The Early Days Of THC-P

THC-P was only recently discovered by harvesters inside the hemp and cannabis plants. It was found in these plants occurring in very low concentrations, which led harvesters to seek out other methods for extraction in larger amounts. In 2019, a team of Italian researchers discovered this powerful cannabinoid hiding in the hemp and cannabis plants while studying marijuana plant (indica and sativa strains). They used advanced mass-spectrometry and liquid chromatography technology on a natural cannabis sample.

Once discovered, the same researchers named the cannabinoid THC-P, or scientifically, Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiphorol. It did not take long for THC-P to catch the attention of cannabinoid enthusiasts and take the cannabis industry by storm. After the rise in popularity of other hemp-derived cannabinoids like Delta-8, it quickly became a popular alternative to standard Delta-9 cannabis products.

According to the scientists who found THC-P in 2019, the discovery of this naturally occurring phytocannabinoid may shed light on several pharmacological effects not ascribable solely to delta 9 THC. When the Italian team tested THC-P on human receptors, it proved to be thirty times more effective at binding with CB1 receptors than regular THC.

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid and the acidic precursor to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). While THCA won't get you high, only a small amount of THC-P can impact different functions governed by the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and might produce a strong psychoactive effect. While research on the pharmacological effects and new therapeutic benefits of THC-P is still in the early stages, it is likely that it will remain one of the most popular and strongest cannabinoid derivates in the market for some time. Many people who have tried THCP vapes, wax dabs, tinctures or gummies say that it is quite a significant experience and may even rival that of standard Delta-9 cannabis products. This makes it a great choice for those with more experience with THC. Many people use THC-P not just for enjoyment, but also due to this naturally occurring cannabinoid's ability to relieve pain, ease nausea, and improve sleep.

What Is THCP And How Is It Made?

Unlike THC-O - a non-natural cannabinoid - produced by adding an acetic anhydride to the traditional THC, THC-P is an organic cannabinoid compound found in low amounts in hemp plant and cannabis plant. Once discovered, it was quickly noted that the trace amounts found naturally inside some marijuana strains were not enough to be able to produce and market effectively.

Luckily, it did not take researchers long to figure out a way to safely extract and cultivate THC-P in a lab setting to ensure that the production could meet the demand. Structurally, THC-P is structurally similar to Delta-9, which is the most abundant cannabinoid compound that most people are familiar with.

Because of the similarities in chemical structure, THCP binds with the endocannabinoid receptors of the body just like Delta-9 THC. This means that you can expect an experience that is quite similar to standard THC products. That being said, many are reporting that THC-P may be even more effective than Delta-9. In order to have any effect on your human cannabinoid receptors, a cannabinoid needs to have at least three carbon atoms on their alkyl side chain. THC has five carbon atoms and THC-P has seven carbon atoms. This is probably why this is considered the most potent cannabinoid of all, 33 times stronger than regular THC.

Although the studies on THC-P are still in the early stages, many researchers are optimistic about the effects and benefits of THC-P products. This optimism is shared by cannabinoid enthusiasts who were eager to try this potent, newly discovered cannabinoid product.

Is THC-P Safe?

As it's a relatively new discovery, there is not enough information to say for sure whether or not THC-P is completely safe for the human body or not, it is a cannabinoid compound and like other cannabinoids, has not been reported to produce any serious adverse effects yet. That being said, you will need to gauge your own experiences with hemp derived THC and how it affects you to be sure whether or not it is safe for you.

You should also be aware that, according to scientific reports, THC-P is considered to be at least 30 percent more effective at binding with the cannabinoid receptors of the body. This means that THC-P effects will likely be far more intense than you may be expecting or are used to.

THC-P carries psychoactive effects and euphoric feelings usually associated with the use of hemp products. THC-P is also widely used for its anti anxiety, pain relief and sedative effects.

While this can be mitigated by lower doses, it is still something to be aware of due to the risk of being overwhelmed by the effects. THC-P is not recommended in higher doses for those who are not experienced with cannabinoid products. Even those with frequent cannabinoid experience may still find that THC-P is surprisingly strong, meaning it should be dosed with caution. Those who consume too much THCP can experience unwanted side effects like dry mouth, dizziness, or lethargy.

For more information about THC-P, a summary of the scientific research can be found here.

Is THC-P Legal?

As long as the THC-P products have been derived from legal hemp plants and not cannabis plant and contain THC levels less than or equal to 0.3%, then they will be fully federally legal under the Federal Law (the 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act also known as the Farm Bill in the United States). It's not listed as a controlled substance. With that said, there are several states that have chosen to put into place their own laws regarding hemp-derived cannabinoid products. So the right question is : where is THCP legal?

This could mean that, even though THC-P occurs naturally in hemp carrying up to 0.3% THC, THC-P products are still illegal in your area. It is important to be sure that your state has not outlawed hemp-derived cannabinoids before attempting to purchase them. Most online retailers will be aware of the laws in your area and will refuse to ship to areas where THC-P is currently still illegal.

Will THC-P Cause You To Fail Drug Tests?

There is not enough verified information to say for sure whether THC-P will cause you to fail drug tests. That being said, since THC-P contains trace levels of THC, it is likely that it will compound similarly to other THC products. This means that it is very likely that frequent use of THC-P products could trigger a positive result for THC on a standard drug test. As a general rule, THC-P can stay in your system for several days to several weeks, depending on how frequently and how much you use it. THC-P can be detectable in urine for up to 30 days or longer in some cases, while blood and saliva tests have a shorter detection window.

To lower your chances of failing a drug test after using THC-P products, you should refrain from using them at least a week or more before your drug test. This will give you the best chance of clearing the THC from your system. Drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet may also help to speed up the elimination of THC-P from your body.

Safety Precautions For THC-P

While there are no verified reports of any serious adverse THCP effects, it is important to fully understand that THC-P is likely to be much stronger than standard Delta-9 THC or other potent cannabinoids. This means that to have a pleasant and satisfying experience, you will need to be careful not to overwhelm yourself by utilizing more THC-P than you can handle.

Even the most seasoned cannabinoid enthusiasts may find themselves overwhelmed by the effects of THC-P if they are not careful. The binding affinity ensures that the effects will take hold fast and provide an intense experience. Those who are new to cannabinoid products and THC analogs should be extra careful not to overwhelm themselves.

If you are looking for THC-P products that are safe and high quality, we offer an extensive collection of products for you to choose from. Check out our selection of THC-P vapes and THC-P vape cartridges available on our website.