THC-P: What Every THC User Needs to Know

Over the past few years, scientists have gradually exhumed a slew of secrets from inside the cannabis plant. These efforts have resulted in the discovery of over a hundred new cannabinoids and led to a variety of new therapeutic treatments. But, when you think of cannabis, its medicinal benefits probably aren’t the first things that come to mind. It’s okay. This is a safe space. It’s alright to assume that when we’re talking about cannabis, the plant’s patented euphoric effects are likely what you think of first. You know, the classic baked and blazed sensations? That’s what’s on the docket today––baked ‘n blazed.

Did you know there’s a cannabinoid locked inside the cannabis plant that researchers say is 30 times stronger than THC? Wake ‘n bakers, midnight tokers, and daytime cheefers, I’d like to introduce you to your new mistress: THC-P.

What Is THC-P?

Hold on; It’s about to get sciency. But it’s weed science, the only science that actually matters.

The “high” you feel from cannabis comes from the THC cannabinoid. This cannabinoid binds with the CB1 receptors in your endocannabinoid system––receptors predominantly found inside your brain’s neural network.2 When these receptors light up, the brain experiences varying states of euphoria, bliss, and relaxation. For decades, researchers thought THC was the strongest cannabinoid inside the cannabis plant––the one that produces the most psychedelic effects. But then, in 2019, a team of Italian scientists stumbled onto THC-P.

Not to get too scientific here, but the difference between THC and THC-P is essential to note. Their difference shows you why THC-P is so special in the world of enhanced cannabinoids.

Before discovering THC-P, researchers believed THC had the longest alkyl side chain with five atoms. Big words, I know. But just know that these side chains are what bind with the CB1 receptors. The more receptors engaged at any given time, the stronger the euphoria. When they uncovered THC-P, this group of scientists found that it had an alkyl side chain of seven atoms. Because it engages almost twice as many receptors as THC, THC-P is thought to be significantly more potent than THC. But since there is much less THC-P in cannabis strains than THC, its effects are less noticeable––that is, until cultivators started highlighting THC-P in their products.

Everything You Need to Know About THC-P

Like many of the other enhanced cannabinoids on the market, THC-P comes with its own unique, if not novel, effects––ones that even the most veteran of users might not anticipate. So, going into your first THC-P experience with the right expectations is essential. If you’re a novice user or have a limited tolerance, like me, you can still enjoy the incredible effects of THC-P––but maybe with some added caution.

Is THC-P Stronger Than THC-O?

For many, THC-P won’t be the first enhanced cannabinoid they’ve enjoyed. As federal policies loosen their legislative chokehold on the hemp plant, scientists have the freedom to really unpack all the prehistoric nuances locked inside. One of these nuances is another analog to THC: THC-O.

Unlike THC-P, THC-O is a non-naturally occurring cannabinoid. However, like THC-P, THC-O carries some very far-out psychedelic effects. THC-O is a hemp-derived compound that undergoes a chemical and molecular change to transform THC into THC-O acetate. This process produces safe and effective products when performed by trustworthy, reliable brands. But are these products stronger than THC-P?

We need to define what “stronger” means to answer this question. In terms of potency, THC-O appears to be slightly more potent than your standard THC, but its experience feels vastly different. So, does this different experience mean that the cannabinoid is “stronger” than its molecular cousin? The same can be said for THC-P’s cerebral effects. Its effects are fun, enticing, and enlightening––but are they stronger? THC-P is certainly more potent than both THC and THC-O, but that should come with an asterisk because, again, the effects are just different. To not exhaust the same sentiment, I recommend trying both side-by-side and being the judge for yourself.

And yes, we carry expertly refined THC-O and THC-P products at CBD.co.

Is THC-P Legal?

Because the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and all hemp-derived products, yes, THC-P is federally legal when formulated from hemp. But in the past few years, some states have outlawed enhanced cannabinoids, even those from hemp, so it’s best to check with your state and local municipalities before partaking in THC-P.

How to Use THC-P Safely

The best way to use THC-P safely is to buy from a trusted source with a reputable brand. Then, start slow. If it’s gummies, take one or half of one for your first dose. If it’s a vape, take a baby puff and wait to feel the full effects after about 30 minutes. THC-P is known to “hit” later than THC, so have that in mind before going back for seconds.

THC-P Carts: One of Our Favorite Products

If you, like us, love THC-P and want to try it in its truest form, check out our collection of THC-P carts. These come to us from industry legends like TRĒ House. Their unique formulas and acute attention to detail put them leagues ahead of the competition. If you’re really interested in seeing all that THC-P has to offer, check out their Ice Cream Cake Live Resin Vape Cartridge with Delta 8, Delta 10, and THC-P! It’s the best on the market.

1. Citti, C., Linciano, P., Russo, F. et al. A novel phytocannabinoid isolated from Cannabis sativa L. with an in vivo cannabimimetic activity higher than Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol: Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabiphorol. Sci Rep 9, 20335 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-56785-1
2. Mackie K. (2008). Cannabinoid receptors: where they are and what they do. Journal of neuroendocrinology, 20 Suppl 1, 10–14. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2826.2008.01671.x