THC-P is a recently discovered, naturally occurring phytocannabinoid found in Cannabis Sativa plants and some other existing marijuana strains. THC-P was discovered in 2019 by Italian researchers who analysed a cannabis plant strain and found that the chemical composition of THCP is 30 times stronger than delta-9 THC. The research on the effects of THC-P is still in its infancy, and in this article, we will discuss what is currently known about THC-P, its effects and risks associated with the potency and its legal status in the US.
What is THC-P?
THC-P is a potent psychoactive cannabinoid, which is very rare and naturally found only in trace amounts and is often less than 1% of the plant’s chemical composition. Because THC-P occurs in such small amounts in a cannabis plant, it is very difficult to extract enough for commercial use, that’s why many THC-P manufacturers produce it synthetically. THC-P binds CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors more than traditional THC which means that consuming THC-P will lead to experience stronger psychoactive effects.
Its chemical structure is similar to the regular THC, however, the delta-9 THC has 5 carbon atoms, while the THC-P molecule has 7 carbon atoms. While this may seem like a minor difference, it drastically affects how these chemical compounds interact with the body’s cannabinoid receptors.
What are the potential therapeutic benefits of THC-P?
The THC-P research is still in its very early stages, but the initial findings suggest that there are promising potential benefits, not just to get ‘high’ from psychoactive effects, but also to relieve pain and ease nausea. Due to its very potent effects, it could become a valuable replacement for treating certain conditions where patients need high doses of traditional THC. Research suggests that THCP interacts with other compounds in the cannabis plant and could boost other effects like anti-inflammatory properties or appetite stimulation. Some also believe that it is safer to consume than delta 9 THC because THC-P is more potent and less is needed to achieve the same effects and could even minimise the side effects like anxiety and paranoia.
What are the risks associated with THC-P?
THC-P may be the strongest organic cannabinoid in the cannabis industry and because it is so potent, it is easy to consume too much and experience overwhelming side effects like anxiety, paranoia, impaired cognitive function, dizziness and dry mouth or eyes. However, the biggest risk with using THCP is the lack of research about long-term effects.
Is THC-P legal?
In 2018 the United States Federal Bill legalised cultivating cannabis plants and its derivatives as long as products have less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. This means that THC-P is legal as long as it is derived from hemp plants. However, state laws vary when it comes to psychoactive cannabinoids, and some states banned cannabinoids that have psychoactive effects like regular THC, THC-P, Delta 8 and THC-O, so check your local laws before purchasing any THC-P products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is THC-P stronger than THC?
Some initial studies suggest that THC-P may be up to 30 times more potent. That means that THC-P psychoactive effects may be stronger than THC whilst taking smaller doses. However, as it is so potent it is easier to overconsume and experience negative side-effects of THC-P like anxiety or dizziness.
Will THC-P show up on a drug test?
Yes, THC-P can show up on a drug test. This is because THC-P is similar to traditional THC and other hemp-derived products and most tests are designed in a way to pick up on an enzyme called THC-COOH. It metabolizes delta 9 THC and other THC-derived compounds including THC-P and it remains in the body for several weeks after consuming marijuana plants or its products. It can be detected on urine, saliva, blood and hair follicle drug tests.
References
- An, D., Peigneur, S., Hendrickx, L.A. and Tytgat, J., 2020. Targeting cannabinoid receptors: current status and prospects of natural products. International journal of molecular sciences, 21(14), p.5064.
- Citti, C., Linciano, P., Russo, F., Luongo, L., Iannotta, M., Maione, S., … & Cannazza, G. (2019). A novel phytocannabinoid isolated from Cannabis sativa L. with an in vivo cannabimimetic activity higher than Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol: Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabiphorol. Scientific reports, 9(1), 1-13.
- Sampson, P.B., 2020. Phytocannabinoid pharmacology: medicinal properties of Cannabis sativa constituents aside from the “Big Two”. Journal of Natural Products, 84(1), pp.142-160.
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