The cannabis plant contains very small amounts of the cannabinoid delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiphoral, also known as THCP, which is closely related to THC.

THCP interacts with the endocannabinoid system similarly to THC but with a much higher affinity for cannabinoid receptors, claim the researchers who first identified it. According to the study, THCP binds to CB1 receptors up to 33 times more frequently than conventional THCP bulk, suggesting that it may be up to 33 times more potent than THC.

THCP is distinct because of its longer alkyl side chains, which are significantly longer than those of conventional THC (seven carbons vs five carbons). As a result, the cannabinoid binds to bodily receptors more firmly. Therefore, compared to THC, THCP has a significantly greater impact on several ECS-controlled processes and requires a lot less dose to do so.

Potential Benefits and Uses

Outside of the observations made by a single team that identified the cannabinoid, there are currently no studies on THCP in the cannabis industry. The findings and potential medicinal uses, however, are encouraging.

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

However, there is no conclusive data about the precise effects of THCP on people or which cannabis strains may contain higher concentrations of the cannabinoid. There is also no concrete proof that THCP is more potent when eaten, although many people have claimed it to have a stronger or more “pronounced” effect than THC.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Patients should exercise caution when considering THCP as a potential medication until more research is available.

Since THCP may bind to CB1 receptors 33 times more effectively than THC, even lower doses of this compound can still result in increased psychoactivity. If THCP is used excessively, one may have unpleasant side effects such as dry mouth, wooziness, or drowsiness.

It’s also important to remember that THCP is often only found in trace amounts in cannabis. As a result, it is challenging to determine what role the cannabinoid(s) has in the overall effects of cannabis. It is hypothesised that, although having a similar or lower proportion of THC, THCP may be one reason why some cannabis varieties are so much more potent than others. There isn’t any concrete evidence to support this idea, though.

Does THCP Get You High?

Although we are still in the dark regarding how THCP functions in the human body, we know that it has a 33x greater affinity for CB1 receptors than THC. Because these receptors are largely found in the brain, THCP can probably cause users to feel higher than THC with less of it. However, more study is required.

THCP Safety

Whether THCP is safe for human usage is still up for debate. People should exercise caution when contemplating THCP as a component of their medicinal marijuana toolkit because the research is still in its early stages.