What Is THC-P: Benefits, Uses, And Legality

Have you heard about THC-P? This THC variant is one of the newest to hit the market, and it’s being slated as one of the strongest cannabinoids yet. Better yet, it’s made from hemp, so it’s available for sale online and in various retail locations outside of dispensaries. So, what kind of high does it deliver? And how is it legal? All that and more in our guide to THC-P.

DELTA-P IS A FAIRLY NEWLY DISCOVERED, ALL-NATURAL THC ISOMER OVER 30 TIMES STRONGER THAN REGULAR THC (DELTA-9). 

What Is THC-P?

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiphorol – THC-P – is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in minimal concentrations in cannabis plants. Italian researchers first discovered it in select strains in 2019, but soon enough, hemp producers saw an opportunity to develop new products. 

Manufacturers found a way to make other alternative cannabinoids like Delta-8 and HHC in a lab. So why not THC-P? Despite being naturally occurring, there isn’t enough in a plant to infuse products like vape pens, gummies, or tinctures. Instead, scientists first extract and isolate CBD from hemp before putting it through a series of reactions that alter its chemical structure. This is precisely what manufacturers decided to do to procure enough of this cannabinoid to make entire product lines. 

THC-P and the Endocannabinoid System

The Italian researchers who discovered THC-P found that it interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) much like THC. However, the reaction that produced THC-P changed it uniquely, affecting how it works with the CB1 receptors.

Chemical Structure of THC-P

Every cannabinoid has a preferred affinity for either the CB1 or CB2 receptors. Generally, psychoactive cannabinoids (like THC and its variants) prefer CB1. In comparison, CBD prefers CB2 and doesn’t produce any psychoactive, stoning effects. Instead, it’s more therapeutic in nature. 

The CB1 receptors live in the brain and central nervous system, and the CB2 receptors are primarily dominant in the peripheral nervous system. THC has five carbon atoms on its tail. THC-P has seven. This added length of the alkyl side chains allows THC-P to bond more efficiently to the CB1 receptors in the ECS. What does this mean? 

It means that THC-P is significantly more potent than Delta-9 THC by a long shot. If you’ve heard about THC-O, you’ve probably heard that it is three times stronger than THC. Some users say that its psychedelic strength is on par with hallucinogenic drugs. Well, move over THC-O. There’s a new boss in town. 

Researchers believe THC-P to be 33 times more potent than traditional THC. They tested this theory on human cell samples, not actual live humans. It doesn’t mean that you get 33 times higher. At a certain point, the endocannabinoid receptors are “full” or overloaded and cannot reasonably enact effects to that degree. Will it get you higher than traditional Delta-9 THC? Definitely. 

Effects and Benefits of THC-P

As with all cannabinoids, they will respond to each person’s unique ECS differently. No two people can consume the exact same dosage, strain, or format and experience identical results. There are a multitude of factors contributing to each person’s experience. 

That said, THC-P is going to get you totally lifted. It’s an excellent option for people with a high tolerance to THC or patients that need heavier doses. In this sense, it’s a great way to save money and consume less cannabis overall to achieve the same results. The effects are similar to THC but slightly more potent. 

Consumers can expect to feel euphoria, relaxation, improved mood, and reduced physical tension. In addition, it may help treat chronic pain, increase appetite, and battle insomnia for deeper, uninterrupted sleep. Ultimately, THC-P will provide all of the same benefits as THC but amplified. 

Is THC-P Legal? 

The legal status of cannabinoids depends on where they originate. For example, any cannabinoid from marijuana is only legal when sold through dispensary channels in states with legal adult-use or medical marijuana programs. Yet, any cannabinoid from a hemp plant must follow only one rule – the final product must contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. So long as it falls within these limits, hemp-derived cannabinoids are legal for sale and use by adults over 18 in most states. 

Will THC-P Show Up On a Drug Test?

It’s safe to assume that it will appear on a standard drug panel. However, most drug tests are only looking for THC metabolites. It’s too difficult to tell if the THC came from hemp or marijuana, and consumers using THC variants will almost certainly fail unless they take other actions to pass a drug test

Last Words

THC-P, or Delta-P, is a newer cannabinoid found in small amounts in the hemp flower. Besides having a longer chemical structure, this compound is 33 times more potent than regular THC, while being legal.