Following my recent articles on a number of lesser known cannabinoids, today I want to focus on THCP, letting you know everything from its legal status, its usage and its strength.
What Is THCP?
Short for Tetrahydrocannabiphorol, or Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiphorol, it is a natural cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, an analog of THC.
When Was It Discovered?
Highlighting how much we’re still learning about the cannabis plant, THCP wasn’t discovered until 2019, when a team of Italian researchers stumbled upon it by mistake.
They were analysing a strain of marijuana when they found the cannabinoid in very low levels.
While it is naturally occurring, it is now possible for THCP to be replicated in a lab environment, allowing for greater quantities to be produced.
The scientific study, funded by UNIHEMP and sponsored by the European Regional Development Fund, was led by Giuseppe Cannazza and Reggio Emilia.
You can find the full journal findings on the novel phytocannabinoid isolated from Cannabis sativa L.
Does THCP Get You High?
THCP can get you ‘high’, being considered approximately 33 times more active with the cannabinoid 1 receptors than THC.
This makes it appealing to two groups, those wanting to take it recreationally and those suffering with medical issues needing something more potent.
THCP has a longer alkyl side chain than delta-9-THC and binds more easily with the CB1 receptors. It’s also believed to bind more effectively with the CB2 receptors.
However, all of these studies are based on a combination of that initial Italian study and anecdotal evidence, as no human studies have ever been performed on THCP.
In fact, one interesting theory is that the presence of small quantities of THCP in marijuana strains could be one of the key reasons in that strain being more intoxicating for the user.
This will undoubtedly start to appeal to cannabis breeders looking for a strain with a more intense ‘high’.
Will THCP Show Up On A Drug Test?
The drug tests that analyse for presences of THC aren’t detailed enough to see the difference between delta-9-THC and Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiphorol, therefore if you consume it then you could fail a drug test. This is the same for urine or blood tests.
Is THCP Naturally Occurring?
As previously mentioned, THCP is naturally found in the cannabis plant, but to date the quantities found are so small that they could never be used for human consumption in this state, or it would cost a small fortune and involve a lot of wastage.
So the reality is that if you find a THCP based product, it will be synthetically made in a lab environment. This is a similar situation to HHC, which is naturally occurring but is made in a lab to be financially feasible.
Is THCP Legal?
In the UK, THCP would be treated the same as THC, therefore it would be illegal to purchase, sell or possess THCP products.
If THC is legal in your country or your state then THCP will undoubtedly be treated in the same regard.
Are THCP Products Available?
This depends what country you’re based in, due to legal reasons. I have obviously never tested one out as I’m based in the UK, so I cannot speak about the quality or details about them.
I have seen online that there is a vaping product claiming to contain THCP, by Koi, sold in the USA. This also claims to contain THC-0 and Delta-8, so quite an intense combination. I’m not sure if they have a corresponding lab report to illustrate the stated presence of THCP however.
