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Yet another THC compound hits the cannabis scene! THCP is making a name for itself, and if you’re wondering if the all-time favorite Delta-9 THC can win the THCP vs. Delta-9 battle, we’ve got some insights to help you out.
You’ve probably seen the terms THCP, THC-P, and Delta-P floating around, and they all refer to the same newly discovered cannabinoid.
In 2019, a group of Italian researchers came across a new natural compound while analyzing a particular strain of cannabis plants. They concluded that it’s one of the THC analogs that possess more psychoactive effects than other compounds they’ve encountered.
The compound was rare in the plant; it exists in concentrations less than 0.1%. So scientists began extracting it from other natural cannabinoids for further study.
There are two methods for labs to get THC-P; the first is to extract it directly from the plant, which considering the extremely low concentrations of THCP (less than 0.1%), can be pretty costly.
The second, which is why we now have access to more THC-P products at a reasonable price, is extracting it from other natural compounds such as CBD.
From CBD isolate, labs heat CBD in an organic solvent, using one of a variety of acids as a catalyst to create the necessary chemical reaction that then converts CBD into THC-P.
There hasn’t been much research into this potent cannabinoid as it’s a relatively new discovery, but based on the animal studies, researchers estimate that THCP can provide the following benefits:
So, according to research, THC-P has a potent binding affinity to the cannabinoid receptors connected to the central nervous system. THCP can activate those receptors to a much higher degree than any other cannabinoid, even synthetic ones like THC-O.
Researchers estimate that THC-P has 33x more binding affinity than Delta-9 THC, and from the animal studies, they found that THCP has pain and anxiety-relieving benefits similar to Delta-9 in small doses that can turn into a psychedelic trance in high doses.
One of the greatest blessings of the past few years is the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill! The bill removed the hemp plant and all of its compounds and derivatives from the controlled substances list and legalized it under federal law.
One catch to the bill, though, is that your hemp product must contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis.
Read more about THCP and its legalities here.
Delta-9 is the OG THC; it’s the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. If you’ve ever smoked pot and wondered which part the high comes from, Delta-9 is your answer.
Delta-9 gained popularity quickly due to its potent effects and benefits. Many refer to Delta-9 as just THC, as it was the only popular and widely available Delta compound for decades.
Just to give you a point of reference, while THCP, Delta-8, Delta-10, and other new cannabinoids exist with a percentage below 0.1% in cannabis plants, Delta-9 THC usually exists within the 25% bracket! It kinda makes sense why it’s so popular, right?
The well-known cannabinoid has many scientifically proven benefits, such as:
The Delta-9 effects vary from one person to another; some could find it highly relaxing and sedating to the point of getting couch-locked, while others can experience an increase in productivity and creative inspiration.
Up till the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, Delta-9 was only legal in Marijuana friendly states, but now, hemp-derived Delta-9 THC products with concentrations below 0.3% are legal under federal law, and you can buy them online and in stores.
Now let’s get to all the juicy bits, the differences between the two cannabinoids, and understanding why they’re making such a buzz.
Starting off with the most important thing, the chemical structure. “For those of you wondering why it matters, the answer will surprise you!”
Delta-9 has five carbon atoms, which helps it bind with our receptors, resulting in their benefits and effects. So far, so good, right?
Well, THCP has seven carbon atoms, which means it has a wildly higher binding affinity to our receptors, resulting in a much more potent effect.
The Delta-9 effects are well documented, as it helps ease chronic pain and anxiety as well as control nausea with an intense cerebral high. The strong high of Delta-9 can sometimes lead to paranoia and anxiety for some users.
Scientists concluded that THCP binds to the cannabinoid receptors 33x more than Delta-9 THC, which means you’d need a smaller dose to get the same effects.
For example, the average dose of Delta 9 THC is around 10 mg, while the equivalent dose of THCP is only 0.3 mg (300 micrograms) to give similar effects.
Let’s get one thing out of the way, any THC compound sourced from Marijuana is still illegal under federal law.
Now, let’s talk about the legality of hemp-derived THC-P and Delta-9 THC.
Delta-9 THC is available through direct extraction, making it legal in most states except the ones that ban all THC. In comparison, THC-P is derived from other cannabinoids, which makes it fall under the analog drug laws of some states.
Some states can allow Delta-9 THC but ban all other analogs, such as THC-P.
THC-P is pretty much a baby in the cannabis industry; it’s only been four years since its discovery! The studies into its effects, benefits, and side effects are still in the early stages, whereas Delta-9 THC is a well-established cannabinoid with a few decades of research behind it.
Delta-9 has been around for what feels like an eternity, giving brands plenty of time to conjure all kinds of fun Delta-9 THC products. Meanwhile, THC-P is relatively new, so it’s only available in small concentrations within a small variety of products.
Also, keep in mind that there are pure Delta-9 THC products in high concentrations available, as we already know enough about Delta-9 to do so, but THC-P is far more potent without enough studies, making it risky and unwise to provide products with pure THC-P or even high concentrations.
That said, THC-P is definitely making its way to the hearts of many. Hence more brands include it with other cannabinoids so that THCP can amplify their effects and the cannabinoids can balance the strength of THCP.
Take our Delta-9 gummies with THCP, for example; it has CBG in it, which is known to balance out the intense high of THC.
THCP is a natural compound, but due to its scarcity in the cannabis plant, labs can extract it from other natural cannabinoids, such as CBD.
The exact process is used for other rare cannabinoids such as Delta-8 and Delta-10.
A myriad of Delta-9 products is available across the country in dispensaries and CBD shops. However, THCP products are starting to hit the market more recently, so you’ll have much better luck finding them online.
Want to learn more about our Delta-9 THC Gummiess, read our consumer review here.
With its powerful effects on the endocannabinoid system, scientists are still discovering the full extent of THC-P’s benefits and side effects.
For now, low concentrations of THCP mixed in with other cannabinoids from reputable brands are safe, occasionally causing mild side effects, such as dry mouth and red eyes.
However, if you choose to buy from unknown brands claiming higher percentages of THC-P, you do so at your own risk.
Here’s the kicker! Nobody knows for sure since pure THCP products aren’t available right now. But researchers believe that THC-P will most likely produce the same metabolites in the body that drug tests usually screen for.
Plus, since most THCP products on the market at the moment usually comprise a cocktail of different THC analogs, they’ll show up on a drug test.
Delta-9 is a beloved cannabinoid of many, but THCP is catching up.
Users enjoyed the intense high of D9 that comes with many benefits, such as pain and anxiety relief, but now, THCP is showing great potential in providing the same benefits with an even more potent high.
Try out our potent THCP gummies with THCP, Delta-9 THC, and CBG, and enjoy a high unlike any other.
Legal Disclaimer:
By reading this information presented, you agree to release the author of any liability that comes from using this data. This post does not constitute legal advice. Claims about cannabinoids have not yet been approved by the food and drug administration FDA. Read the full legal disclaimer here.
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Hemp-sourced THCP is federally legal as long as the final product has less than 0.3% THC on a total dry weight basis.
THCP is semi-synthetic as it’s extracted from other natural cannabinoids such as CBD.
According to research, THCP has 33x the ability to connect with cannabinoid receptors than Delta-9 THC.
From the little that we know, THCP produces a potent cerebral and body high stronger than any other cannabinoid.
