The world of cannabinoids is ever-expanding. With advancements in technology, there is always something new popping up in the news. Multiple new compounds are being discovered and researched. One such compound that has gained popularity in recent times is Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCP). Though similar to THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) in terms of chemical structure, THCP holds some distinct characteristics. Wondering what they are? Want to know more about THCP? Let’s go deep into it and discuss everything about THCP in this article.
What is THCP?
THCP is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the Cannabis sativa plant. It is a rare cannabinoid that was discovered in 2019 by a team of Italian researchers. It is believed that it was discovered accidentally while researchers were analysing a particular marijuana strain. By chemically manipulating CBD extracted from legal hemp plants, the preparation of THCP can be done in a laboratory.
THCP is present in a very low concentration in cannabis plants, hence for commercial use, it is prepared in laboratories. THCP is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiphorol, also known as delta-9 THCP or THC-heptyl. Abbreviations include THCP, THC-P, and THCp.
Molecular Structure of THCP
The molecular structure of any compound clarifies its reactiveness. THCP’s molecular structure is different from Delta 9 THC. Since there are more carbon atoms as compared to delta 9 THC ( 7C in THCP and 5C in Delta 9), THCP can bind more readily with human receptors CB1 and CB2. It means that the THCP’s effects are likely to be more potent than Delta 9 THC.
Psychoactive effects of THCP
Are you wondering if THCP gets you high? Let’s talk about it. We know that research on THCP is still ongoing and nothing has been completely clarified till date. But with the past research results, some findings may help us to understand it in a better way.
It has been found that THCP may bind 33 times more effectively with the CB1 receptors than Delta 9 THC. CB1 receptors are the most important receptors to create psychoactive effects in the human body. But with this, we can’t ignore that THCP also binds with CB2 readily. So 33 times binding potential doesn’t directly imply that THCP is 33 times more potent than delta 9 THC. But with this point into consideration, we may feel that THCP is more potent than Delta 9 THC though to a limited extent and not exactly 33 times. Hence, THCP may get you high and you will feel psychoactive effects in your body more than Delta 9 THC.
Potential benefits of THCP
THCP’s high potential to bind with human receptors has made it a beneficial cannabinoid. It is not only good for recreational use but may also help in relieving pain, anti-inflammatory properties, and sleep disorders.
In an experiment on mice, THCP has proven to be an effective compound for pain relief at higher doses. Clinical studies are required to confirm these effects and to understand the optimal dosages and potential side effects. The strong affinity of THCP to interact with human receptors has opened doors for researchers to look into it in more depth and maybe come up with better solutions for health issues in the future.
Legal Status and Availability:
As of now, the legal status of THCP is somewhat ambiguous. Since it is a derivative of the cannabis plant, its legality may be tied to the legal status of cannabis in various jurisdictions. If cannabis is legal in your place, THCP might also be legal, but this is not something universally the case. So please check the legality at your place before trying its products to avoid any legal issues.
Will THCP show up in a drug test?
THCP which is still finding its place in the world of cannabinoids has not yet been studied. It is believed that THCP creates typical THC breakdown so might be detected easily by standard drug tests. But we are not sure about it yet. As of now, with THCP at its initial stage of research, the answer to this question may be unclear. No one knows the answer so it’s better to be safe and avoid any problem. Avoid THCP consumption before any drug tests.
Safety and Consumption:
Given its purported higher potency, the safety profile of THCP is an important consideration. As with any cannabinoid, responsible consumption is crucial, and users should be aware of the potential for stronger psychoactive effects. Until more research is conducted, caution is advised, especially for individuals with a low tolerance for THC.
Comparison with Other Cannabinoids:
THCP's discovery adds to the growing list of known cannabinoids, each with its unique properties. While THC and CBD (Cannabidiol) are the most well-known, other cannabinoids like CBN (Cannabinol), CBG (Cannabigerol), and now THCP, are gaining interest for their potential medicinal properties. The interactions and synergies of these cannabinoids present an exciting area for future research.
Future of THCP Research:
Research into THCP is still in its initial stage. There is so much that needs to be learned about its properties, effects, safety, and more. Further studies will provide more clarity into the matters and we can actually know with facts and data how THCP interacts and works.
Conclusion:
THCP presents an intriguing new chapter in cannabinoid research. Its discovery underscores the complexity of the cannabis plant and its potential to offer compounds of significant pharmacological interest.
As research continues, THCP could become a key player in the cannabinoid market, especially in areas where cannabis derivatives have been legalized for medicinal and recreational use. For now, the scientific community and enthusiasts alike await further studies that will unveil the full story of THCP.
