THC vs THCP: What’s the Difference Between These Cannabinoids?

Key Takeaways

• THCP (tetrahydrocannabiphorol) is a newly discovered cannabinoid with a longer alkyl side chain than THC
• Research suggests THCP may be 33 times more potent at binding to cannabinoid receptors than traditional THC
• THCP occurs naturally in cannabis, but in tiny quantities
• The full effects and potential therapeutic benefits of THCP are still being researched
• Legal status of THCP varies widely and exists in a regulatory gray area in many regions

Introduction

The cannabis plant continues to surprise researchers with its complexity. Just when we thought we understood THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) – the plant’s most famous psychoactive compound – scientists discovered THCP (tetrahydrocannabiphorol), a cannabinoid that potentially packs a significantly stronger punch.

In 2019, Italian researchers made headlines when identifying this previously unknown compound that appears to bind to the body’s cannabinoid receptors with remarkable strength. This discovery has raised fascinating questions about cannabis potency and whether THCP might be responsible for why some strains feel stronger than their THC percentage would suggest.

But what exactly is THCP, how does it differ from the THC we’ve known about for decades, and what might this mean for both recreational users and medical cannabis patients? This article dives into the science behind these cannabinoids, their structural differences, effects, potential benefits, and what we still don’t know about this intriguing new compound.

The Science: Understanding Cannabinoid Structure

To appreciate the difference between THC and THCP, we need to understand a bit about cannabinoid chemistry.

Basic Cannabinoid Structure

Cannabinoids share a similar basic structure but differ in specific components. The key elements include:

• A multi-ring core structure
• Side chains that determine how the molecule interacts with the body
• Functional groups that affect the compound’s properties

The Critical Alkyl Side Chain

The most significant structural difference between THC and THCP lies in the alkyl side chain:

• Traditional Delta-9 THC has a 5-carbon alkyl side chain (pentyl chain)
• THCP has a 7-carbon alkyl side chain (heptyl chain)

This seemingly small difference has major implications for how these molecules interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system.

Receptor Binding Affinity

The longer alkyl side chain of THCP allows it to bind more effectively to CB1 receptors in the brain. Research published in Scientific Reports indicated that:

• THCP showed 33 times greater binding affinity for CB1 receptors compared to THC
• THCP also demonstrated 5-10 times greater binding affinity for CB2 receptors

This enhanced binding affinity suggests potentially greater potency in both psychoactive effects and therapeutic applications.

THC: The Well-Known Cannabinoid

Before diving deeper into THCP, let’s review what we know about traditional THC.

What is THC?

THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) was first isolated and synthesized in 1964 by Israeli researcher Raphael Mechoulam. It’s the primary psychoactive component in cannabis and the compound responsible for the “high” most users experience.

How THC Works

THC interacts with the endocannabinoid system by binding primarily to CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system and CB2 receptors throughout the body. This interaction triggers various effects, including:

• Altered perception and mood
• Relaxation
• Enhanced sensory experiences
• Potential pain relief
• Changes in thinking and memory formation

For a deeper dive into how THC affects the body and mind, see our comprehensive THC effects guide.

Typical THC Effects

The effects of THC are well-documented and typically include:

• Euphoria and mood elevation
• Relaxation
• Altered perception of time and space
• Enhanced sensory experiences
• Increased appetite
• Potential anxiety or paranoia (particularly at higher doses)
• Impaired short-term memory and coordination

The intensity of these effects varies based on dosage, individual tolerance, consumption method, and the presence of other cannabinoids and terpenes.

THCP: The Powerful Newcomer

Now let’s examine what we know about the newly discovered THCP.

What is THCP?

THCP (tetrahydrocannabiphorol) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid first identified in 2019 by a team of Italian researchers. It’s structurally similar to THC but with a longer alkyl side chain that appears to enhance its ability to bind with cannabinoid receptors.

Natural Occurrence

THCP occurs naturally in cannabis but in extremely small amounts:

• It was first identified in an Italian medical cannabis variety named FM2
• It likely exists in many cannabis strains but in minuscule quantities
• Some cultivars may potentially produce higher amounts than others

Potential Effects of THCP

Research on THCP’s effects in humans is still in its early stages, but based on its receptor binding affinity and preliminary studies, scientists speculate that THCP may produce:

• More intense psychoactive effects than THC
• Potentially stronger pain relief properties
• Similar overall effect profile to THC but at much lower doses
• Possibly longer-lasting effects

While these hypotheses are based on THCP’s molecular structure and binding affinity, comprehensive human studies are still needed to confirm these effects.

Potency Comparison: THC vs THCP

The most discussed difference between these cannabinoids is their relative potency.

Measuring Cannabinoid Potency

Potency is often measured by a cannabinoid’s binding affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors. The stronger the binding, the more potent the effect is likely to be.

THCP’s Remarkable Binding Affinity

The 2019 study published in Scientific Reports revealed THCP’s extraordinary binding ability:

• THCP showed 33 times higher activity at the CB1 receptor compared to THC
• At the CB2 receptor, THCP demonstrated 5-10 times greater activity

To put this in perspective, if this binding affinity directly translated to psychoactive potency (which isn’t always the case), a minimal amount of THCP could potentially produce effects similar to much larger amounts of THC.

What This Means Practically

While THCP may bind more strongly to cannabinoid receptors, several factors influence real-world potency:

• THCP occurs in very small amounts in natural cannabis
• Total effect depends on the entourage effect from multiple compounds
• Individual body chemistry affects how cannabinoids are processed

Potential Therapeutic Applications

Both THC and THCP show promise for various therapeutic applications, though research on THCP is still in its infancy.

Established THC Medical Uses

THC has been studied extensively, with recognized potential in treating:

• Chronic pain
• Nausea and vomiting (particularly in cancer patients)
• Appetite stimulation
• Multiple sclerosis spasticity
• Sleep disorders
• Glaucoma

Theoretical THCP Applications

Based on its enhanced receptor binding, researchers speculate THCP might offer:

• More potent pain relief at lower doses
• Enhanced therapeutic effects with fewer required doses
• Potentially new applications where THC shows mild effects
• Better efficacy for conditions requiring strong CB1 activation

The theoretical advantage of THCP would be achieving therapeutic effects with significantly smaller doses, potentially reducing side effects while maintaining benefits.

Availability and Legal Status

The availability and legal status of these cannabinoids vary significantly.

THC Legal Status

THC remains federally illegal in the United States as a Schedule I controlled substance, though many states have legalized medical and/or recreational cannabis. Internationally, legal status varies widely from complete prohibition to regulated legal markets.

THCP Regulatory Position

THCP exists in a regulatory gray area in many jurisdictions:

• Most drug laws specifically mention THC but not THCP
• Some places use analog laws that could apply to similar compounds
• THCP isn’t specifically scheduled in most countries
• Regulations are likely to evolve as awareness grows

For the latest on global cannabis regulations, our international cannabis law guide offers up-to-date information on different jurisdictions.

Consumer Products

THCP products are beginning to appear in markets where cannabis or hemp derivatives are legal:

• Some companies now offer THCP vape cartridges and tinctures
• Products often contain synthesized THCP due to its scarce natural occurrence
• Quality and actual content may vary significantly between manufacturers
• Testing standards specific to THCP are still developing

The Entourage Effect and Cannabis Potency

The discovery of THCP may help explain certain aspects of cannabis effects that have puzzled researchers.

The “Strain Potency Mystery”

Cannabis consumers have long reported that some strains feel more potent than their THC percentage would suggest. THCP might be part of this explanation:

• Even tiny amounts of THCP could significantly enhance perceived potency
• Different strains might contain varying amounts of THCP
• The combination of THCP with other cannabinoids might create unique effect profiles

Beyond Individual Compounds

Cannabis contains hundreds of biologically active compounds that work together in what’s known as the “entourage effect.” THCP is now understood to be another piece of this complex puzzle:

• THCP may work synergistically with THC, CBD, minor cannabinoids, and terpenes
• The full cannabis experience comes from this complex interplay
• Isolating single compounds may not replicate the effects of whole-plant medicine

Future Research Directions

The discovery of THCP opens up numerous avenues for future research.

Critical Research Needs

To better understand THCP, researchers need to investigate:

• Comprehensive human studies on THCP effects and safety
• Which cannabis strains naturally produce more THCP
• How cultivation conditions might increase THCP production
• Full pharmacological profile including metabolism and elimination
• Long-term effects and therapeutic potential

Breeding Implications

This discovery may influence cannabis breeding programs:

• Breeders might select for genetics that produce higher THCP levels
• New strains could be developed to optimize THCP alongside other desired cannabinoids
• Testing protocols may evolve to include THCP content

Practical Considerations for Consumers

For those interested in exploring THCP, several considerations are worth noting.

Approach with Caution

Due to its potency, consumers should approach THCP with caution:

• Start with much lower doses than you would use with THC
• Be aware that effects may be significantly stronger
• Allow plenty of time between doses to assess effects
• Ensure products come from reputable sources with proper testing

Product Selection

When choosing THCP products:

• Look for comprehensive lab reports including potency and contaminant testing
• Understand the total cannabinoid profile
• Consider products that balance THCP with CBD for potentially moderated effects
• Be skeptical of potency claims until standardized testing is more established

Conclusion

The discovery of THCP represents an exciting development in our understanding of cannabis and its effects. With its remarkably strong binding affinity for cannabinoid receptors, THCP may explain some of the variation in potency between different cannabis strains despite similar THC levels.

While THCP shows tremendous potential both recreationally and medicinally, it’s important to remember that research is still in its early stages. The compound’s full effects, safety profile, and therapeutic applications require further investigation before definitive conclusions can be drawn.

What’s clear is that cannabis continues to reveal its complexity. Every new cannabinoid discovered reminds us that this plant contains a sophisticated pharmacy of compounds working in concert. THCP is likely just one of many cannabinoids yet to be fully understood.

For consumers and patients, the emergence of THCP underscores the importance of comprehensive testing and labeling of cannabis products. As our understanding grows, so too will our ability to harness these compounds for both therapeutic benefit and responsible adult use.

The cannabis plant continues to surprise us, even after thousands of years of human use—a testament to its remarkable chemical complexity and the ongoing need for rigorous scientific investigation.