Everyday cannabis smokers can build up a pretty high tolerance to THC. Eventually, habitual smokers will require more marijuana or cannabis with higher THC content to get a sufficient high. Now, pot lovers can rejoice. There is a new phytocannabinoid in town. Meet THCP, an analog of THC that can have up to 30 times the high!
What is THCP?
Scientists in Florence, Italy, recently conducted studies on phytocannabinoids. Using a cannabis strain called FM2, the scientists were performing advanced liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry studies. To their shock, the scientists discovered two novice molecules — Cannabidiphorol (CBDP) and THCP.
THCP is one of the 100+ phytocannabinoids discovered to date. However, this one has a unique feature that’s never been seen in a phytocannabinoid before. It has seven carbon chains. Therefore, THCP might be more potent than THC.
THC vs. THCP
Phytocannabinoids interact with cannabinoid receptors, namely CB1 and CB2. However, these interactions vary by phytocannabinoid.
For instance, cannabinol (CBN) is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid. It typically binds to CB2 receptors located throughout the immune system, digestive system, and spleen.
Meanwhile, THC binds onto CB1 receptors located throughout the brain and central nervous system. That’s why you feel an almost instantaneous high after smoking from a bong or other device.
THC binds to CB1 receptors quicker than other CB1 lovers because it has six carbon chains. Most phytocannabinoids have around four carbon chains. So, THC wins the race and gets to hang out in the receptors for a little longer.
That is unless THCP is in town. THCP has seven carbon chains. That’s why scientists project that THCP may increase euphoria by up to 30%!
Side Effects of THCP
While THCP is more potent than THC, there are still no known overdose cases from THCP ingestion. However, THCP side effects would be very similar to those of THC.
Consuming excessive THCP may cause:
- Dehydration
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Depression
- Dry, Itchy, or Red Eyes
- Intense Focus
- Sleepiness
- Restlessness/Fidgeting
- The Spins/Nausea
Try to remain calm if you consume too much THCP. Remember to stay hydrated. Water helps you metabolize phytocannabinoids in your system. Then, you urinate them out.
If you feel exhausted and have the time to take a nap, by all means! Get some rest. Sleeping it off is one of the best things you can do to avoid the paranoia and anxiety. But, again, remember to hydrate as soon as you wake up!
Is THCP Even Legal?
The legality of THCP is up in the air because it’s still a newly discovered phytocannabinoid in an industry with dynamic regulatory laws.
THCP was discovered in December 2019. The last significant cannabis legislation was the 2018 Farm Bill. This legislation decriminalized hemp and explicitly credited THC for the psychoactive effects of marijuana. However, they also note that THC analogs are also controlled substances.
THCP is a THC analog. However, so is delta-8 and delta-10 strains. However, those are sold legally in some areas where marijuana laws are illegal. So, THCP is a legal gray area.
It’s important to mind any local marijuana laws wherever you live or visit. Those with a medical marijuana card should carry it with them whenever they have marijuana on them.
Even if recreational marijuana is legal in your home state and you purchased the cannabis legally, you are subject to marijuana laws wherever you travel. So, recreational smokers must take extra precautions when traveling with marijuana.
Are there THCP Products?
THCP products are available. Some local dispensaries or head shops might carry them. Plus, some online retailers will mail THCP products to select areas.
You can get THCP in gummies, tinctures, and vape pens. In addition, some growers are trying to figure out ways to breed strains that maximize THCP production. So, THCP-branded flowers are probably in the near future.
A lot of cannabis companies are also adding THCP to their CBD oil formulas. The typical CBD to THCP ratio is around 10:1. This combination is very unique.
Unlike other phytocannabinoids, CBD doesn’t have a significant penchant for CB1 or CB2. However, if it HAD to choose, it would probably lead to CB2.
That aside, CBD tends to influence other receptors, like the TRVP1 receptor. This is the same receptor that capsaicin stimulates. Capsaicin is the molecule in hot peppers that’s also in muscle rubs for pain relief.
As you can tell, CBD means well. The goal of it is to promote homeostasis, which is balance throughout the system. Being high can offset the balance in the system. As a result, we tend to lose motor function, coordination, and sometimes, our judgment.
That’s why CBD has been known to counteract the hypoactive effects of THC. Therefore, pairing CBD with an even more potent phytocannabinoid can cause a unique euphoric experience!
Is It Possible That I Smoked THCP?
There’s a pretty good chance that you may have smoked THCP. However, just because this phytocannabinoid is newly discovered doesn’t mean it’s new. We just now have the education, experts, and technology to see even closer into the genetic makeup of cannabis.
While little is known about THCP, experts believe that not all cannabis strains have a traceable amount. A good indicator might be if you smoke a new type of marijuana in the same amount you normally do. However, on this occasion, you feel higher than usual. So while you can’t confirm THCP is involved, it might be the culprit.
