What Is THCP?
Yes, it is indeed yet another “new” cannabinoid! Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (aka THCP) is unbelievably potent, making it an obvious choice ingredient in our Raspberry Blue delta 8 gummies. But what is THCP? Since THCP was only discovered a few years ago, there is still quite a lot to learn. What we do know so far is pretty exciting.
Who discovered THCP?
THCP was actually discovered by total accident. Italian researchers were analyzing medical cannabis samples when they discovered the cannabinoid. Like delta 8, THCP only occurs naturally in trace amounts. Seriously, it only appears in concentrations of .1%. In another similarity to delta 8, THCP can be synthesized from hemp-derived CBD.
Is it legal?
Since most THCP is made from hemp, it is considered legal on a federal level. Currently, no one has explicitly banned it by name, but certain states have been cracking down on various cannabinoids. These states have made it clear that they will not permit psychoactive hemp goods to be sold on their soil:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nevada
- New York
- North Dakota
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Vermont
- Washington
The laws are something of a gray area, so be sure to keep up to date on what is or isn’t allowed in your state. As THCP becomes more mainstream, it is likely that certain legislators will seek to ban it specifically.
The endocannabinoid system
In order to explain why THCP is such an interesting cannabinoid, it is necessary to first understand the endocannabinoid system. This system is designed to work with the endocannabinoids naturally found in our own bodies. The phytocannabinoids in cannabis or hemp are chemically similar to our endocannabinoids. This means that the cannabinoids we consume interact with the endocannabinoid system.
The ECS is made up of two different types of receptors: CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are primarily located in the central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are predominantly based in the peripheral nervous system. The CB1 receptors are responsible for the psychoactive effects that you feel from cannabinoids like THC, delta 8, and HHC. As a whole, the ECS has been linked to many of our bodies functions including appetite, metabolism, chronic pain, inflammation, mood, memory, sleep, stress, skin and nerve function.
What does it all mean?
This all sounds great, but what is THCP actually known for? What if I told you that this hot new cannabinoid is actually over thirty times more potent than traditional delta 8 THC? While this sounds like an outrageous claim, research shows that THCP attaches to CB1 receptors up to 33X more frequently than THC. The reason for this comes down to chemistry. Delta 9 THC contains a carbon side chain. THC’s chain is made up of five carbon molecules. THCP has two additional carbon molecules.
These two extra molecules are responsible for THCP’s affinity for our CB1 receptors. Since the CB1 receptors are linked to the high you feel from certain cannabinoids, it’s safe to say that anything that binds this much to those receptors will take your high to new levels.
How does it feel?
THCP is significantly stronger than THC, so you would need a lower dose to experience the same effects that you normally would while indulging. It is actually sixty times stronger than delta 8 and HHC. Definitely use with caution if you have a low tolerance, or even if you don’t. There still isn’t a lot of research regarding THCP, but the extra strong potency definitely makes for a wild experience.
THCP is still a pretty new player on the scene. Get ahead of the game and try it before everyone else catches on. Our Raspberry Blue gummies will send you sky high while everyone else is still asking “what is THCP?”. Our gummies are made with live resin, which means you’re getting maximum terpenes in every serving. We also use both delta 8 and THCP to create a perfect blend for maximum chill. THCP is too exciting to stay underground for very long, and I can’t wait to see what else we learn about it in the coming years.