For a long time, delta-9 THC was considered to be the psychoactive component of cannabis. But lately, a newcomer with the estimated potency of 33 times that of THC, THCP, overtook it. We will thoroughly explain THCP, including its legality, safety, effects, and if it appears on drug tests, in this in-depth Leafreport guide.
THCP: What is it?
A group of Italian researchers identified the naturally occurring cannabinoid THCP for sale (Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabiphorol), sometimes referred to as Delta-P, in 2019. Using cutting-edge technology that offers insights into small cannabinoids, this newly undiscovered cannabinoid was discovered.
As a THC analogue, THCP shares the same molecular make-up as THC. The research team found that Delta-9 THC has a five-carbon chain on one side, while THCP has a side with a seven-carbon chain. The longest chain discovered to date is one with seven carbons. The potency of the chemical is closely correlated with the length of this chain.
Although THCP and Delta-9 THC share many chemical similarities, they have different physiological effects.
The cannabinoid’s creators believe THCP maybe 33 times more potent than Delta-9 THC. THCP has been known to create noticeable alterations in visual and auditory perception, pleasure, and even minor psychedelic effects, according to those who have used it. This enhanced potency is because THCP has a higher affinity for the CB1 receptors in the body, making it easier to produce effects like psychoactivity.
How is THCP Made?
Since THCP is found in the cannabis plant in minimal amounts, it is typically regarded as a natural cannabinoid. Similar to Delta-8 THC, what can isolate the cannabinoid from industrial hemp. DHCP must be extracted from large amounts of hemp. Thus, companies producing it for sale instead synthesise it in a lab environment using other hemp cannabinoids.
There are currently very few manufacturers of THCP. Many people are secretive about the procedures they employ to extract or create this new cannabinoid. A THCP merchant named Spyglass CBD asserts to produce THCP goods utilising a sophisticated method that extracts THCP from hemp’s cannabinoids. The cost of producing THCP in large quantities is passed on to the user. However, because of the cannabinoid’s extreme strength, users only require a small amount to enjoy the euphoric effects.
Is THCP Legal?
The legality of THCP is now debatable, just as that of many new or synthetic cannabinoids. Some contend that THCP generated from industrial hemp might be considered legal at the federal level.
According to Cornbread Hemp’s co-founder and CCO, Jim Higdon, THCP is legal.
Since THCP is not specifically prohibited by name in the 2018 Farm Bill, Higdon asserts that it is not illegal if it is derived from hemp. Currently, THCP, Delta-8 THC, Delta-10 THC, and THC-O coexist in legal limbo. THCP is presumably allowed if made from industrial hemp and is found in a product with less than 0.3 per cent Delta-9 THC by dry weight.
On the other hand, the Federal Analogue Act is a piece of existing law that predates the Farm Bill. The analogues of restricted substances, such as THC, are automatically grouped within the same regulatory class by this regulation. This indicates that THCP would probably be viewed as illegal on a federal level.
THCP Safety
Novel cannabinoids like THCP raise questions about safety. Because THCP is neither entirely lawful nor entirely criminal, its production is mainly unregulated. Additionally, there is no data on its impact on users in the short or long term.
Higdon noted that the production process might be the biggest safety risk.
Higdon noted that although cannabis is presumably harmless, there hasn’t been enough research to know for sure. Potential contamination of the completed product due to subpar manufacturing procedures poses the largest safety risk.
