What is THC-P? Effects, How It Works and Risks

THCP is one of the newer cannabinoids that is becoming increasingly common in smartshops and specialised online stores. The compound was first scientifically described in 2019, when Italian researchers isolated the molecule from the cannabis plant. THCP, also written as THC-P, is structurally very similar to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the best-known psychoactive compound in cannabis. In this article, we explain what THCP is, how it works, what risks are involved and how it compares to regular THC.

What is THCP?

THCP stands for tetrahydrocannabiphorol. It is a cannabinoid that naturally occurs in the cannabis plant in extremely small amounts. Because the concentrations found in the plant itself are so low, THCP used in commercial products is usually produced through a chemical process, for example by converting CBD derived from hemp. Commercial THCP is therefore often described as a semi-synthetic cannabinoid: the starting material may come from the plant, while the final compound is created through a laboratory process.

THCP belongs to the same family of compounds as THC, but its molecular structure is slightly different. This small variation has a significant effect on the way THCP binds to cannabinoid receptors in the body. This is one of the main reasons why THCP has attracted so much attention since its discovery.

How does THCP work in the body?

Cannabinoids such as THC and THCP work by interacting with receptors in the endocannabinoid system. This is a network within the body that is involved in processes including mood, appetite, sleep and pain perception. One particularly important receptor is the CB1 receptor, which is found in high concentrations in the brain.

Research published in 2019 showed that THCP had a significantly higher affinity for the CB1 receptor than THC in laboratory testing. Affinity refers to how easily and strongly a molecule binds to a receptor. In this research, THCP showed approximately 30 times greater binding affinity for the CB1 receptor than THC.

THCP vs. THC

If you compare the molecular structures of THCP and THC, they look very similar. One important difference is the length of a specific side chain. THCP has a longer side chain than THC. The side chain of THCP contains seven carbon atoms, while THC has five. According to researchers, this structure contributes to THCP's stronger binding to the CB1 receptor.

However, this does not mean that THCP products will always feel a specific number of times stronger in practice. How strongly someone experiences the effects depends on several factors, including:

• the concentration of THCP in the product;
• the amount consumed;
• the method of consumption, such as vaping compared with oral use;
• personal sensitivity and tolerance;
• whether the product contains other cannabinoids or substances;
• the actual composition and purity of the product.

In short, stronger receptor binding does not automatically mean that the effects in humans are proportionally stronger. Two people using the same product can also experience very different effects.

Possible effects of THCP

User experiences and reviews suggest that THCP can feel considerably more intense than regular THC. Reported effects include a strong physical and mental high, changes in perception, heavy or relaxed limbs and pronounced tiredness.

Some users also report that the effects may last much longer than those of regular THC. Experience reports frequently mention durations of 12 to 24 hours, and sometimes even longer after larger amounts. These reports are not the same as scientifically established results from clinical research, but the potentially long duration is still an important risk to keep in mind.

Important: Because of its potentially intense and long-lasting effects, THCP is often described as a cannabinoid that is not suitable for inexperienced users. Even if you already have experience with THC, THCP may feel different, stronger or last considerably longer than expected.

What are the risks of THCP?

THCP is still relatively under-researched. This means that not only can known cannabinoid-related side effects occur, but there may also be risks that have not yet been properly identified.

Possible risks and side effects include:

• anxiety, restlessness, paranoia or panic;
• an overwhelming experience or bad trip;
• nausea;
• dizziness and disorientation;
• severe tiredness or drowsiness;
• dry mouth and red eyes;
• increased heart rate or heart palpitations;
• a drop in blood pressure, which may cause dizziness or fainting;
• reduced concentration, reaction time and coordination;
• psychotic symptoms in people who are susceptible to them;
• the development of tolerance and possible dependence with regular use;
• unexpectedly long-lasting effects;
• uncertainty about long-term effects due to the lack of research.

For people who are predisposed to psychosis, schizophrenia, paranoia or other serious mental health conditions, psychoactive cannabinoids may present additional risks. Extra caution is also important for people with cardiovascular conditions, low blood pressure or those taking medication.

Can THCP be addictive?

There is currently not enough specific research into dependence on THCP. Because its effects appear to be similar to those of THC, it is reasonable to assume that regular use may lead to tolerance and dependence. Tolerance means that increasingly larger amounts may be needed to experience the same effect.

If you notice that you are using THCP more frequently, need more to achieve the same effect, or find it difficult to sleep or function without using it, consider stopping use or seeking professional support.

How can you reduce the risks?

• Be especially cautious with THCP due to its high potency and the limited amount of research available.
• Do not take another dose too quickly if you have not noticed any effects yet. Oral products in particular may take longer to take effect.
• Do not combine THCP with alcohol, medication or other psychoactive substances. Combining substances can make their effects and risks more unpredictable.
• Do not drive or operate machinery while you are still experiencing effects. User reports suggest that some effects may still be noticeable the following day.
• Do not use THCP during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
• If you have mental health conditions, cardiovascular problems, take medication or are unsure whether THCP is suitable for you, speak to a doctor first.
• THCP products are intended for adults aged 18 and over only.

THCP and vaping

THCP is commonly available in vape products. When inhaled, the effects may become noticeable relatively quickly. In addition to the risks associated with THCP itself, vaping also has its own health risks. Inhaling vapour and substances from vape products may irritate or place additional strain on the airways and lungs.

What types of THCP products are available?

• THCP vapes: cannabinoid products designed for inhalation, where the effects may become noticeable relatively quickly.
• THCP oil: liquid products where the effects generally take longer to appear when taken orally than when inhaled.
• THCP flower: hemp flowers to which THCP or a blend of cannabinoids has been added.
• THCP edibles: edible products where the effects may be delayed because the product first has to pass through the digestive system.

What should you do if the effects of THCP are too strong?

If you feel uncomfortable, anxious or overwhelmed after using THCP, avoid taking any more and try to move to a calm and safe environment.

• Sit or lie down somewhere comfortable.
• Drink some water.
• Try to breathe slowly and calmly.
• Avoid consuming additional alcohol, cannabis or other substances.
• Find a calm distraction, such as listening to music.
• If possible, have someone you trust stay with you.

If you are concerned about your health or serious symptoms continue, contact a doctor or medical service. In the event of unconsciousness, severe breathing difficulties, severe chest pain, extreme confusion or another acute medical emergency, call 112.

THCP and drug tests

THCP is chemically very similar to THC. As a result, using THCP may potentially cause a positive THC result on some standard urine, saliva or other drug tests. A standard drug test may not necessarily distinguish between THC and THCP.

Because research into THCP is still limited, it is also unclear how long THCP and its metabolites remain detectable in the body after use.

THCP in the world of cannabinoids

THCP is a good example of how quickly the market for new cannabinoids is developing. Its strong binding affinity for the CB1 receptor makes THCP scientifically interesting, but this does not translate directly into a specific number of times stronger effects in humans.

Human research is still in its early stages. As a result, both the exact effects and the potential long-term risks are not yet fully understood. With new and potent cannabinoids in particular, it is important to critically assess claims about their effects and distinguish between laboratory research and personal user experiences.

THCP products at Novus Fumus

Interested in trying THCP? At Novus Fumus, you can find THCP edibles with an independent laboratory report (CoA) available. This allows you to check the product's composition and the cannabinoids that have been tested.

Prefer regular THC? Take a look at our THC Gummies as well.