CBD is getting widespread acceptance and acknowledgment after research has shown its positive impact on mental and physical health. During such research, in 2019, a new cannabinoid of CBD, called THCP, was discovered in Italy. This article will explore what is THCP, its benefits, and its side effects while answering the crucial question of its legality.
What Is THCP?
THCP, also known as tetrahydrocannabiphoral and Delta-9, is a CBD cannabinoid discovered in 2019 during research conducted in Italy. It is found in very low quantities in the CBD plant and is similar to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). However, it is more potent than THC.
Chemical Composition
THCP and THC are part of the same family of cannabinoids, which are compounds found in marijuana plants. However, they have different chemical structures and effects. THC is the most common cannabinoid in marijuana and has a chain made up of five carbon atoms. In comparison, THCP has a chain made up of seven carbon atoms. This difference in structure affects how they interact with the body’s CB1 and CB2 receptors, which may lead to different psychoactive effects.
Comparison With Other CBD Cannabinoids
THCP Vs. THC
Both of these are found in the CBD. While THC is known for its high psychoactive effect and potency, researchers suggest that THCP could be more potent than THC. However, there are not much research has been done on this aspect and it was concluded only after studying its chemical composition.
THCP Vs. Delta-8
Delta-8 is an old cannabinoid that has a lesser psychoactive impact than THC hence THCP surpasses it in terms of psychoactive effect. The legality and side effects are yet to be studied for both these cannabinoids.
THCP Vs. THCB
THCB, or tetrahydrocannabivarin, has shown potential in managing pain and inflammation if taken in prescribed doses due to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system.
Insights Into The Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Benefits
- Pain & Inflammation Management: It has shown the potential to manage chronic pain and reduce inflammation. Its psychoactive properties provide relief from inflammation. However, it is important to take a pre-described and limited quantity of doses to avoid severe side effects.
- Sleep Cycle: It regulates the sleep cycle by providing relief from uncertain overthinking patterns. If a person is struggling with insomnia, THCP could provide relief and help them get sound sleep.
- Anti-Anxiety Properties: Like its peers, THCP has anti-anxiety properties. Medical professionals are waiting for the substantive results so that they can prescribe them to patients facing the challenges of anxiety and depression.
- Emotional Wellbeing: It regulates mood, increases dopamine levels, and reduces insomniac behavior, which ultimately leads to overall emotional well-being.
Side Effects
Ongoing research has not reached a substantive conclusion. However, it is required to consume THCP under the guidelines of a professional and observe the body’s reaction. If you feel discomfort, start with a low dose and increase it gradually. Potential side effects include dry mouth and dizziness. In severe cases, users may feel psychoactive distress.
Can A Drug Test Detect THCP?
THCP has similar properties as THC hence, it may be detected during a drug test. However, we don’t have enough proof of this due to a lack of research. Users are advised to avoid the consumption of this substance if they have to participate in some sports activities or day-to-day activities like driving.
Legal Status Of THCP
The scenario for CBD products changed after the passing of the Farm Bill 2018 in the USA, which legalized the production and sale of CBD products in limited quantities. The same may be true for THCP; however, it is essential to check the regional laws and regulations regarding CBD and cannabinoids.
Conclusion
CBD is getting more and more attention due to its therapeutic and psychoactive benefits. If consumed with proper guidelines and in low quantity, then it may create wonders in terms of mental and physical health. THCP showed a similar positive impact during the research when a test was performed on mice. Despite having similarities to THC, it has shown more potency as THC has a pentyl chain (5 carbon atoms) while THCP has a heptyl chain (7 carbon atoms). Users are advised to be updated about the results of the research to know more about THCP and decide if it suits them or not.
