With increased scientific research on cannabis and hemp over the last 10+ years, many new cannabinoids are entering the recreational market. Wild claims have been made about THC-P, making it the most interesting cannabinoid to be isolated in many years. Naturally, consumers have questions and that is what we are here for. In this article we will cover: Where did it come from, why do people think it is so potent, and what kind of THC products you can find it in. So, kick back in the cut, fire one up, and let’s learn about weed stuff.
Where Did It Come From?
THC-P (also known as tetrahydrocannabiphorol) mysteriously started showing up in THC products more and more over the last 5 years and that is not by coincidence. Although the compound was relatively unknown until recently, it was studied as far back as 1942 by Roger Adams1 (Check out The Heroes of Weed). It was not until 2019 that THC-P was first isolated by an Italian research group led by Dr. Giuseppe Cannazz.2 For the first time in years, delta 8 THC product blends and delta 9 THC product blends had a new dance partner and research suggests it dances better than them.
Why Do People Think It is So Potent?
The short answer would be because it is – or at least we think it is. Cannabinoids bind receptors in our body’s natural endocannabinoid system. THC-P has a binding affinity (the rate at which compounds bind) 33x that of Delta 9 THC. You read that right – 33x3! However, THC-P naturally occurs in very small amounts making it difficult and costly to extract. So, most delta 8 products and delta 9 products that contain THC-P contain very small amounts. Not much credible research on the effects on humans has been released as most clinical trials last 6-7 years.
What Are the Effects of THC-P?
THC products containing high levels of THC-P can be very powerful and potentially more effective than Delta 9 THC. Some cannaconsumers have detailed their experience with THC-P by describing it as more psychedelic than Delta 9 THC claiming it amplified both sounds and colors. Even though THC-P has that 33x binding affinity, that doesn’t mean it will get you 33x as high. Most consumers claim it to be 5x to 10x as potent as Delta 9 THC.
What Kind of Product Can I find It In?
THC-P is being blended into an ever-increasing number of products due to our fascination of what it could be. It is usually found in gummies such as our RiverBluff Knockout Blend (available at our Illinois and Iowa locations) and vapes such as our RiverBluff 2g Mega Blend vape (available at our Illinois location). As cannabis science advances and it becomes cheaper and more readily available, there is no doubt THC-P will be blended into more delta 9 THC gummies and delta 8 THC gummies as well as vapes. Though the jury may still be out on THC-P, we are comfortable adding it to products, so that those who want to explore the unknown can and be the weedstranauts venturing into what may be one the last unknowns.