THCP: A potent cannabinoid with great potential

12. 08. 2024

New cannabinoids are appearing on the market all the time. One of the hottest new cannabinoids is THCP, which is currently one of the most potent cannabinoids in the world. However, scientists have so far mainly studied its effects in animals and the first scientific studies in humans are still to come. What do we know about THCP?

THCP production 

An article published in the prestigious journal Scientific Report shows that the cannabinoid THCP is present in very small quantities in cannabis and extracting it directly from the plant would not be financially viable in most cases. The cannabinoid THCP is therefore extracted in special laboratories using more complex chemical processes. 

The production of THCP is carried out by first naturally extracting the cannabidiol CBD from the cannabis plant and then converting it into THCP using solvents or acids. 

THCP and the endocannabinoid system

The discovery of THCP was only made in 2019, when a group of Italian researchers discovered that this substance interacts with the endocannabinoid system and binds perfectly to receptors in the brain. 

The cannabinoid THCP has been shown to have up to 33 times stronger effects on the endocannabinoid system than the better-known THC. The researchers made this finding in an experiment using cultured cells when they investigated the binding of THCP to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain. The cannabinoid THCP was present in much lower concentrations in the medical cannabis strain studied than THC. Even so, THCP showed much more pronounced activity compared to THC. 

THCP has a half-life of between two and three days and thus remains active in the human body for a longer period of time compared to competing cannabinoids. 

Lack of scientific studies 

The potential of THCPs is undermined by the fact that there are as yet no comprehensive scientific studies that look more closely at the short- and long-term effects of use.

In any case, THCP is not currently on the list of banned substances in the Czech Republic. The use of THCP products is not prohibited. 

Due to the lack of regulation, THCP products should only be purchased from reputable manufacturers, which are at least a partial guarantee of the safety, quality and correct labelling of the products offered. 

 

Effects of THCPs known so far

It appears that THCPs can cause changes in auditory and visual perception and changes in the interpretation of time, and users may experience euphoric states when consuming them.

Amongst other things, the cannabinoid THCP could be a pain reliever and a good companion for unpleasant nausea. As studies show, THCP can also positively affect sleep. 

Available THCP products

THCP products are becoming increasingly popular among cannabis enthusiasts. THCP oils, flowers, liquids, gummies, vapes and cartridges are available. They are available for purchase in a variety of flavours such as Ice Cream Cake, Strawberry, Super Lemon Haze and Blue Dream.

Conclusion

The cannabinoid THCP appears to have considerable potential. The scientific studies to date point to possible positive effects, dominated by sleep aids or pain relief. THCP oils, flowers, drops, liquids, gummies, vapes or cartridges are available on the market.

However, the importance of THCP is currently weakened by the fact that the first scientific study on the cannabinoid THCP was only conducted in 2019. A more precise analysis of the short- and long-term effects is still pending, which is why it is advisable to approach the use of THCP products with caution.

Author: Jiří Lacina, translated by AI

 

Photo: Shutterstock

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