What is THCP? A Beginner's Guide to the Strongest Cannabinoid You've (Probably) Never Heard Of

THCP MOLECULE HAS 7 CARBON ATOMS

What is THCP? A Beginner’s Guide to the Strongest Cannabinoid You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of

The cannabis plant is full of surprises. Just when you think you know your THC from your CBD, science uncovers another compound that shifts the conversation. Enter THCP — short for Tetrahydrocannabiphorol.

Discovered in 2019 by Italian researchers, THCP is one of the most intriguing cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Why? Because early studies suggest it may be up to 30 times more potent than regular THC.

THCP vs THC: What’s the Difference?

At a glance, THCP looks almost identical to THC (the compound most responsible for cannabis’s psychoactive effects). But there’s a key difference:

THC has a side chain of five carbon atoms.
THCP has a side chain of seven carbon atoms.

This slight tweak gives THCP a much stronger ability to bind to your body’s CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. Think of it like a key fitting the lock more snugly — the effect is amplified.

How Strong is THCP?

Research is still young, but lab studies show:

THCP binds to CB1 receptors 33 times more strongly than THC.
It binds to CB2 receptors (immune-related) about 5–10 times more strongly.

What does that mean for the consumer? Potentially, smaller doses of THCP could produce effects similar to (or stronger than) larger doses of THC.

Potential Effects of THCP

While human studies are very limited, the expected effects of THCP mirror those of THC, just stronger. Possible effects include:

Euphoria and relaxation
Altered perception of time and space
Increased appetite
Pain and inflammation relief

On the flip side, because of its potency, side effects could also be more intense:

Dry mouth
Red eyes
Anxiety or paranoia at higher doses
Strong sedation

Is THCP Legal?

This is where things get tricky. THCP is not specifically listed on most controlled substances lists, but:

If derived from hemp and contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, it may be considered federally legal in the U.S. under the 2018 Farm Bill.
However, states can (and do) regulate or ban novel cannabinoids, so always check your local laws.

Should You Try THCP?

Because THCP is so potent, it’s not recommended for beginners. Even experienced cannabis users should start very low and go slow. Think microdosing first — you can always take more, but you can’t un-smoke what you’ve already smoked.

Final Puff

THCP is one of the newest stars in the cannabis world, and it could help explain why some strains feel dramatically stronger than others, even with similar THC levels. While more research is needed to fully understand its benefits and risks, one thing’s clear: this cannabinoid is a game-changer.

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