Until recently, we thought that THC was the most potent and psychoactive cannabinoid of all. However, the scientific community has recently identified a cannabinoid believed to be more potent than THC. This cannabinoid is known as THCP.
THCP or Tetrahydrocannabiphorol, is a phytocannabinoid that was first isolated in 2019 from a cannabis Sativa plant. THCP is structurally very similar to THC. As THCP was first isolated in 2019, we still don’t know that much about its effects. Nonetheless, scientists showed that THCP mimics the effects of THC but with more potency and effectiveness.
What is THCP?
THCP was isolated by Italian scientists in 2019. It is believed to be up to 33 times more psychoactive than THC on the CB1 receptors and up to 5 to 10 times more active than THC on the CB2 receptors. In conclusion, THCP might be much more effective in induing euphoria, happiness and regulate stress and anxiety than THC. In addition, as it is 5 to 10 times more active than THC on CB2 receptors. In other words, it is also more effective in regulating pain and inflammation.
Is Tetrahydrocannabiphorol Legal?
The legal status of cannabis is quite complicated. The only cannabinoid listed under schedule 1 of controlled substances is THC, which means that THCP is legal in the United States. If THCP is extracted from a legal hemp, then it is 100% legal. Under the 2018 farm bill, hemp is legal if it contains less than 0.3 % of THC.
THCP can be very useful as a substitute for THC and as a more potent cannabinoid that has more interaction with our endocannabinoid system. Some theories stresses that THCP could play an important role in the disparity of effects caused by different cannabis strains. In other words, cannabis strains with equal THC levels but with different psychoactive effects.
Tetrahydrocannabiphorol and the Endocannabinoid System
Cannabis interacts with a complex system in our bodies called the endocannabinoid system. This endocannabinoid system consists of many receptors known as CB1 and CB2 receptors. The CB1 receptors are found in our brain and throughout the body, while CB2 is mainly found in our immune and gastrointestinal system. THC, a psychoactive cannabinoid, mainly binds with our CB1 receptors while CBD binds more closely with CB2.
We still do not understand the exact functions of the endocannabinoid system, but it might be involved in the regulation of physiological and cognitive processes. The endocannabinoid system acts as a neuromodulator for multiple processes such as appetite, motor learning and pain. Moreover, the endocannabinoid system regulates other functions such as memory and reproduction and fertility.
Are There Any Cannabis Strain High in THCP?
There are not cannabis varieties rich in tetrahydrocannabiphorol, but it is a matter of time that someone starts producing cannabis strains rich in this “new” cannabinoid. Cultivating cannabis strains rich in this cannabinoid will facilitate the extraction of THCP in the form of isolates or cannabis oils.
At this moment, tetrahydrocannabiphorol is difficult to find. However, there are some websites offering THCP isolates that are 99% pure THCP. Nonetheless, for the moment, THCP isolates are very expensive and you may find one gram of THCP isolate for approximately 400 USD.
As tetrahydrocannabiphorol was first isolated in 2019, there are still very few cannabis extraction companies offering it. For instance, just a few research labs have it.
Tetrahydrocannabiphorol: Summary
It is a very promising cannabinoid that binds with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. In addition, it is believed to be more potent than THC. However, as it was first isolated in 2019, it is difficult to find and there are not cannabis strains rich in this “new” cannabinoid.
Originally published at https://www.getispire.com on October 7, 2020.
