THCA vs. THCP

If you’re new to cannabis and its derivatives, acronyms like THCA and THCP might seem confusing. But don’t worry, even seasoned cannabis enthusiasts might not be fully familiar with them. One thing is clear—THCA and THCP are not the same.

In this article, we’ll explore the characteristics of both THCA and THCP, highlighting their similarities and differences in structure, effects, and potential applications.

Key Takeaways

• THCA and THCP are cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant. 
• THCA is non-psychoactive in its natural state, while THCP will likely get you high if consumed. 
• THCP is a relatively recent discovery and is much more potent than other cannabinoids. Additionally, both compounds have completely different chemical structures.

What is THCA?

THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a compound found in raw cannabis. In its raw form, cannabis contains THCA instead of THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for the high.

THCA is abundantly present in live cannabis plants and undergoes decarboxylation, a process triggered by heat, to transform into psychoactive THC.

But how is THCA formed? THCA develops in the trichomes of the cannabis plant—tiny, resinous structures containing enzymes that convert precursor molecules into THCA.

When you smoke or heat cannabis through methods like cooking or vaping, decarboxylation occurs. This process removes the carboxylic acid group from THCA, converting it into THC, which is responsible for the high. Essentially, THCA only becomes psychoactive when heated and converted into THC.

In simple terms, raw cannabis contains THCA, which transforms into THC when heat is applied.

What is THCP?

THCP, or tetrahydrocannabiphorol, is a relatively new and potent cannabinoid discovered in 2019 by Italian scientists while analyzing different cannabis strains. It attracted attention because, despite its structural similarity to THC, it appeared to be more potent than the well-known psychoactive component of cannabis.

Unlike THC, THCP has an elongated alkyl side chain, which enhances its unique characteristics and potency, influencing how it interacts with our body’s cannabinoid receptors.

THCP is present in cannabis plants, but it’s not as abundant as THC or CBD. It is mainly found in certain strains and typically in small amounts. Researchers are still investigating which strains have higher concentrations of THCP.

While THCP can bind up to 33 times stronger to the receptors in our endocannabinoid systems than THC, our bodies can only bind to so much. This translates into the effects of THCP being about three to five times stronger than those from Delta 9 THC. 

How Do THCA and THCP Relate to Other Cannabinoids like THC and CBD?

THCA transforms into THC through decarboxylation, contributing to THC’s psychoactive effects. THCP, with its unique structure, is significantly more potent than THC.

THCA vs. THCP: Potential Benefits and Uses

Benefits and Uses of THCA

While many users prefer to ignite THCA to transform it into THC, some users have reported that raw THCA may help manage pain and promote better sleep. THCA can be consumed in various ways, but it’s important to use methods that don’t expose it to heat if you want to avoid psychoactive effects, as heat converts THCA into THC. 

Here are some options:

• Smoking – Heating THCA will produce a classic cannabis experience changing the chemical structure and producing the typical high many enjoy with traditional cannabis.
• Eating Raw – You can eat fresh, raw cannabis leaves or add them to salads for a nutritional boost.
• Juicing – Juice raw cannabis plants and drink the juice alone or add it to other beverages.
• Tinctures – Some tinctures are made with raw cannabis, preserving THCA. These can be taken sublingually (under the tongue) or added to drinks.
• Topicals – Use THCA-infused creams, lotions, or balms applied directly to the skin.

These methods keep THCA in its non-psychoactive form, allowing you to enjoy its potential benefits without the psychoactive effects.

Benefits and Uses Of THCP

Compared to other cannabinoids, THCP stands out for its remarkable potency, leading to more pronounced physiological and psychoactive effects. This impressive potency makes it a subject of interest for researchers and enthusiasts alike.

However, due to its high potency, it’s important to consume THCP with caution, as it may result in more intense psychoactive effects than traditional cannabinoids. This caution is especially crucial because research on THCP’s potential long-term side effects is still in its early stages.

THCP will elicit a stronger, longer-lasting high than Delta 9 THC with reported effects such as:

• Feelings of euphoria
• Mood boost
• Increased appetite 
• Altered sense of time

Keep in mind that individual responses to cannabinoids can vary. Your reaction to THCP might differ from someone else’s, so it’s essential to be careful. Excessive consumption can lead to adverse effects, such as anxiety.

Photo by HighBabe on Unsplash

THCP vs. THCA Isomers

Chemical Structures Compared

The molecular difference between THCA and THCP lies in their chemical structures. While both are cannabinoids found in cannabis, THCA has a smaller structure, whereas THCP has a larger one. This structural difference means THCP might interact with our body’s receptors differently than THCA, potentially leading to varied effects.

Is THCA Stronger Than THCP?

The potency and effects of cannabinoids like THCA and THCP can vary. It’s important to note that research on THCP is limited compared to well-studied cannabinoids like THC and THCA. THCP is considered more potent than THCA because THCA is non-psychoactive in its raw form.

THCA or THCP: Which One is Safer?

Since research is ongoing, the safety of using THCA or THCP products hasn’t been definitively established. However, raw THCA is generally considered non-intoxicating, while THCP may have stronger psychoactive effects. Regardless of their potency differences, consuming these compounds responsibly is crucial. 

• Start with a Low Dosage – Gradually increase to assess your tolerance.
• Verify Product Sources – Ensure you’re consuming high-quality products.
• Consult Healthcare Professionals – Seek advice before using these compounds.
• Avoid Mixing with Alcohol or Other Drugs – Combining them can lead to unpredictable effects.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the potential benefits of THCA and THCP while minimizing risks.

Are There Any Risks Associated with Consuming THCA and THCP?

The limited research makes it difficult to identify all potential risks, but common cannabis-related risks like increased anxiety and paranoia can be avoided with responsible consumption.

Final Thoughts

The world of cannabinoids is constantly evolving, with new substances and discoveries emerging regularly. THCA and THCP are notable players in this expanding field. While they share similar origins, their potency levels differ significantly, and their potential benefits and effects are still being explored.

As advancements continue in the coming years, we can expect a clearer understanding of their risks and benefits, along with an inevitable increase in the production of innovative cannabis products.

(Disclaimer reminder: This article is not medical advice. It is based on anecdotal user experience alone. If you are thinking about incorporating cannabis (delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, CBD, etc) into your medicinal routine, please consult a healthcare professional. Do not stop taking any prescribed medications without first consulting your doctor.)

Disclaimer: This article reflects the laws of the United States at the time it was written. Because cannabis laws in the United States laws are subject to change at any time, please make sure that you are always staying up to date on your federal, state, and local county’s cannabis laws. Additionally, we are NOT encouraging anyone to break the law––we are simply showing people ways to legally and discreetly bring their cannabis products along with them on their travels so that they may have access to those products when they reach their intended destination.