What is THCP? 7 negative effects to know about
Read on to learn the basics of THCP, including seven negative effects that you should be mindful of and what else to know.
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Caley Scott, ND
There are over 100 known cannabinoids that naturally occur within the cannabis plant, and researchers are still discovering new minor cannabinoids. One of the most intriguing recent discoveries is THCP (tetrahydrocannabiphorol), which has started to gain attention for its potent effects.
Early studies suggest that THCP may interact with the body differently than traditional THC, possibly leading to more pronounced effects. While its powerful nature may sound appealing, THCP remains relatively unstudied, and its impact on health and wellness is not yet fully understood.
We’re here to dive into what we know about THCP so far, what we still don’t know, and key considerations for its safety.
What is THCP?
Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCP) is a minor cannabinoid that naturally occurs in cannabis plants. THCP is sometimes referred to as delta-9 THCP or THC-heptyl. THCP is classified as a trace cannabinoid, meaning that there is only an extremely small amount of THCP in cannabis plants and hemp plants.
Due to its rarity, THCP does not typically contribute to the overall effects of most cannabis strains and is not easily detectable in typical lab tests.* However, synthetic versions of THCP are becoming more common in the cannabis industry due to heightened interest and the challenges in extracting the compound directly from plants.
Researchers at an Italian cannabis lab discovered this minor cannabinoid in 2019, using advanced liquid chromatography to isolate the naturally occurring cannabinoid. Intrigued by their discovery, the Italian researchers tested the cannabinoid to learn more about its potential benefits and effects. They discovered that THCP may be stronger than normal delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), requiring far less to produce comparable effects.*
THCP is currently on the market in many forms. It’s added to gummies, edibles, tinctures, and vape products.
How does THCP affect the body?
THCP interacts with the body through the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors that helps maintain overall balance, or homeostasis, within the body.* The ECS plays a critical role in regulating various physiological processes, including mood, sleep, immune response, and discomfort.
At the heart of this system are the cannabinoid receptors — known as CB1 and CB2 — which serve as binding sites for cannabinoids.
Each cannabinoid has a particular binding affinity, meaning it has a preferred connection strength to these receptors. Cannabinoids with low binding affinity, such as CBD, interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors without forming a strong lock-in, which allows them to influence the ECS in a more indirect, mild way. THCP, on the other hand, has an exceptionally high binding affinityfor CB1 receptors— even higher than THC.*
Because CB1 receptors are primarily located in the central nervous system, THCP's high affinity for CB1 receptors suggests it could impact the brain more intensely, potentially affecting perception, mood, and sensory processing. THCP may also interact with CB2 receptors throughout the body, although these effects are less well-documented.*
Because THCP’s interactions within the body’s ECS are not yet fully understood, further research is needed to confirm its effects and determine the extent of its psychoactive impact.
What to know about THCP's chemical structure
The molecular structure of THCP is key to understanding what makes this cannabinoid so potent. THCP has a slightly different composition than THC, specifically in its longer alkyl side chain. THCP’s side chain contains seven carbon atoms, while THC’s side chain contains only five carbon atoms.
Though this is a minor difference, this extended chain gives THCP a distinct structure that impacts how it interacts with the body.
The heptyl side chain allows THCP to bind more effectively with the CB1 receptors in the ECS. These receptors play a significant role in regulating many bodily functions, especially mood, memory, pain perception, and appetite. The stronger binding affinity of THCP’s seven-carbon chain may explain its stronger effects.*
What are the potential benefits of THCP?
For those who use cannabinoids to manage discomfort, THCP’s ability to bind more effectively to receptors may suggest it could support relief in smaller doses.* This potent binding may also influence mood and relaxation.
Like THC, THCP has been reported to promote a sense of calm or euphoria, which could make it appealing for those seeking emotional wellness support.*
It’s important to remember that while THCP shows promise, these potential benefits are not fully understood. As a relatively new cannabinoid, the evidence available is based primarily on initial lab studies and limited user reports, and we still lack long-term data on THCP’s effects on health and wellness.
Until more comprehensive research is available, THCP should be approached with caution, and its use should be carefully monitored.
How is THCP made?
Because THCP occurs naturally in the cannabis plant only in trace amounts, it is nearly impossible to isolate in significant quantities through traditional extraction methods.
In most cannabis or hemp strains, THCP’s presence is minimal, contributing less than 1% of the plant’s overall cannabinoid content. Given its limited natural availability, extracting THCP directly from cannabis plants would be inefficient and costly.
Instead, most THCP currently available on the market is synthesized in laboratories. This is achieved by altering the molecular structure of other, more abundant cannabinoids, such as CBD. With the use of solvents and chemical processes, scientists can transform CBD into THCP, creating a compound that mimics THCP’s structure and effects.
While this lab synthesis approach enables broader access to THCP products, it also introduces considerations regarding quality, consistency, and safety.
Is THCP legal?
This potent cannabinoid occupies a unique position in cannabinoid legality.
Since it can be derived from hemp, it may be federally legal in the U.S. under the 2018 Farm Bill, which allows for hemp-derived cannabinoids containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. Since THCP can be synthetically produced in large quantities from legal hemp plants containing low concentrations of delta-9 THC, it is not currently prohibited by federal law.
But, since THCP’s legal status is largely unregulated, it resides in a gray area that leaves room for state-level restrictions. In some states, synthesized cannabinoids such as delta-10 THC and THCP are prohibited, so it’s essential to check local laws.
How do THCP and THC compare?
THCP and delta-9 THC are closely related in their chemical structure and share many similarities, yet their unique properties set them apart. Both are psychoactive cannabinoids that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, especially the CB1 receptors in the brain.
However, THCP is believed to be up to 30 times more potent than THC due to its seven-carbon side chain, which increases its binding strength with CB1 receptors.*
This intense binding could lead THCP to produce a more powerful psychoactive effect than THC, even at lower doses. This may be appealing for some users, offering more pronounced effects in a smaller quantity.
However, THCP’s heightened potency also increases the risk of side effects. Whereas THC’s effects can generally be managed with careful dosage, THCP’s stronger psychoactivity means users may be more susceptible to experiencing elevated discomfort.
THC, as a more widely researched cannabinoid, is understood to be relatively safe at controlled doses for many users, with a predictable profile of effects. Research into THCP, meanwhile, is still in the early stages. THCP’s potency and lack of testing raises unique considerations for both safety and efficacy.
What are the potential side effects of THCP?
THCP is very similar to THC, and its increased potency may also lead to an increased risk for unpleasant and possibly dangerous side effects. It may be easy to accidentally over consume THCP, which can lead to a negative experience.*
1. Dizziness
Many people report feeling elevated on cannabis. It’s a feeling similar to being a little lightheaded, but it generally doesn’t drift into the territory of dizziness or vertigo if cannabis is consumed in modest doses. The heavy hit of THCP can easily cause dizziness, especially in inexperienced cannabis users.*
You may feel like the room is spinning. Some people describe the experience as similar to being on the verge of fainting. THCP may rapidly lower blood pressure, which temporarily reduces the amount of oxygen available to the brain. Dizziness is usually temporary and made better by sitting or laying in one place and minimizing movement until the effects of THCP wear off.*
2. Dry mouth
Dry mouth is a fairly common side effect of most psychoactive cannabinoids. When CB1 and CB2 receptors are activated, the body sometimes has difficulty regulating saliva production. This can cause the persistent and uncomfortable sensation of a dry mouth, also known as cottonmouth.*
If you regularly use cannabinoids like THCP, saliva production issues can cause long-term effects. Your mouth constantly cleanses itself with saliva, washing away bacteria responsible for causing tooth decay. If your body can’t make enough saliva, more harmful oral bacteria may remain in your mouth. This can lead to significant oral health issues like cavities and tooth decay.*
3. Rapid heart rate
THCP can temporarily reduce your blood pressure, and it usually happens suddenly. When THCP causes your blood pressure to suddenly drop, your body attempts to stabilize your blood pressure in response.*
This can lead to rapid heart rate. Rapid heart rate can cause feelings of anxiety or panic, especially if it happens suddenly. Being in an altered state of mind can exacerbate these negative feelings, which makes them harder to control.
It sometimes becomes circular—your heart is racing out of nowhere, so you start to feel anxious. Your anxious feelings can cause your heart to race even more, which escalates your anxious feelings. It can be a difficult cycle to get out of, especially when under the influence of synthetic cannabinoids like THCP.
4. Sleep disturbances
There are endocannabinoid receptors within your circadian rhythm, which serves as your body’s internal clock. Your internal clock takes cues from your environment and tells you when it’s time to go to bed. It knows how to detect sunlight, and it can tell when it’s dark outside. That’s when your circadian rhythm begins the process of getting your body ready for bed.
Cannabinoids like CBD and CBN may play a supportive role in the sleep process. Cannabinoids like THCP may interrupt the normal function of your circadian rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. You may wake up feeling groggy or like you haven’t rested at all.*
The psychoactive effects of THCP can also lead to strange dreams, nightmares, or night terrors. This is more common in people who are already prone to nightmares or night terrors.*
5. Dry eyes
Dry, red, itchy, or watery eyes are common side effects of all cannabis use. THC and related compounds like THCP are known to cause dry eyes, and researchers aren’t exactly sure why. There is a theory that CB1 receptors in the lacrimal gland may play a role in this side effect.
The lacrimal gland is the gland behind your tear duct, the pink part of the inner corner of your eye. When the lacrimal gland is working the way it’s supposed to, it produces and releases a sufficient amount of tears to keep your eyes from drying out.
The lacrimal gland contains CB1 receptors, which means it can be influenced by cannabinoids. When THCP binds to CB1 receptors in the lacrimal gland, it can change the way the gland sends and receives messages. Your body might not know when it’s supposed to produce more tears, and it might not do it at all.
If the eyes don’t receive sufficient moisture, they can feel dry and appear red. Eye drops can temporarily help to soothe dry eyes until the effects of cannabinoids naturally wear off.
6. Nervousness
THCP binds to receptors in a part of your brain called the amygdala. The amygdala serves many functions. One of its roles is to regulate the emotional response to fear, or the “fight or flight” instinct.
Small amounts of normal THC generally don’t interfere with your amygdala’s ability to regulate this response. THCP is far more potent than THC, which may cause overstimulation to the amygdala. This overstimulation can cause nervousness, feelings of anxiety, feelings of dread, or panic attacks. Negative feelings can occur even if there’s no clear or apparent reason to be nervous or afraid.
7. Coordination problems
There are many parts of your brain that work together to manage your posture, balance, reaction time, and coordination. It’s never safe to drive or operate heavy machinery under the influence of psychoactive substances because cannabinoids can affect these areas of the brain.
THCP’s potency can lead to users experiencing noticeable coordination problems rather quickly. THCP can make you feel clumsy by altering your balance and throttling your reaction time. Simple and familiar tasks, like tying your shoes or taking a shower, might suddenly feel difficult.
The bottom line
Increased potency isn’t always better. As research progresses, it’s essential to stay informed and approach new cannabinoids with a focus on safety. Here at Sunmed, we’re excited by ongoing discoveries in this field, but choose to proceed with caution. We are proud to source all our cannabinoids — from delta-8 THC to CBN — directly from hemp biomass and use only clean ingredients in all of our third-party tested wellness products.
Here at Sunmed, we don’t create or endorse synthetic cannabinoids, and unstudied trace cannabinoids like THCP are present only in naturally occurring, low amounts in our full-spectrum offerings. We’ll continue to offer naturally derived organic hemp extract products designed to enhance wellness, as we believe cannabinoids should be utilized in their natural-occuring form, in turn providing a safe and beneficial long and short-term THC and CBD experience. Explore our collection of organic hemp wellness products here.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Sources:
Cannabinoids - StatPearls | NCBI Bookshelf
The endocannabinoid system: Essential and mysterious | Harvard Health
THC-O vs. THCP: What's the Difference? | CFAH
THC (Marijuana) and Blood Pressure | Orlando Recovery Center
THC Regulates Tearing via Cannabinoid CB1 Receptors | PubMed Central | National Institutes of Health