THCO vs. THCP

Posted on September 22, 2023 by Munchies

Welcome to the match of the season—THCO vs. THCP! In one corner, we’ve got the synthetic wonder, THCO, known for its potent punch and mysterious lab origins. The natural-born heavyweight THCP, is in the other corner from the hemp farmer’s backyard. Who will emerge on top of this battle? Let’s find out who reigns supreme!

Key Takeaways

• THCP occurs naturally in hemp plants; THCO is typically synthesized from hemp-derived compounds.
• THCO is considered illegal on all levels according to the DEA because it didn’t come naturally from hemp, which goes against the 2018 Farm Bill 
• THCP is more potent than THCO. 
• THCP and THCO can be made into different products, from vapes to edibles, to meet the market’s evolving needs. 

What is THCO?

​THCO, or THC-O-acetate, is a synthetic cannabinoid generated from delta-9 THC, the primary psychoactive compound in a cannabis plant.​ It is created through a chemical process involving the acetylation of THC molecules.

THCO acts as a prodrug, which means that it only becomes active after being processed in the liver. This bodily process enhances its bioavailability, resulting in effects similar to delta-9 THC but can have 3x more intensity due to the acetylation. Users mentioned that THCO’s effects may take longer to manifest, typically around an hour. 

How is THCO made?

THCO, or THC-O-acetate, is synthesized in a multi-step process that modifies the chemical structure of cannabinoids derived from hemp, mainly CBD. Since THCO does not occur naturally in cannabis plants, it requires a controlled laboratory and rigid chemical processes that convert CBD into other active cannabinoids before forming THCO. Given this information, only trained lab professionals must conduct the process as it is complex and requires careful and precise handling of reagents. 

The production of THCO begins with the extraction of CBD, which is then converted into Delta-8-THC or Delta-9-THC. This conversion is typically achieved through chemical reactions that involve specific reagents to facilitate the transformation into THC variants. Once the Delta-8-THC or Delta-9-THC is obtained, the next critical step involves acetylation.  This process usually utilizes acetic anhydride or other acetylating agents added to the THC molecule to create THC-O-acetate. 

Acetylation alters the molecule, enhancing its potency and changing how it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This modification is essential for THCO’s reputed effects, purportedly making it significantly more potent than traditional THC and with enhanced binding efficiency to cannabinoid receptors.

Unsplash Photo by Esteban López

Synthetic vs Organic: THCP & THCO

THCP is organic, while THCO is synthetic. Organic means that the compound is naturally present and doesn’t need human intervention or chemical addition to produce it. On the other hand, synthetic is the opposite of an organic compound. These were modified and controlled by lab professionals.

Distinct Chemical Structures 

Chemical Structure of THCO

THCO, or THC-O-acetate, is an acetate ester of THC with the chemical formula C23H32O3 and a molar mass of 356.506 g·mol−1. It is synthesized from THC or THCA using acetic anhydride, a process that increases its potency compared to the parent compound.

Chemical Structure of THCP

THC-P, or Tetrahydrocannabiphorol, has a chemical structure similar to THC but features a longer alkyl side chain. While THC has a pentyl chain with five carbon atoms, THCP has a heptyl chain with seven carbon atoms. This structural difference significantly affects its interaction with cannabinoid receptors.

THCO VS. THCP: Which is More Potent?  

THCP is more potent than THCO. To understand how we arrive at the answer, let’s use the compound THC as the basis of comparison. What does this mean? Let’s say we use THC as a benchmark, where we will compare each cannabinoid’s potency against THC. Now, generally speaking, THCO and THCP are both more potent than the usual THC we all love. So, does that mean that this is a tie? 

Well, the comparison doesn’t end yet. If we use numbers to compare, there is an actual winner in this round. THCO’s binding ability to CB1 receptors is three times stronger than that of THC. On the other hand, THCP is more potent than THC by 33 times.

However, our human receptors are limited to feeling THCP’s potency around 3 to 5 times, but it’s still superior to THCO. So clearly, THCP won the potency battle against THCO, with THCP being approximately 33 times more potent than THC, while THCO is about three times stronger than THC.

THCO vs. THCP: Potential Effects on Users 

Despite the early interest in its medicinal applications, comprehensive clinical research is still needed to support the effectiveness and safety profile of these cannabinoids. These variations in user experiences highlight the need for individuals to approach each cannabinoid with caution, particularly as the understanding of their effects continues to evolve.

Potential Effects of THCO 

THCO effects can be felt 20-60 minutes after ingestion, which is similar to the delayed action observed in THC edibles. THCO’s potential therapeutic uses are less well-documented, but it has been investigated for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Existing users describe experiencing euphoria, emotional release, and moderate relaxation while using THCO. However, substantial claims regarding its ability to enable mystical or significantly psychedelic experiences are challenged by recent research, indicating that its effects primarily align with those of standard THC, which are psychoactive rather than distinctively psychedelic.

Potential Effects of THCP 

THCP may have potential medical uses, including chronic pain relief, anti-nausea properties, stress and anxiety reduction, and improved sleep quality.​ In addition, user reports also note more potent analgesic and anxiolytic effects. THCP is believed to give users an enhanced sensory perception and cognitive introspection to a greater extent, leading to deeper emotional and creative engagement. Whether you want to unlock new emotional depths or enjoy the ride, THCP offers a more intense experience. 

• Get more details about THCP and its effects on users.

Legalities on THCO and THCP 

THCO, or THC-O-acetate, is currently considered an illegal Schedule I controlled substance in the United States. To quote the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), “Schedule I drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.”

Three reasons led to DEA’s decision to classify THCO as a controlled substance. The first and the main reason why it was classified in Schedule 1 is that THCO is not naturally occurring in the cannabis plant. The second point is that the compound can only be produced synthetically through chemical processes. And finally, THCO does not fall under the definition of hemp as outlined in the 2018 Farm Bill. 

THCP, an organic compound from the hemp plant, is considered legal at a federal level. This legality flourished from the same 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp-derived cannabinoids containing no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight. THCP is not explicitly listed as a controlled substance at the federal level, so its production and sale are considered to comply with the current federal law. 

• Get the full details on drug scheduling according to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.
• Review the 2018 Farm Bill regarding hemp production.

Types of  THCO & THCP Products

THCO Products

The DEA declared THCO illegal at all levels. As a result, manufacturers aligned with the ruling have removed THCO products from their shelves to comply with the new regulations. 

THCP Products

THCP, on the other hand, is federally legal as long as it contains 0.3% THC level. If you’re looking for a closer alternative to THCO, THCP is available in various product types: 

• THCP Vape Cartridges – Similar to THCO cartridges, these customizable vapes contain THCP oil instead.
• THCP Disposable Vapes – Ready-to-use vape pens pre-filled with THCP oil.
• THCP Gummies – Edible products infused with THCP offer a convenient and tasty consumption method.
• THCP Tinctures – Liquid extracts of THCP that can be taken orally or sublingually.
• THCP Flowers – Hemp flowers infused with THCP for smoking.
• Combination Products – Some brands create products that combine THCP with other cannabinoids for a more complex effect. For example: Delta 8 + Delta 9 + THCP Gummies

Final Verdict?  

In the grand showdown between THCO and THCP, each cannabinoid brings its strengths to the table. ​While THCO and THCP share some similarities as potent cannabinoids, they differ significantly in their nature, chemical structures, legal status, and potential effects.​ As research continues, our understanding of these compounds and their potential benefits and risks will likely evolve, eventually leading to new applications in medical and recreational contexts.

(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.