It's natural to be drawn towards the potency of THCP, as this cannabinoid can be up to 5x as strong as Delta-8 THC! But it's relatively new on the market, and you probably have some hesitations and uncertainties. Totally normal.
At the top of that list is probably one question: Is THCP safe?
Yes, THCP can be safe when it comes from a trusted, reputable source. That said, consumption methods matter. There are also potential side effects of THCP, just as with any other cannabinoid.
The more you know, the less stressful trying THCP will be, so let's dive in below!
How Safe is THCP?
Just as with the concept of THCA safety, THCP can be safe if you source it smartly and use it correctly. There are a few moving pieces impacting the THCP safety profile. We do want to be clear that since this cannabinoid has only been studied for 5 years or so, we have basically zero long-term research to fall back on. What about using THCP in the short term? There isn't much to be worried about there.
Safety Facts About Smoking THCP
You can smoke THCP flower or pre-rolls, but this is seen as the least safe approach to enjoying all this cannabinoid has to offer. Combustion (burning plant material) creates toxins and irritants that aren't great for your lungs, no matter how clean the product is. Research on cannabis smoke shows that burning plant material create the following, which can be lung irritants:
- Tar
- Carbon monoxide
- Ammonia
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
You'll likely tolerate it fine if you already smoke cannabis, but vaping or eating THCP is generally considered a smoother alternative. Start with just a few puffs, especially if it's your first time. The effects can sneak up on you, and overdoing it can quickly go from fun to uncomfortable.
What Is THCP?
Tetrahydrocannabiphorol is quite the mouthful, which is why we just call it THCP for short. This naturally occurring cannabinoid found in cannabis was first identified several years ago. But we've learned quite a bit about what it can do over that time span – more specifically, how strong it is.
What makes it unique is its longer molecular structure, which lets it bind more effectively to the CB1 receptors in your endocannabinoid system (ECS). This network of receptors is how you feel cannabis.
Compared to Delta-8, or even Delta-9 for that matter, you'll find that THCP is far stronger. In fact, it's up to 33 times more potent than traditional Delta-9 THC! Most available THCP is hemp-derived and produced in labs from CBD, following legal guidelines under the 2018 Farm Bill. This is because THCP is available in such trace amounts that direct extraction is impractical.
THCP Safety Measures to Enjoy This Potent Cannabinoid With Peace of Mind
As promised, we'll share some measures you can try to keep THCP safety top of mind while still enjoying all this strong, psychoactive cannabinoid has to offer.
1. Choose a Trusted Source
The best way to protect yourself from the risks of THCP is to shop with a brand you can trust. Not all THCP products are created equal, after all. Never buy anything from a brand that can't show you the Certificate of Analysis (COA) from their lab tests. This will show you everything in the product, including potency levels, cannabinoids, and terpenes. More importantly, though, you'll see what's not in the product. That includes heavy metals, pesticides, or residual solvents.
2. Start With a Low Dosage
THCP’s extreme potency can overwhelm you if you’re a new user, so begin with a small dose. The safe entry point for new users is around 1mg to 3mg for vapes and edibles. From there, you can adjust your dosage without getting overwhelmed.
3. Know What You're Taking
Avoid THCP products with mystery ingredients. Stay far away from anything with Vitamin E acetate, MCT oil, PG, VG, or weird synthetic flavorings. The only things you should see on a label are THCP, terpenes, and a clean carrier oil (for tinctures or edibles).
4. Pay Attention to How Your Body Feels
Everyone reacts differently to cannabinoids. Take note of how you feel if you're new to THCP, both physically and mentally. Feeling slightly spaced out or extra chill is normal, but if you start feeling anxious, nauseous, or off in any way, take a break and hydrate.
5. Avoid Mixing Up With Other Substances
Combining THCP with alcohol or other drugs can create unpredictable effects. You might feel fine, or you might not, and there's no undo button once it kicks in. Stick to THCP alone, especially if it's your first time. Talk to your doctor if you're on medication or dealing with health conditions before adding cannabinoids to the mix. Below are some common medications that can have negative interactions with THCP and cannabis in general:
- Medications that cause drowsiness
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Antidepressants
- Pain relievers
- Anti-seizure drugs
- Blood-thinning medications
6. Use the Right Gear and Keep It Clean
Only use THCP cartridges or disposables with devices designed for cannabinoids. Don't jerry-rig something with an old battery or a mod from five years ago. And if you're using a refillable device, clean it regularly to avoid buildup or burnt residue.
7. Store Your THCP Properly
Light, heat, and moisture can all break down cannabinoids over time. Keep your vapes or edibles in a cool, dry, and dark place, ideally in a sealed container. Oh, and make sure products are locked away and out of reach if you live with kids or pets. THCP safety isn't JUST about you, after all!
8. Be in a Safe Space
This isn't the type of cannabinoid you want to experiment with before a meeting or behind the wheel. THCP can impair motor skills and reaction time. Use it at home or in a safe, relaxed environment, especially as you attempt to learn how it affects you.
Potential Benefits of Consuming THCP
Aside from getting higher with less consumption, here are some other potential benefits:
- Deeper relaxation and stress relief
- More effective mood elevation and euphoria
- Longer-lasting effects than Delta-8 or Delta-9 THC
- Possible support for sleep and insomnia
- Appetite stimulation
- Potential pain and inflammation relief
- Stronger mental and physical body buzz
These effects can vary depending on the dose, delivery method, and your personal tolerance.
Potential Side Effects of THCP
On the other hand, the potential side effects of THCP can be:
- Dry mouth and red eyes
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Headaches in some cases
- Anxiety or paranoia, especially at high doses
- Respiratory discomfort (from smoking or low-quality vapes)
- Cognitive fog or memory lapses
- Overconsumption and extended intoxication (mainly with edibles)
- Potential tolerance buildup or mild psychological dependence with frequent use
That being said, a lot of these side effects can be avoided when you know how to keep THCP safe.
Is THCP Natural?
Technically, yes. THCP is a naturally occurring cannabinoid. But it's only available in very small traces. The average cannabis plant typically contains less than 0.1% of THCP by weight. This translates to approximately 0.0023% to 0.0136% (w/w), or about 0.02 to 0.13 mg/g of the plant material. In other words, there's barely any THCP worth extracting.
This is why brands have to synthesize it from a different cannabinoid that's more abundant. Most of the time, that's CBD. It's a pretty cool process called isomerization. Solvents and acid-based catalysts are used to convert the non-psychoactive CBD into THCP. But the fact that the products you're consuming aren't technically natural might raise red flags about THCP safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does THCP stay in your system?
THCP is potent. Because of that, it can take longer to fully break down compared to milder cannabinoids. Most people can expect THCP to stay in the body for several days to a few weeks. Factors depend on dose, frequency of use, a person’s metabolism, and body fat percentage.
Here’s a general breakdown:
- Occasional users: 2-5 days
- Regular users: 1-2 weeks
- Frequent users: 3-5 weeks
2. Is THCP safe to vape?
Vaping can have its advantages. You'll feel effects within minutes, so it's much easier to control your experience in real-time than it might be with edibles. But, at the end of the day, you're still inhaling vapor, and your lungs are meant to filter air only.
You could experience some level of lung irritation depending on how much vapor you inhale and how much you use the vape.
3. Is THCP safe to eat?
Yes. In fact, this is the safest way to enjoy all that THCP has to offer since you're not exposing your lungs to any potential irritants or contaminants. You need to take it slow, though. Studies show that THC’s oral bioavailability is only 4-12%, and it converts into a stronger metabolite (11-OH-THC), which explains why edibles feel more intense and last longer.
THCP takes much longer to kick in when consumed orally than it does with smoking or vaping, whether you're consuming a gummy, brownie, or tincture. The effects can last 6 to 12 hours or more. That delayed onset can trip people up. They wait 30-45 minutes and think that because they don't feel anything, the edible might be a dud. “Better double the dose!” Famous last words.
In this case, after taking that second serving, the first one is just starting to kick in. It's too late at that point, and since THCP is so potent, you'll be in for an uncomfortable next few hours. Start with a small dose (seriously, a little goes a long way), then wait and see how your body reacts.
If you're sourcing your edibles from a reputable brand that publishes third-party lab results, you're already on the right track.
Parting Thoughts
The key to having the best experience with THCP is smart dosing, choosing clean, lab-tested products, and paying attention to how your body responds. It's not about avoiding THCP. It's about using it with awareness.
Stick to trusted sources, avoid mixing substances, and take your time finding your ideal dose.
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