Important Highlights
- THCO and THCP are more potent than Delta-9 THC, but they produce noticeably different effects, onset times, and overall experiences.
- THCO delivers a fast-hitting, long-lasting, and smoother experience.
- THCP builds more gradually and tends to produce more intense effects.
What comes to mind when you think of cannabinoids?
You probably think of the big ones like THC or CBD. These are just the tip of the iceberg, though, as there are many different types of THC and secondary cannabinoids.
You’ve probably seen the acronyms THCO and THCP on cartridge labels, menu boards, and online shops. Both THCO and THCP pack more punch than classic Delta-9 THC, but they’re far from identical.
The Key Differences Between THCO and THCP
There’s room in your regimen for all the cannabinoids found in hemp, as each has its place. Here’s a closer look at how THCO and THCP differ in terms of strength, effects, onset, duration, and legality.
Is THCP Stronger Than THCO?
It’s tempting to assume THCP’s higher receptor affinity always translates to stronger effects, but the story is nuanced. It’s true that THCP often outpaces THCO in sheer intensity at equivalent milligram doses, especially regarding physical effects.
But THCO’s altered chemistry means it can feel deceptively powerful even with slightly higher doses. Some people measure their tolerance in full milligrams rather than fractions. Either way, you’re getting a stronger effect than you would with traditional Delta-9 THC.
Onset and Duration
There is also a difference between THCO and THCP in terms of which acts faster.
THCO hits quickly: you’ll feel a noticeable head rush within seconds of inhalation. That initial wave transitions into a mellow plateau that can last anywhere from three to five hours, with a lingering afterglow.
THCP’s arrival is a bit more gradual. People say it builds steadily over one to two minutes. Once it peaks (typically around 15 minutes post-inhale), the effects hold firm for two to three hours, followed by a gentle comedown.
Psychoactive Profile
THCO often tastes and feels smoother, as its acetate group mutes the harsher edges of THC while intensifying overall relaxation. Many describe it as a “psychedelic lite” experience, with mild visual distortions and a mellow headspace.
That smoother feel isn’t accidental. THCO doesn’t rush the system. It needs a bit of processing before it fully kicks in, which gives the experience a softer entry. Instead of a sharp spike, the effects tend to spread out and settle in. For some people, that makes the high feel more immersive and less jittery.
THCP, on the other hand, delivers a stronger experience when it comes to THC-related euphoric effects. It’ll feel like your favorite marijuana high but with sharper sensory enhancement, deeper introspection, and stronger muscle relaxation.
THCP’s intensity is closely related to its strong binding to CB1 receptors. Because it interacts so efficiently with these receptors, relatively small amounts can produce noticeable effects. This often shows up as pronounced physical relaxation and a heavier body sensation, which is why THCP is typically approached with more caution when it comes to dosing.
Safety and Legality
Both THCO and THCP sit in a somewhat legal gray area, largely because they are newer cannabinoids that haven’t been extensively studied or clearly defined in federal law. While many products are derived from hemp and marketed under the 2018 Farm Bill, legality can vary by state and may change as regulations evolve.
TCHO and THCP are significantly stronger than Delta-9 THC, which means dosing errors can occur, especially for newer users. THCP’s strong binding to CB1 receptors can amplify physical effects, while THCO’s acetate modification raises questions about byproducts when vaporized.
Research on cannabinoids consistently shows that the route of consumption matters. Inhaled cannabinoids enter the bloodstream rapidly, producing faster, more intense effects, while oral consumption leads to a delayed onset but longer-lasting effects due to liver metabolism.
Product quality is another key safety factor. Poorly manufactured cartridges or concentrates may contain residual solvents, heavy metals, or other contaminants, which makes third-party lab testing especially important.
As far as legality is concerned, policies can and do change frequently. So, it’s best to always check local laws and avoid assuming that hemp-derived means a particular cannabinoid is legal everywhere.
Overview of THCO
Tetrahydrocannabinol acetate (THCO for short) is a modified form of THC created by adding an acetyl group to the parent molecule. That small chemical tweak makes THCO more lipophilic so that it can cross the blood-brain barrier more efficiently than standard Delta-9 THC.
Users say it feels pretty similar to traditional cannabis, with effects hitting fast and hard. But where the experience takes a turn is in how the plateau feels more dreamlike and relaxing, stretching out for hours.
Cartridges and tinctures stay potent and flavorful longer than distillate THC because THCO resists oxidation. However, the acetate group can introduce unknown byproducts when heated, so you need to be really careful with where you source THCO products.
Overview of THCP
This cannabinoid, short for tetrahydrocannabiphorol, first popped up on the scene in 2019 when Italian researchers discovered it binds to CB1 receptors up to 33 times stronger than Delta-9 THC.
This is all thanks to its extended seven-carbon side chain. THCP can deliver a head-spinning rush followed by profound body relaxation, even in microgram doses.
Its effects lean more toward the physical than the cerebral, often described as a warm, heavy embrace that can easily veer into couch-lock territory. THCP typically appears in crystalline or “diamond” form, recombined with strain-specific terpenes to preserve flavor.
THCP can also be quite overwhelming, so we don’t typically recommend it for beginners because of its elevated potency.
Wrapping Up Our Comparison
THCO and THCP represent next-level cannabis experiences, but as we’ve laid out in this comparison, they’re quite different.
THCO hits fast, lasts longer, and works great for a deep unwind without the sharp edges. THCP stands out for its sheer intensity and profound body relaxation, best suited for experienced users.
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