Posted on September 10, 2023 by Munchies

What comes to mind when you think about getting high with cannabis? Probably THC, right? Well, what if we told you delta 9 THC is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the psychoactive potential of cannabis? It’s true.

Delta 9 is perfect for most people looking to catch a euphoric buzz to wind down for the evening or stir up some creative juices during the workday. But some find it too strong. Others feel it’s not quite enough as they develop a high tolerance.

That’s where the comparison between THCP vs delta 8 comes into play. These are two trace cannabinoids that each have their own psychoactive capabilities as well. They’re on exact opposite ends of the intensity spectrum, though. THCP is really strong, whereas delta 8 is mild.

However, there are quite a few other differences between delta 8 vs THCP as well. We’ve put together this guide to help you understand which is best for your specific goals and preferences.

Just know that whether you’re searching for THCP products for sale online or delta 8 products for sale online, MUNCHIES! has you covered. From vapes to edibles this is your one-stop shop for legal hemp-based cannabis products online. Learn more below!

What is THCP?

THCP, or tetrahydrocannabiphorol, is a rare cannabinoid that first popped on the scene in 2019. It exists naturally in cannabis but only in trace amounts, so most commercial THCP is produced from hemp-derived CBD using lab-controlled processes. This is how you’re able to enjoy it in the form of a tasty vape or edible without paying hundreds of dollars.

It’s pretty similar to delta 9 structurally, but it has a longer alkyl side chain (seven carbon atoms instead of five). This is why THCP feels so much stronger than delta 9. Those extra carbon atoms make it bind much more effectively to CB1 receptors in your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).

On that note, does THCP get you high? Yes! Very high, like 3-5 times higher than delta 9 THC. You can learn more about THCP vs delta 9 in our blog if you’d like. Let’s shift our focus to the other half of the THCP vs delta 8 debate in the meantime.

What is Delta-8?

Delta-8 THC, or Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, is also a naturally occurring cannabinoid. But like THCP, it’s only found in small amounts so most delta 8 products on the market are made by converting hemp-derived CBD through isomerization.

It shares a somewhat similar structure to delta 9 THC but with a slight variation in the location of a double bond. That subtle nuance translates to big differences in effects. Delta 8 is often called “diet weed” because it’s so much less intense than what you may be used to.

You can expect a gentler, more clear-headed high with less intensity than Delta 9 or THCP. that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Newcomers or those trying to simply take the edge off without melting into a puddle on the floor prefer it!

That being said, intensity is just one area where THCP vs delta 8 differ from one another. Let’s take a closer look all the nuances between these cannabinoids below.

Key Differences Between THCP vs Delta 8 THC

We want to preface this comparison of delta 8 vs THCP by saying one is not “better” than the other across the board. It all comes down to personal preference.

Delta 8 is a great choice for dipping your toes in the water with cannabis without getting too high. On the other hand, THCP is perfect for advanced users looking to push the limits and catch a serious buzz.

Like we said above, though, you’ll also see differences in terms of product availability, potential therapeutic benefits, and much, much more.

Extraction Process

Since both these cannabinoids are synethized rather than extracted naturally, let’s start there. This is where delta 8 vs THCP products are born, after all!

Most commercial products use hemp-derived CBD as the starting point, transforming it through lab processes to create usable quantities of each compound. Manufacturers typically use isomerization for delta 8. This involves the use of solvents and acid-based catalysts to convert the non-psychoactive CBD into delta 8 THC.

Now, THCP follows a similar process but with a subtle difference. It needs additional purification and more advanced chromatography to isolate it properly.

But then, both cannabinoids go through lab testing to verify potency and screen for unwanted byproducts before reaching store shelves. This is incredibly important for your own safety. Make sure you only buy THCP vs delta 8 products from a brand that invests in 3rd party lab testing!

Compound Structure

Delta 8 and THCP may both get you high, but their chemical structures explain why those highs feel so different. Delta 8 is an isomer of Delta 9 THC, meaning it has a minor shift in how its double bond is positioned – but enough of a difference that it feels quite distinct.

THCP, on the other hand, has a longer side chain on its molecule, giving it a stronger grip on the body’s CB1 receptors. This is what leads to the rest of the differences between delta 8 vs THCP…

Potency

THCP is dramatically more potent than Delta 8. Some have pegged its ability to bind to CB1 receptors at 30x higher than delta 9 THC – which is already more potent than delta 8 THC!

That being said, what you actually get with THCP is about to 5 times stronger than a typical THC high. It hits fast and lasts long, and it feels really intense from start to finish. It’s an immersive, full-body high.

Delta 8 is noticeably more relaxed in comparison. We’ve seen it described as a calming, mildly euphoric, and functional high. That’s a great thing for anyone new to cannabis looking to test the waters without getting uncomfortably high. It’s also perfect for when you want to take the edge off without becoming uselessly high.

How They’re Consumed

There are so many great ways to enjoy delta 8 THC, from vapes and edibles to flower and more. This cannabinoid has been around quite a bit longer, after all.

THCP is a bit newer and more obscure, with a smaller market. That’s why you won’t have access to quite as many products. Right now it’s really just vapes. Some brands sell gummies, but we don’t.

We get asked all the time, is THCP safe? It can be if you buy these products from a reputable brand that sources its raw material with strict quality standards and lab-tests everything. The same is true of delta 8 products, and this is why MUNCHIES! is the #1 choice for both online.

Potential Benefits

While many are drawn to cannabis to simply get stoned, it’s far more versatile than people give it credit for. It has plenty of therapeutic potential as well. So how do THCP vs delta 8 stack up in this regard?

THCP is often used by people looking for deep relaxation, intense stress relief, or a more profound high. Some users say it helps them sleep more soundly or eases stubborn physical discomfort, especially at the end of a long day.

What about delta 8 – does delta 8 help with sleep? Is delta 8 good for anxiety? Yes, and yes! It can take the edge off without overwhelming your senses. Users often turn to delta 8 for pain relief, better sleep, reduced nausea, and a more functional, clear-headed high without the paranoia.

It’s also been known to stimulate appetite, bringing out those notorious munchies you hear about with cannabis. Oh, speaking of MUNCHIES!, remember that whether you prefer the intensity of THCP or the gentleness of delta 8, your search for expertly formulated products ends here.

Your Search for the Best Delta 8 and THCP Products Ends at MUNCHIES!

Ultimately, the choice between delta 8 vs THCP is fairly simple. It comes down to how intense you want your high to be. Stick with THCP when you want to push the limits, dial it back with delta 8 when you just want to mellow out a bit.

Either way, MUNCHIES! has you covered with the best legal, hemp-based cannabis products online. No weak effects, no questionable ingredients, just consistent, lab-tested highs you can count on.

Our delta 8 edibles and delta 8 vape pen are a great way to find that clear-headed, functional buzz. Or, try our THCP vape pen for something that hits harder and last longer. We mean it when we say there’s something for everyone at MUNCHIES!

Across our catalog everything is third-party tested and backed by our satisfaction guarantee. Whether you’re easing into the world of cannabinoids or chasing the strongest legal high out there, look no further.

Wrapping Up Our Comparison of Delta 8 vs THCP

That does it for our comparison of THCP vs delta 8. Both cannabinoids offer unique benefits, and the right choice depends on your tolerance, goals, and how deep you want to go.

Delta 8 is smooth, reliable, and perfect for anyone looking for a mild, balanced high. THCP is bold, intense, and built for experienced users chasing a stronger ride.

Our blog has similar comparisons like delta 11 vs delta 8 or THCa vs delta 8 if you want to learn more about the wide world of cannabinoids. Otherwise, the only thing left to do now is get your hands on Mother Nature’s finest at MUNCHIES!

Whether you’re after a chill evening or a powerful euphoric lift, it helps to start with quality. That’s all we do here at MUNCHIES! Explore our catalog for vapes, gummies, and everything in between.

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