THC-O vs. THC-P

Delving into the world of cannabinoids is like exploring an ever-expanding universe of possibilities. After all, there always seem to be newcomers every other day. Among the latest players to step into the spotlight are THCO and THCP — two compounds that are quickly generating quite a buzz.

If you’re wondering what sets these newcomers apart and how they might shape the landscape of the cannabis industry, you have come to the right place.

Keep reading as we shed some light on the THCO vs. THCP and explore their similarities, differences, and unique characteristics.

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Key Takeaways

• THCO and THCP are both hemp-derived cannabinoids.
• While THCP occurs naturally in hemp plants, THCO is typically synthesized from hemp-derived compounds.
• THCP is considerably more potent than THCO and may be the most potent cannabinoid on the market today.

 

THCO vs. THCP

We’ll compare these two cannabinoids based on four different comparison points: reported effectiveness, effect significance, extraction process, and compound structure.

Reported Effectiveness

The consensus regarding these two cannabinoids is that they are both very potent, even more potent than THC. Unfortunately, conclusive research is still lacking to confirm just how potent these two cannabinoids are.

However, from anecdotal evidence, THCP appears to be in a league of its own, as many consumers believe it is at least two times stronger than THCO. This means that although THCO is about three times stronger than THC due to its extraction and production process, THCP is still far more potent than it.

You should bear in mind that most people also estimate THCP to be at least ten times stronger than THC. Comparatively, THCP may be at least twice as strong as THCO. 

Still, on their effectiveness, it is essential to note that while they are both immensely powerful, the type of high that they deliver is a bit different. 

Effect Significance 

While both compounds offer a unique experience, THCP has been touted as potentially more potent than THCO, promising a different level of cannabinoid engagement. However, there may be a slight difference in the type of effects they produce in users.

According to anecdotal evidence, THCO produces a more excitable and energy-infusing high compared to THCP. In other words, THCP may be ideal if you want to relax and unwind after a long day.

But then again, cannabinoids generally affect users differently, and there is still not enough scientific evidence to back up these effect claims. 

Extraction Process 

The first thing to note here is that THCO is typically synthesized in the lab, while THCP is a naturally occurring cannabinoid. This means that you can extract THCP from cannabis plants via the typical cannabinoid extraction process that starts with harvesting the plants to extraction via solvents and ends with purification. 

However, you cannot do this with THCO. 

For THCO, the process of making it involves the addition of acetic anhydride to THC molecules. The process starts by extracting CBD from hemp plants and then converting CBD into delta 8 THC. Finally, acetic anhydride is added to delta 8 THC to form THC acetate (THCO)

However, it is essential to note that because THCP is found in trace amounts in cannabis plants, manufacturers must produce it synthetically to make it commercially available. This means like THCO, THCP may also be created in the lab by manipulating other forms of cannabinoids, such as CBD.

Compound Structure 

THCO and THCP have quite different chemical structures.

For THCO, its molecular structure is an analog of THC, with the difference being that THCO has an acetate ester in its chemical makeup. This acetate ester also influences how THCO interacts with the CB1 receptors in the brain compared to THC.

On the other hand, THCP differs from THC with a more extended alkyl side chain that contains seven carbons compared to THC’s five. It is this extended side chain that helps it bind more effectively with the endocannabinoid system.

It is important to note that THCO also contains five carbons on its side chain against THCP’s seven. 

 

What is THCO?

THCO or THC acetate is a psychoactive synthetic cannabinoid made by adding acetic anhydride to delta 8 THC. According to users, THCO is at least three times more powerful than the regular THC that we’ve all come to know and love.

 

How is THCO Made?

Since THCO does not occur naturally in hemp and cannabis plants, it has to be made synthetically. However, the process usually starts with the extraction of CBD from hemp plants.

After this, CBD is converted into delta 8 THC via isomerization, which means to rearrange the molecules of cannabinoids. After this, acetic anhydride is added to delta THC to convert it into THCO acetate.

You should note that the addition of acetic anhydride typically gets rid of all or most of the terpenes in delta 8 and is also responsible for the heightened potency of THCO. In summary, THCO does not naturally occur but is made from natural hemp.

 

What are the Effects of THCO?

The research on THCO is still limited. Therefore, not much is known about its effects on the body, apart from its potency. However, because of its similarity to THC and its increased potency, you should generally expect a range of effects, including relaxation, euphoria, altered perception of time and space, increased sensory perception, and heightened creativity.

However, it can also lead to side effects such as anxiety, paranoia, and impaired coordination. 

 

What are the Benefits of THCO?

THCO binds with the endocannabinoid system, which controls many body functions. Therefore, it has been linked with a number of health benefits, particularly pain relief and increased appetite. Some believe that THCO may help with mood and relaxation.

However, it is important to note that human studies on THCO will be needed to unveil all the potential health benefits that the cannabinoid may have. For now, though, most of what we know of its benefits comes from the testimonies of users.

 

Best Ways to Take THCO

Like other cannabinoids, there are multiple ways to consume THCO. Some of the most popular and great methods you can try out include:

• Vaping 
• Gummies
• Edibles
• Tinctures 
• Smoking

However, your preferred THCO consumption method will depend on your needs and preferences. For instance, vaping and smoking are typically fast-acting, while gummies are slower. So if you want the high a little faster, you know the best options.

 

What is THCP?

THCP is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in hemp plants. However, it is in a unique class of its own because THCP binds to CB1 receptors and the endocannabinoid system 33 times more effectively than THC, resulting in more intense psychoactive effects.

However, although THCP occurs naturally in hemp plants, it does so in trace amounts. Therefore, it is more commonly synthesized from more abundant hemp-derived cannabinoids.

 

How is THCP Made?

THCP is typically made via synthetic methods because it occurs in small amounts in cannabis plants. To make it, manufacturers alter the molecular structure of CBD via chemical equipment and a process known as isomerization. 

 

What are the Effects of THCP?

Given the similarity of THCP to THC and heightened potency, one can anticipate a spectrum of effects encompassing relaxation, euphoria, altered perception of time and space, heightened sensory perception, and increased creativity. 

However, it’s important to note that this compound may also bring about adverse reactions such as anxiety, paranoia, and compromised coordination.

 

What are the Benefits of THCP?

Some of the benefits that have been linked with THCP include sedative properties, pain relief, and anti-inflammatory properties. Note, however, that research on THCP is limited, and most of our evidence is from users’ experiences. 

 

Best Ways to Take THCP

You can typically consume THCP like every other cannabinoid. Here are some of the best ways to take THCP: 

• Vaping
• Dabbing
• Smoking
• Tinctures
• Edibles

 

THCO vs. THCP: Which is Right for You?

There’s no one-answer-fits-all here. Instead, it depends on your needs, experience, and preferences. 

If you want an extremely powerful high, THCP is a better choice than THCO. But then, if you want a high that gets you laughing and excited, THCO may be the better option. This means that THCO and THCP are not inherently better than each other; what makes one best for you depends on which one serves your particular need at a specific time. 

 

THCO vs. THCP: Effects

THCO and THCP have similar effects in that both will get you high and produce feelings of euphoria and relaxation. Both cannabinoids will also typically lead to increased appetite and an altered sense of perception. They also possess therapeutic benefits such as pain relief and relaxation.

 

THCO vs. THCP: Potency

Both cannabinoids are potent in their ability to make you high. However, THCP is the more powerful one of the two. The cannabinoid is said to be at least two times more potent than THCO and at least ten times more powerful than THC. Note that THCO is also about three times more potent than regular delta 9 THC.

 

Where to Buy THCO and THCP Products Online

Are you looking to buy THCO and THCP products online to add spice to your cannabis experience? We recommend that you check out the products at Delta Munchies. 

We boast a fine selection of THCP vapes in an exciting range of values. Check out our Strawberry Shortcake THCP Vape and our customer-favorite Blueberry Faygo THCP Vape.

You’ll find that each of our THCP vapes (and all our products) are derived from premium-quality hemp and are manufactured to the highest production and regulatory standards.

 

Final Thoughts

THCO and THCP are exciting cannabinoids growing in popularity in the cannabis market. While both are generally very potent, each offers unique qualities that can help you take your cannabis experience to the next level.

 

THCO vs. THCP: FAQs

Is THCP Better than THCO?

No, THCP is not better than THCO. Instead, your preferred option will depend on your unique preferences.

Is THCP the Strongest Cannabinoid?

THCP is extremely powerful and may be the strongest naturally-occurring cannabinoid. 

Is THCP the Most Potent?

Until further research proves differently, THCP is currently regarded as the most potent cannabinoid in the cannabis market today.

What is THCP Used for?

Users typically use THCP for recreational and experimental purposes. However, some others may use it for medical reasons.