Tetrahydrocannabinol (THCP) is another relatively recent cannabinoid that is slowly gaining interest due to its extremely high potency compared to THC.
However, as a consequence of being a newer discovery and still being under research, its safety and side effects or the possible adverse effects are still under discussion.
But for all the curious souls out there, here is an informative overview regarding what has been already found about this new variant of cannabis.
Key Points
- THCP possesses up to 30-fold affinity towards the CB1 receptor than THC.
- This is because compounds within the drug can have extremely short half-lives yet cause dramatic changes in mood, perception, and cognition, even at low levels.
- It is synthesized to be used in products because the natural contents of THCP in cannabis are very low.
THCP Explained: Everything You Need To Know About It!
THCP was first discovered and identified in October 2019 by Italian scientists and has since been labeled as one of the most potent endogenous cannabinoids.
THCP is structurally very close to THC, but the only difference is that it has a longer aliphatic side chain. This difference makes THCP interact more strongly with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, thereby enhancing its psychoactivity by several folds.
Why Is THCP So Potent?
Researchers think the longer side chain at THCP makes it more readily interact with the receptors in the brains of CB1. Delta-9 THC has a 5-carbon chain, but THCP has a 7-carbon skeleton in its chain, allowing it to have more receptor binding.
This increased binding, in turn, has a potency 33,000,000 times that of THC, which really means that any amount, no matter how small, is powerful, usually in a bad way.
Regular Risks and Side Effects of THC-P
Letting THCP have a higher potency also has its advantages, yet it has its downsides. This is because THCP interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the body even more than THC does, meaning that most of the side effects related to high-intensity THC may be exaggerated with THCP.
Reported Side Effects
Some of the commonly reported side effects of THC-P include:
-
Dry Mouth and Dry Eyes. Like with many other cannabinoids, THCP users usually complain of dehydration symptoms.
- Increased Heart Rate and Lowered Blood Pressure. THCP does trigger some cardiovascular changes; the patient may feel dizzy or lightheaded.
- Anxiety and Paranoia. THCP has highly potent psychoactive impacts on a user, which may develop or worsen anxiety in patients who already have such complications.
- Cognitive Impairment. Some common side effects related to the nervous system might include short-term memory problems, confusion, or problems with decision-making.
- Sedation and Grogginess. THCP, when taken in large quantities, acts as a sedative, and while this could be useful in treating sleep disorders such as insomnia, it is rather inconvenient during work.
Potential Long-Term Effects
As a relatively new substance, little is known about the matter of its long-term consequences since THCP. While it seems to be highly effective, this increases questions about dependence, tolerance, and psychological effects after a long period of usage.
Benefits and Uses of THCP
Due to its interaction with cannabinoid receptors, THCP can also provide several therapeutic benefits to mankind, and some of them include:
THCP’s increased affinity for CB1 receptors may make it useful in treating chronic pain diseases. The compound present within the compound could be helpful for individuals suffering from either insomnia or anxiety.Thanks to that increase in potency, relatively low concentrations of THCP can get the job done, possibly decreasing the side effect factors compared to high THC concentrations.
While it has been established that THCP offers some aspects of treatment that appear to be effective, more research needs to be done to establish safe usage practices in the future.
Is THCP Safe to Use?
THCP’s safety is more or less relative to the dosage, tolerance, and approach employed in its administration.
There is hearsay evidence that it may be entirely safe if consumed in moderation. It is, nonetheless, highly potent at both ends of the scale and typifies the potential risks of dietary supplements.
Safety Considerations:
Start with Low Doses, due to its strength, it is recommended to start with very low doses to establish one’s sensitivity.
Monitor Your Body. Ensure you record any reactions you get and change your dosage if the side effects are uncomfortable.
Avoid Mixing with Other Substances. THCP should not be consumed with alcohol or other psychoactive agents due to enhanced risk factors for any of the side effects.
Buy from Reputable Sources.THCP products you buy should also be tested independently for purity and potency.
How to Use THCP Safely
Responsible use of THCP can reduce adverse effects and lead towards its safe usage. Some practical tips leading to the safe usage of THCP include:
Tips for Safe Usage
Start Small and Increase Gradually: The microdoses should be taken initially, and only the dosage must be raised when acquainted with side effects.
Choose Trusted Vendors: Online purchases should be made with products tested by third parties to get the best quality and safety.
Stay in a Comfortable Environment: One must use THCP in a clean environment they have visited before, with people they know, so that in case of any unforeseen circumstances, people know who to contact and how to handle you properly.
Avoid Operating Machinery: THCP can have a rather strong impact on the body, causing problems with coordination and reaction – things like driving become risky.
Despite being a great discovery and addition to the cannabinoids family, the regular usage of THCP might also elicit a strong effect due to the level of potency that THCP entails. Research about the compound continues to this day, and due to the boosting of its effects, the compound must be used responsibly.
For now, users should take small amounts of the product, pay attention to their responses and buy from reputable manufacturers and retailers. THCP’s advantages are quite stimulating, but recognizing its dangers is highly essential for its application.