What is THCP? Understanding the latest cannabis compound and its effects
What is THCP? Understanding the latest cannabis compound and its effects
THCP is a naturally occurring cannabinoid that was first identified by researchers in 2019. Its chemical structure is similar to THC, the main intoxicating compound in cannabis, but THCP has attracted attention because it binds strongly to cannabinoid receptors in laboratory studies.
This has led to claims that THCP is “33 times stronger than THC”. However, that description is misleading. The original research found that THCP had a much higher binding affinity at the CB1 receptor in a laboratory test. It did not prove that THCP produces effects in people that are 33 times stronger.
In this guide, we explain what THCP is, how it differs from THC, what researchers currently know about its possible effects and risks, and why patients in the UK should not use unregulated THCP products as a substitute for prescribed medical cannabis.
Contents
What Is THCP?
THCP stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiphorol. It is a phytocannabinoid, meaning it occurs naturally in the cannabis plant.
THCP has a similar molecular structure to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, usually shortened to THC. THC is the best-known intoxicating cannabinoid in cannabis and is responsible for many of the plant’s psychoactive effects.
The main structural difference is the length of the molecule’s alkyl side chain. Delta-9-THC has a five-carbon side chain, while THCP has a seven-carbon side chain.
This difference appears to affect how strongly THCP can bind to cannabinoid receptors. However, THCP is normally present only in very small quantities in the cannabis plant, and scientists still know relatively little about its effects in humans.
How Was THCP Discovered?
Italian researchers reported the identification of THCP in a study published in Scientific Reports in 2019.
The researchers isolated THCP from a cannabis sample and examined how it interacted with human CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in laboratory binding tests. They also carried out tests in mice to investigate whether the compound produced cannabinoid-like effects.
This was an important scientific discovery, but it was an early-stage study. It did not establish an effective medical dose, confirm therapeutic benefits or provide a reliable safety profile for people.
THCP vs THC: What Is the Difference?
THCP and THC are chemically related cannabinoids, but they are not interchangeable.
- Chemical structure: THCP has a seven-carbon side chain, compared with the five-carbon side chain found in delta-9-THC.
- Natural abundance: THCP appears to occur naturally in cannabis at very low concentrations.
- Receptor binding: Laboratory research suggests THCP binds strongly to CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors.
- Human evidence: THC has been studied much more extensively. Reliable human research on THCP remains extremely limited.
- Clinical use: THC is present in prescribed cannabis-based medicines. THCP is not an established treatment used routinely in UK medical cannabis care.
Because the evidence base is so different, it is not appropriate to assume that findings about THC automatically apply to THCP.
Is THCP Really 33 Times Stronger Than THC?
The claim that THCP is “33 times stronger than THC” comes from a laboratory receptor-binding result.
In the original study, THCP showed approximately 33 times greater binding affinity than delta-9-THC at the CB1 receptor under the specific test conditions used. CB1 receptors are found mainly in the brain and central nervous system and are involved in many of THC’s intoxicating effects.
Binding affinity describes how readily a substance attaches to a receptor. It does not directly tell us how intense the experience will be, what dose will produce an effect or how long those effects will last in a person.
For this reason, it is more accurate to say that THCP showed much stronger CB1 receptor binding in a laboratory study—not that it has been proven to be 33 times more intoxicating or medically effective than THC.
What Are the Effects of THCP?
There is not enough controlled human research to define the effects of THCP reliably.
Because THCP acts at cannabinoid receptors and produced cannabinoid-like effects in animal testing, researchers expect it may cause some effects similar to THC. These could potentially include:
- Intoxication or changes in perception.
- Drowsiness or sedation.
- Reduced concentration.
- Changes in coordination and reaction time.
- Changes in mood or anxiety.
- Increased appetite.
- Dry mouth.
- Dizziness or feeling light-headed.
However, much of the information found online comes from anecdotal reports or sellers of cannabinoid products. These sources cannot establish safe doses, expected effects or medical benefits.
The contents of unregulated products may also differ from their labels, making individual reports difficult to interpret.
Does THCP Have Medical Benefits?
There is currently not enough clinical evidence to say that THCP is an effective treatment for pain, insomnia, anxiety, neurological conditions or any other medical condition.
The original discovery study showed that THCP interacted with cannabinoid receptors and produced cannabinoid-like activity in mice. That may justify further research, but it does not establish a medical benefit in patients.
Claims that THCP may be useful for chronic pain, sleep problems, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease or cancer-related symptoms remain speculative unless supported by suitable human clinical trials.
Patients interested in cannabis-based treatment should discuss established prescription options with a specialist rather than seeking highly potent or poorly studied cannabinoids online.
For more information about recognised formulations used in specialist care, read our guide to medical cannabis flower, oils and pastilles.
Is THCP Safe?
THCP does not yet have a well-established safety profile in humans. There is no widely accepted clinical dosing guidance, and researchers do not have enough evidence to understand its short-term or long-term risks.
If THCP produces THC-like effects, possible risks may include:
- Anxiety, panic or paranoia.
- Confusion or changes in perception.
- Dizziness and loss of balance.
- Drowsiness or heavy sedation.
- Impaired coordination and slower reactions.
- Increased heart rate or palpitations.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- A greater risk of unwanted effects when combined with alcohol, sedatives or other medicines.
People with a personal or close family history of psychosis or schizophrenia may be particularly vulnerable to unwanted psychiatric effects from intoxicating cannabinoids.
A lack of evidence does not mean THCP is safe. It means there is not enough reliable information to estimate the risks accurately.
Why Unregulated THCP Products Carry Extra Risk
THCP occurs naturally in cannabis in very low concentrations. Products sold as high-strength THCP may therefore contain concentrated extracts, manufactured THCP or mixtures with other cannabinoids.
When a product is bought outside a regulated medical supply chain, it may be difficult to confirm:
- Whether it contains the cannabinoid stated on the label.
- The actual dose in each serving.
- Whether it contains THC or other controlled cannabinoids.
- Whether it contains residual solvents, heavy metals, pesticides or other contaminants.
- Whether the product has been tested by a suitable independent laboratory.
- How it may interact with prescription medicines.
Products marketed as THCP vapes, oils, sweets or gummies should not be treated as medicines simply because they contain a cannabinoid or make wellness claims.
Prescribed medical cannabis is supplied through a regulated clinical and pharmacy pathway. You can learn more in our medical cannabis patient information guide.
Is THCP Legal in the UK?
THCP products should not be assumed to be legal in the UK.
Cannabis is a Class B controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. A number of psychoactive cannabinoids and cannabinol derivatives are also controlled. UK government and Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs material has identified THCP among phytocannabinoids considered within the UK’s controlled-drug framework.
The precise legal position of a product can depend on its composition, how it was produced, the part of the plant used and whether it meets a narrow legal exemption. A label stating that a product is hemp-derived, THC-free or legal does not prove that it complies with UK law.
The Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 may also be relevant to the production or supply of psychoactive substances that are not otherwise exempt or controlled under separate drug legislation.
Unless a cannabinoid product is lawfully prescribed and supplied through a regulated route, consumers should not assume that buying, possessing, importing or supplying it is permitted. Anyone requiring a definitive interpretation for a particular product should seek independent legal advice.
Is THCP Used in UK Medical Cannabis?
THCP is not an established active ingredient routinely prescribed as a standalone medical cannabis treatment in the UK.
UK medical cannabis treatment commonly focuses on products with known and controlled amounts of cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. A specialist assesses the formulation, strength, dose and method of administration that may be appropriate for the individual patient.
At CB1 Medical, patients receive a specialist assessment and an individual treatment plan. The aim is not to find the most potent cannabinoid. It is to identify a clinically appropriate option that can be monitored and adjusted safely.
Read our guide to THC-based cannabinoid medicines to learn more about the better-established cannabinoid used in prescribed treatment.
FAQs
What Is THCP?
THCP is short for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiphorol. It is a naturally occurring cannabinoid with a chemical structure similar to THC. It was first reported by researchers in 2019 and remains poorly studied in humans.
Is THCP Stronger Than THC?
Laboratory research found that THCP had a much higher binding affinity than delta-9-THC at the CB1 receptor. This does not prove that its effects in people are 33 times stronger. Controlled human research is still lacking.
Does THCP Get You High?
THCP is expected to be psychoactive because it acts at CB1 cannabinoid receptors and produced cannabinoid-like effects in animal studies. However, there is not enough controlled human evidence to define its potency, effects or safe dose.
Is THCP Natural or Synthetic?
THCP occurs naturally in the cannabis plant, but only in very small quantities. Some commercial products may contain concentrated, converted or manufactured cannabinoids, so the contents cannot be assumed from the product name alone.
Does THCP Help With Pain or Sleep?
There is not enough clinical research to confirm that THCP is a safe or effective treatment for pain, insomnia or another medical condition. Claims about these uses are currently speculative.
Is THCP Legal in the UK?
THCP should not be assumed to be legal. UK controlled-drug rules cover cannabis and a range of psychoactive cannabinoids and cannabinol derivatives. The legal status of an individual product depends on its content and circumstances, and commercial claims of legality may be unreliable.
Can THCP Be Prescribed in the UK?
THCP is not an established standalone ingredient routinely used in UK medical cannabis prescriptions. Prescribed treatment generally uses regulated products containing controlled and documented amounts of better-studied cannabinoids such as THC and CBD.
Are THCP Vapes and Gummies Safe?
Their safety cannot be assumed. Unregulated products may contain inaccurate doses, other psychoactive cannabinoids or contaminants. There is also no established clinical dosing guidance for THCP.
Can You Drive After Taking THCP?
You should not drive after using an intoxicating or impairing cannabinoid. THCP may affect concentration, coordination and reaction time, and an unprescribed product would not provide the same legal position as medicine lawfully prescribed and taken as directed.
The Bottom Line
THCP is an interesting scientific discovery, but the available evidence is still at an early stage. Researchers know that it has a longer side chain than THC and binds strongly to cannabinoid receptors in laboratory tests.
They do not yet know enough about its effects, effective dose, medical value or long-term safety in people. Claims that THCP is 33 times stronger than THC or that it can treat pain, insomnia or neurological conditions go beyond the current evidence.
Unregulated THCP products also create added concerns about legality, dose accuracy, contaminants and interactions with other medicines.
Patients interested in cannabis-based treatment should use a regulated medical pathway and speak to a specialist about established prescription options rather than experimenting with poorly studied cannabinoids.
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