The world of cannabinoids never ceases to amaze us. Research continues to uncover variations that reveal an ever-deepening universe of diversity in cannabis plants. One of these new discoveries is THCP, a phytocannabinoid that aroused the interest of the scientific community because it could help to better understand the differences perceived in experiences with this plant. Let’s take a step-by-step look at what THCP is, how it was first described, how it differs from THC, and what implications it might have on interpreting the potency of certain extracts.
What is THCP and how was it discovered?
The first time this cannabinoid was talked about was in 2019, when the work of researchers Citti et al. was published. (2019). The news was not only that they had identified a new molecule in the plant, but that they isolated it and described it with analytical tools that confirmed its phytocannabinoid nature. This is crucial because it differentiates a genuine find in the cannabis sativa plant from the many synthetic cannabinoids that have been developed today.
The team showed that THCP possesses a heptyl (seven carbon) side chain, a structural trait that became the main clue to understanding its pharmacological behavior. In addition, the authors did not stop at the structure: they measured its affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors and observed how it behaved in the classic tetrad test in animal models, a set of tests that explores hypolocomotion, hypothermia, catalepsy and analgesia.
In simple terms, Citti et al. (2019) provide three important pieces for the research: first, the confirmation that THCP exists in the plant; second, the chemical characterization that explains its differences with THC and why it could interact more strongly with the endocannabinoid system; and third, they conducted tests on animal models that indicate that the effects appear with lower amounts than those necessary with THC. That combination of data led the authors to propose a suggestive hypothesis: small amounts of THCP in certain extracts could modulate perceived potency, which would help explain why two strains with the same percentage of THC don’t always feel the same.
Differences Between THC and THCP
If you’re wondering why two molecules so similar could generate different effects, the answer lies in their structure. THC has a pentyl chain (five carbons), while THCP incorporates heptyl (seven carbons). According to Citti et al. (2019), what is interesting is that this chain is responsible for the interaction with the CB1 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. This interaction is the cause of THC’s psychoactive effects, and experts theorize that the longer chain of THCP increases the likelihood that, at equivalent concentrations, more receptors will be occupied and greater effects will occur.
Why Might THCP Be More Potent Than THC?
To understand why THCP shows a superior affinity, it is worth looking at what Citti et al. (2019) specifically provide about its interaction with the CB1 receptor. In their study, they performed assays that quantify the firmness of each molecule’s binding to the receptor. The outstanding result was that THCP appeared to have an affinity for CB1 several tens of times higher than that reported for THC under comparable conditions. This difference suggests that, at the same concentration, THCP occupies a greater number of receptors, increasing the likelihood of effects associated with cannabis use.
This is precisely what the experimental data described by Citti et al. show. (2019). The analyses they carried out in animal models by applying the so-called “tetrad test” that compares sensory effects, seem to support their idea that THCP can cause the same effects as THC with smaller amounts. However, this has not yet been studied in humans.
Presence of THCP in the plant and variability
One of the big questions after their discovery was how much THCP actually exists in the plant. Citti et al. (2019) They detected it in trace amounts, indicating that it is not an abundant cannabinoid. However, they pointed out that there could be varieties with higher levels, which opens the possibility that it influences the experience of some specific plants.
For those looking to use cannabis for different purposes, this could be key. If two products have the same percentage of THC but one includes undeclared amounts of THCP, their effects could be very different. For this reason, the experts also recommended that THCP be included in chemical profile analyses, so that all interested parties have more accurate information about the actual potency of the products.
THCP Research: What’s Known and What’s Not
So far, everything we know about THCP comes from laboratory studies and animal models. This means that we are talking about promising signs, but little more than that. Let’s see, however, what these studies say.
Potential applications of THCP
In his scientific review, Walsh et al. (2021) stressed that minor cannabinoids such as THCP deserve to be studied with the same rigor as the main ones. They stressed that its properties observed in the laboratory could be of interest for the treatment of pain or other symptoms, especially since lower doses are required to produce analgesic effects.
As we saw before, Citti et al. (2019) confirmed in mice that THCP reproduces the effects of THC more effectively. However Walsh et al. (2021) They recalled that these types of findings cannot be confirmed without clinical studies in humans. There have not yet been any known trials confirming its safety or efficacy.
Risks, safety and precautions
In the field of public health, Rossheim et al. (2023) drew attention to the way in which products that mention THCP as an ingredient are being marketed. In many cases, they are offered in a confusing legal framework, with highly variable quality standards and unclear labelling. Given the lack of reliable measurement techniques and little research, experts point to the need to continue researching THCP to learn more about this cannabinoid and to be able to identify what its existence implies.
For its part, Walsh et al. (2021) insisted that the benefit-risk balance of THCP should be carefully evaluated before considering it as a therapeutic option. The problem is that, being in a market without clear regulation, it is difficult to guarantee its purity, the real dose it contains or the absence of synthetic by-products.
In short, what is known today is that THCP shows striking biological activity and that it could be potentially interesting for therapeutic purposes. What is not known, and is the most important thing, is how it behaves in people and what real risks its use entails.
Conclusion
THCP is a naturally occurring cannabinoid that expands our understanding of the cannabis plant. Their existence and potential characteristics are exciting because they could change the way we understand how these plants work. As the experts pointed out, this opens the door to many investigations, but we also have to be careful. At this point, the best way to understand THCP is to see it as a promising scientific finding, but still at an early stage. There are still many questions and, although some people are starting to use his name for commercial purposes, we must be cautious.
At Maionais CBD , our priority is that you are informed so that you can make responsible decisions when buying CBD or products with other cannabinoids. Keep exploring our blog to learn and discover more about this fascinating world of cannabis. Your care starts with your knowledge!
References
- Walsh, K. B., McKinney, A. E., & Holmes, A. E. (2021). Minor cannabinoids: Biosynthesis, molecular pharmacology and potential therapeutic uses. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, 777804. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.777804
- Natale, N. (2025). THCP (Tetrahydrocannabiphorol): Origins, effects, and risks. Recovered. https://recovered.org/marijuana/thcp
- Rossheim, M. E., Loparco, C. R., Henry, D., Trangenstein, P. J., & Walters, S. T. (2023). Delta-8, Delta-10, HHC, THC-O, THCP, and THCV: What should we call these products? Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 84(3), 357–360. https://doi.org/10.15288/jsad.23-00028
- Citti, C., Linciano, P., Russo, F., Luongo, L., Iannotta, M., Maione, S., Laganà, A., Capriotti, A. L., Forni, F., Vandelli, M. A., Gigli, G., & Cannazza, G. (2019). A novel phytocannabinoid isolated from Cannabis sativa L. with an in vivo cannabimimetic activity higher than Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol: Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabiphorol. Scientific reports, 9(1), 20335. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-56785-1
