There has been a lot of fuzz regarding the potency of delta-8 THC and HHC. However, there’s a new player in town, and its name is THC-P. This unique and potent cannabinoid grabbed the attention of many cannabis users and is quickly taking over the entire cannabis industry. Although it is a naturally occurring cannabinoid, this hemp-derived THC is among the intoxicating cannabinoids most weed enthusiasts don’t know much about.
With that in mind, let’s delve deeper into this new THC compound, its chemical structure, and potency to see how it affects the endocannabinoid receptors and how it compares to other cannabinoids such as delta-8, delta-9, THC-O, and HHC.
What is THCP Cannabinoid?
The hemp plant contains 150 cannabinoids, with THC-P (tetrahydrocannabiphorol) being one of them. It’s a natural cannabinoid that many experts consider an organic THC compound.
Although THC-P is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the hemp plant, its natural cannabinoid levels are way below 0.1%, making it problematic for cannabis manufacturers to gather enough pure extract for the market.
Found in 2019 by Italian researchers, THC-P is a phytocannabinoid and is among the most potent cannabinoids today. Compared to Delta-9 TCH, THC-P is 33 times more powerful. It’s also 63 times more psychotropic than THC-V.
THC-P binds to cannabinoid receptors just like delta-9 THC. However, the bond is much more robust with a far greater binding affinity for the endocannabinoid receptors, hence greater potency. THC-P has a longer alkyl side chain. Its string of carbon atoms is much longer than traditional THC (THC-P has seven carbon atoms while THC has only five).
Because of that, THC-P interacts much better with the endocannabinoid system. In other words, THC-P works great even in lower doses and takes a much smaller amount to provide the wanted effect.
Benefits of THC-P
Although THC-P is still somewhat new to the cannabis industry, the potential medical applications and anecdotal evidence are already bearing fruit. Since it’s so potent, THC-P may provide pain relief to users who need higher doses of THC for medicinal purposes, such as patients who fight cancer.
Higher doses of THC-P can help soothe insomnia and relieve intractable pain. It can also help frequent cannabis users with a high tolerance for hemp-derived delta-9 THC due to being significantly stronger.
Effects of THC-P
Before we state the effects of THC-P, we must first understand how it differs from other popular cannabinoids. Delta-9 THC, CBG, and CBD share a similar chemical structure. The difference between THCP and other cannabinoids is in the length of a specific side chain, called the C3 alkyl side chain.
THCP is the only cannabinoid with seven carbon atoms linked in the side chain. This perk is what makes THCP stronger and incredibly potent. It gives THCP potent activity throughout the human central nervous system.
However, there’s no solid evidence of the effects of THCP on humans. Although research indicates it should have more substantial intoxicating effects on the endocannabinoid system, there’s no definitive proof that THCP products are more potent when consumed.
Is it legal?
While no one says THCP is federally illegal, its legality depends on your location. The cannabis plant is largely legal in the USA, but the THCP legal status is a bit more complex. THC is either legal or illegal, depending on federal and state marijuana laws.
So, based on that, the legal status of THCP depends on where it comes from. Even though the 2018 Farm Bill makes THC and CBD legal, it falls short on THCP, leaving it in a legal grey area. However, one thing is for sure – as long as it’s hemp-derived delta-9 THC, it stays clear from being listed in the controlled substance act.
Ideal Dosage of THCP
The ideal dosage of THCP depends on the product, as different THCP products have different potency. It also depends on the experience you have with cannabinoids.
Here’s a guide chart:
- Beginners with low tolerance – 1mg-3mg per use;
- Intermediate with moderate tolerance – 3mg-5mg per use;
- Advanced with high tolerance – 5mg-10mg per use.
The chart applies to THCP products like disposable vapes, vape cartridges, tinctures, and other products with varying levels of cannabinoids. Since many users report THCP as quite potent, we recommend avoiding higher concentrations. Instead, try a smaller amount for starters. You will experience relaxing effects with lower doses.
What is HHC Cannabinoid?
HHC is also a phytocannabinoid that naturally occurs in the cannabis plant. HHC stands for hexahydrocannabinol and is a hydrogenated sort of THC.
Since the cannabis plant contains HHC in trace amounts, cannabis manufacturers must use advanced technology to generate enough HHC via the hydrogenation process of cannabis extracts. The process converts THC to HHC by changing its molecular weight.
It adds hydrogen molecules across the double bonds in the THC’s chemical structure. Because of that, HHC is considered the best alternative to delta-8 THC due to having comparative effects.
The hydrogenation process makes HHC more resilient to heat and air and gives it an extended shelf life. Compared to delta-8 THC, HHC is legal in more states and more potent than delta-8.
What is Delta-8 THC?
According to the research team that found it, delta-8 is an analog of THC, and like its counterpart, it targets cannabinoid receptors, such as the CB1 receptor. However, delta-8 has a lower bonding affinity than delta-9 THC. Although it is a naturally occurring cannabinoid, delta-8 can also be synthetic.
THCP Vs. HHC
When we look at THC-P vs. HHC, we can see that HHC shares almost the same chemical structure as delta-9 THC. The HHC cannabinoid is more similar to D9 than THC-P and shares nearly the same effects as D9, although it is slightly weaker.
Which is stronger?
THC-P is stronger than HHC due to having more carbon atoms than HHC. That allows THC-P to create stronger bonds with receptors, making it more potent with a stronger psychoactive effect. Many users state that smaller doses of THC-P are enough to experience intoxicating effects similar to delta-9.
Effects of HHC and THC-P
A recent study shed some light on the effects of THC-P, finding it slightly more psychoactive than regular THC. Lower doses provide more relaxing effects, while higher doses produce more sedative effects. The tests also showed that doses higher than 10mg could lower body temperature.
HHC can produce similar effects to delta-9 THC but with less intensity. Studies have shown it can inhibit pain and soothe insomnia by promoting sleep.
Difference Between Delta-8 and HHC
The difference between HHC and delta-8 is in the molecular structure. While delta-8 has a double bond between carbons on the alkyl side chain, HHC has no bond in its chemical structure. Instead, HHC has two hydrogenated molecules. This chemical difference makes HHC more potent and effective than delta-8.
Which is stronger?
The experts claim that HHC is more potent and stronger than delta-8 and delta-9 THC.
Effects of HHC and Delta-8
Cannabis users looking for medicinal benefits should turn to delta-8 products. Those who are after a more intoxicating and potent cannabinoid should consider HHC.
HHC provided a more uplifting experience with an energy boost and euphoric effects. On the other hand, delta-8 is more suitable for getting all-over-body relaxation and more psychoactive effects.
Are they legal?
According to the 2018 Farm Bill, all hemp-derived products and extracts containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC are legal. That technically applies to both HHC and delta-8. As long as delta-9 products contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight, they are technically legal nationwide.
Points to Keep in Mind Before Buying Delta-8 or HHC
Before you go out and buy HHC or delta-8, you should ensure that the products are clean and safe for consumption. We recommend shopping online for both, as online dispensaries offer better prices and more options.
Always research the brand before buying any hemp product. Check their website, user reviews, and testimonials. Explore their home page and look for third-party testing results and certificates.
Most trustworthy brands will keep these documents transparent and easily accessible. You should be able to find potency testing results as well, including purity and quality testing. Since HHC and delta-8 are both created in the lab, you should look for test results for heavy metals, residual solvents, mycotoxins, microbial, pesticides, etc.
Cannabinoid Comparison: THCP Vs. Delta-8 & HHC
Here are the essentials to consider when choosing between HHC, THCP, and delta-8.
Safety
THC-P, delta-8, and HHC cannabinoids greatly differ regarding safety. THCP and delta-8 can have potential side effects commonly associated with the consumption of THC. At the same time, HHC could cause more severe consequences due to its potency and the fact that it’s synthetic.
Method of Extraction
Ethanol, water, CO2, butane, and alcohol are common methods of extraction in the cannabis industry. These solvents allow manufacturers to separate precious cannabinoids safely from the hemp/cannabis plant. While each extraction method has its benefits, not all will guarantee the highest levels of potency and quality.
Thankfully, solvent extraction is the best way to extract and preserve the natural potency of cannabinoids in the hemp/cannabis plant. For THCP, the best extraction method is using chromatography techniques, such as liquid chromatography.
Intoxication
HHC, THCP, and delta-8 will all make you feel intoxicated. The only cannabinoid that won’t make you feel high is CBD. The cannabinoids we mentioned here provide almost the same intoxicating effects.
However, the intensity of the experience will depend on the cannabinoid, dose, and your previous experience with THC. In THCP vs. HHC, THCP wins the battle potency-wise.
Regulation
Regulation is vital when it comes to buying any cannabis product. We’ve already mentioned that all hemp-derived products with less than 0.3% delta-9 THC are legal nationwide. That means that delta-8 and CBD are legal.
However, THCP and HHC fall into the gray area. Their regulatory and legal status is largely unknown due to their synthetic nature. The only illegal cannabinoid is delta-9 THC.
FAQs
Do THCP and HHC come from the hemp plant?
Although THCP can be found in the hemp plant, it comes in low concentrations. Thankfully, manufacturers have found a way to isolate and extract THCP from marijuana and hemp plants using the liquid chromatography technique.
HHC can also naturally occur in marijuana and hemp plants. However, manufacturers must use chemical processes to make HHC from non-intoxicating, hemp-derived CBD (cannabidiol). That’s why HHC isn’t considered THC.
Does HHC interact with cannabinoid receptors to produce its effects?
Yes, HHC has an affinity for bonding with cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. Although HHC binds to the receptors in the endocannabinoid system, it does so with a weaker affinity than THC.
That’s why it’s less psychoactive and intoxicating than delta-9 THC. Its effects are most similar to those of delta-8 THC.
How long does it take for THCP effects to kick in?
The amount of time it takes for THCP to kick in depends on the consumption method. For example, vaping or smoking THCP will make you feel the effects in up to 15-20 minutes. The peak effect will come in an hour and lasts about two hours.
On the other hand, it will take an hour or two to experience the effects if you’re consuming edibles like brownies or gummies. On the flip side, edibles produce effects that can last up to six hours.
How long it takes for THCP to take effect depends on the dosage. Lower doses take longer to produce effects, while higher doses can make you feel high in about 10-15 minutes, depending on how many mg of THCP you take.
Which one is a natural cannabinoid?
THCP and delta-8 THC are natural cannabinoids. They naturally occur in the hemp and marijuana plants. HHC is strictly synthetic, even though it’s inherently a natural phytocannabinoid.
Both HHC and delta-8 require advanced technology to produce the wanted results. THCP, on the other hand, involves synthesis to be applied due to being naturally available in small quantities.
All three cannabinoids exist naturally in marijuana and hemp plants but in low concentrations. Because of that, THCP and HHC come from hemp-derived delta-9 THC, while delta-8 comes from CBD.
What does taking Delta-8 feels like?
The effects of delta-8 can vary depending on your physiology, the method of consumption, and how much you take. Generally, cannabis users report feeling less anxious, energized, and relaxed after taking delta-8.
Some report feelings of drowsiness, increased appetite, reduced stress and anxiety and improved sleep quality. Enhanced concentration and focus are some other positive experiences you can expect.
Some claim that delta-8 helps them manage depression, stress, and insomnia. Delta-8 can give you both a whole body and head high. If you’re after a specific type of high, we recommend trying different consumption methods and strains until you accomplish your goal.
Conclusion: Delta-8 Vs. HHC Vs. THCP: Which one is stronger?
Since HHC is less potent than delta-8 and THCP much stronger than delta-8, we can safely conclude that THCP is the strongest of the three. Even though HHC isn’t as strong as delta-8, it can still make you feel relaxed and euphoric.
THCP can be very stimulating and energizing, making it a good choice for treating many discomforts and disorders. It can deliver medicinal benefits such as anti-seizure, anti-nausea, and pain relief. HHC and delta-8 produce almost the same potency level, but more research is needed to make a claim.
If you’re after a more THC-like high, we recommend trying THCP. If you’re after a milder version of THC, try HHC. In the end, you’re the one who decides what cannabinoid works best for you.
Here’s a chart of the strongest cannabinoids by potency for your information:
- THCP – the most potent cannabinoid (33x more potent than regular THC);
- THCO – 3x more potent than delta-9 THC;
- Delta-9 THC;
- HHC – 80% of delta-8 THC potency;
- Delta-8 THC – about 65% of delta-9 THC potency.
This chart should help you get some understanding of each of these cannabinoids to get the most pleasurable experience possible.
References
https://www.natureandbloom.com/thcp-vs-hhc/
https://vivimu.com/blogs/blog/hhc-vs-thcp-what-are-the-differences
https://www.natureandbloom.com/thcp-vs-hhc/
https://www.discovermagazine.com/lifestyle/hhc-vs-delta-8-whats-the-difference
