THC Vs. THC-O Vs. THCP: What’s the Difference?

The cannabis market is highly diverse, especially for anyone who is just getting started. Choosing between products that contain THC, THC-O, and THCP can be difficult. In this blog, we will cover the differences between THC, THC-O, and THCP and discuss their effects and benefits. 

THC, THC-O, and THCP are all part of the Tetrahydrocannabinol family. However, they differ in chemical composition and have different effects on people. THC is the main psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant. THCP and THC-O are new cannabinoids, both more potent than THC. THC-O does not occur naturally but has been synthetically altered. 

Let’s explore the differences between THC, THCP, and THC-O.

What is THC?

THC, short for Tetrahydrocannabinol, is one of the most popular chemicals in the cannabis world. THC is present in both marijuana and hemp plants, but the concentration of THC in hemp plants is much lower. THC is psychoactive and is what causes the feeling of getting high. 

THC Effects

THC, which usually refers to the form of THC known as Delta-9, affects the body in many ways. This substance is generally associated with pain relief and a feeling of calm. However, THC impairs people’s memory, ability to learn or understand information, and judgment. Moreover, THC creates changes in the user’s mood, appetite, and hunger. Redness of the eyes and potential lung irritation are also among the side effects of THC. The effects of THC are temporary and only last for a short time.

Benefits of THC

Below are the benefits of THC:

• Relief from chronic pain
• Reduces symptoms of alcoholism and drug addiction
• Helps with depression, PTSD, and social anxiety
• Helps reduce chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting
• Potentially reduces symptoms of spasticity among people with multiple sclerosis
• Treats specific types of epilepsy

What is THCP?

THCP, an abbreviation for 9-Tetrahydrocannabiphorol, is the most potent phytocannabinoid in the cannabis plant. It’s a naturally occurring cannabinoid and is much stronger than THC. THCP can cause almost psychedelic effects but does not cause hallucinations. According to one study, THCP binds to the endocannabinoid receptor CB1 at around 33 times the potency of delta-9-THC. As a result, THCP is much more potent than THC> THCP was discovered in 2019 in Italy when a team of scientists managed to isolate the compound from cannabis plants using advanced liquid chromatography.

THCP Effects

The effects of THCP are very similar to the effects of THC, including a sense of calm, pain relief, and reduced feelings of anxiety. However, THCP also triggers a range of effects in the brain, leading to an altered state of consciousness. These changes include euphoric feelings and temporary shifting of visual and auditory perception. Although studies on THCP are still ongoing, some studies have shown that THCP has pain-relieving properties and can also help combat nausea and epilepsy. The effects of THCP can last for 12 to 24 hours, which is far longer than THC.

Benefits of THCP

Using THCP can provide the following benefits: 

• Pain relief
• Anti-inflammatory effects 
• Anti-nausea effects 
• Anxiety and stress relief
• Insomnia relief 
• Appetite stimulation

What is THC-O?

THC-O is a synthetically produced cannabinoid known to be three times stronger than THC. THC-O has gained immense popularity recently due to its purported psychedelic effects. However, scientific studies have not confirmed any of these effects or the safety of this compound. Heating THC-O can produce ketene, which is a toxic gas, so smoking or vaping it can be dangerous. THC-O has only been made legal in certain states. 

THC-O Effects

THC-O is a psychoactive drug that will induce the feeling of being “high” in users. Some users deem THC-O to be a psychedelic drug with mushroom-life effects, but these effects have not been confirmed. Although the research about the effects of THC-O is still underway, a survey of 300 participants revealed that, for 79% of the participants, THC-O was not significantly psychedelic. The common effects observed by the participants were euphoria, pain relief, and relaxation, similar to the effects of THC and THCP.

Benefits Of THC-O

The potential benefits of THC-O include the following:

• Insomnia relief 
• Anxiety relief 
• Pain relief
• Anti-inflammatory properties 

THC, THCP, and THC-O are all cannabinoids that produce the feeling of being high. However, each substance has different potency and chemical properties. THCP products often contain synthetic THCP, and THC-O is a synthetic compound that is relatively new. If you’re not sure which THC product is right for you, contact a trusted medical marijuana provider like Botanical Sciences.