Understanding THCP
You may have heard about THCP before and wondered, what exactly is THCP and how does it compare to THCA?
As maximum milligram amounts evolves from state to state, we have diligently worked on creating alternative products that meet the new guidelines and still deliver the experience you expect. For many of our products, we looked to THCP to be the star of the show because of its strength and potency.
THCP vs. THCA: How Strong Are They Really?
As cannabis science continues to evolve, new cannabinoids are stepping into the spotlight—two of the most talked-about right now are THCP and THCA. While they may sound similar, their effects and potency are very different.
What is THCP?
THCP (tetrahydrocannabiphorol) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid discovered in 2019. What makes THCP so exciting—and intense—is how strongly it binds to the body’s CB1 receptors.
Early research suggests THCP may bind up to 30 times more effectively than traditional THC, which means even small amounts can produce very powerful effects. Users often report a deeper, longer-lasting experience compared to standard THC products.
What is THCA?
THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the non-psychoactive precursor to THC found in raw cannabis. On its own, THCA won’t get you high.
However, when heated (through smoking, vaping, or cooking), THCA converts into THC—a process called decarboxylation. Once converted, it delivers the familiar psychoactive effects people expect from cannabis.
Comparing Strength
This is where things really separate:
THCP
Extremely potent, active in very small doses, and produces strong psychoactive effects.
THCA
Not psychoactive in its raw form; only becomes intoxicating after being heated and converted into THC.
Even after conversion, THC (from THCA) is still significantly less potent than THCP. In simple terms, THCP sits at the top of the potency scale, while THCA is more about potential that needs activation.
So while we have become limited as far as how many milligrams of THC can be in our products in certain states, THCP delivers a stronger effect than THCA, leading to gummies with smaller amounts of THCP that rival THCA gummies with a higher milligram amount.
