The cannabis industry is ever-evolving as new cannabinoids appear all the time, intriguing both users and researchers. One compound that’s been gaining traction recently is THCP.
But could it be synthetic?
If you’ve been wondering the same, you’re at the right place. We’ll dive deep into what THCP is, how it’s made, and whether it’s synthetic or there’s more to it than meets the eye.
THCP Explained
THCP is short for tetrahydrocannabiphorol, a rare and highly potent cannabinoid. Discovered in 2019 by a group of Italian researchers, it shares a similar structure to THC, the well-known and most researched cannabis compound that produces psychoactive effects.
But THCP has a major difference: its alkyl side chain is longer. This structure allows it to bind strongly to the cannabinoid receptors in the human body, specifically to the CB1 receptors in the brain, producing a deeper and stronger psychoactive experience.
The team suggests it could potentially be over 30 times more potent than Delta-9 THC.
Related: THCA vs. THC Isomers [THCP, THC-O, Delta-8, HHC]
Is THCP Found Naturally or Is It Synthetic?
This is where things aren’t entirely clear—THC does occur naturally, but these are small amounts, usually less than 0.1% concentration. So, it’s not viable to extract it directly from hemp plants for commercial purposes—it’s inefficient and expensive.
As a result, most of the THCP on the market is made artificially in a lab, using hemp-derived CBD or another legal cannabinoid. This process allows companies to make usable amounts of THCP.
Despite involving lab processes, THCP is not exactly synthetic. Though it’s not extracted straight from the plant, it’s also not entirely synthetic—it’s semi-synthetic, acquired from natural hemp compounds using lab-based conversion.
How Is THCP Made to Be Used in Products?
When manufacturers make THCP for use in products like vapes, tinctures, gummies, or other hemp products, they begin with CBD isolate that they extract from legal hemp.
The process differs from creating a fully synthetic cannabinoid in a laboratory from scratch. This process is more of a conversion than a total fabrication, and it looks like this:
- The CBD is extracted from hemp and then purified into an isolate form
- The CBD is converted into THCP via a chemical reaction, usually involving acid catalysts and organic solvents that rearrange the molecule’s structure
- The THCP is isolated and purified to eliminate unwanted byproducts
- The THCP is tested for potency, contaminants, and purity before it’s infused into the final products
This process guarantees the THCP stays hemp-derived and complies with the 2018 Farm Bill, which stipulates that the final product has to contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight to be considered legal hemp.
Related: Is THCa Flower Legal in My State? Here’s What You Need to Know
Is Lab-Made THCP Safe to Use?
Safety matters and rightly so.
THCP, when made from hemp-derived cannabinoids in a regulated, clean laboratory, is safe to consume, especially if the product is third-party tested to verify purity and content.
However, it’s worth noting that laboratories differ. Unfortunately, some manufacturers cut corners or avoid testing entirely, creating products that may contain dangerous contaminants like heavy metals, byproducts, and residual solvents.
This makes transparency and lab tests crucial factors in determining the quality of THCP products. When buying THCP, opt for established and trusted brands like Mr. Hemp Flower that disclose production methods, provide Certificates of Analysis, and have clear ingredients and dosage.
Why Is There Confusion About Natural vs. Synthetic?
There are plenty of blurry lines in the hemp and cannabis world, and the confusion surrounding THCP is a perfect example of that. It happens because “natural” sounds safer, and people don’t realize that the concentrations of THCP in raw plant form are too low.
On the other hand, using “synthetic” sounds dangerous, although many cannabinoids, including Delta-8 THC and even some Delta-9 THC, are produced via similar conversion lab methods.
Moreover, the word “synthetic” is often used as a scare tactic, especially by companies that promote one over another cannabinoid.
The reality is the following:
- Most hemp cannabinoids are processed in the lab, this way or another, and are isolated, converted, or refined
- Lab processing doesn’t necessarily make hemp cannabinoids bad—the real problem isn’t natural or synthetic, it’s about quality, transparency, and testing
- If a THCP product is made responsibly, third-party tested, and hemp-derived, it’s generally safe and can provide consistent effects
Related: Delta-8 THC vs. Delta-9 THC: What’s the Difference Between These Two Cannabinoids?
What Are the Most Common Ways of Using THCP?
Some of the most popular THCP products are:
- Edibles
- Vape carts
- Disposable vapes
- Dabs
- Waxes
- Concentrates
- Pre-rolls
- Hemp flower sprayed with THCP distillate
Considering THCP’s strength, even smaller amounts can have potent effects. So, always exercise caution when consuming THCP products.
Is THCP Legal?
From a legal point of view, THCP is in a bit of a gray area, similarly to Delta-8 THC. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, cannabinoids derived from hemp are federally legal if the final product contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC per dry weight.
As most THCP is synthesized from legally hemp-derived CBD and the final products meet the threshold, they’re technically legal on a federal level. But, some states have their cannabinoid laws—some have restricted or banned their use.
With this in mind, always check your local state laws before using THCP products.
What Are the Effects and Potential Side Effects of THCP Use?
Though the research on this cannabinoid is still in the early phase, primary findings and user reports provide some insight into its effects on the body and mind.
The enhanced binding to the CB1 receptors means that it may be significantly more powerful than Delta—some studies indicate it’s up to 30 times stronger in its receptor activity.
Some of the most common effects from THCP use are the following:
- Deep physical relaxation
- Body high
- Euphoria
- Uplifted mood
- Altered sensory perception
- Elevated mental stimulation and introspection
- Couch lock
To avoid side effects, start with the lowest dose possible, especially if you’re new to this cannabinoid or if you have low tolerance.
Taking too much at once could expose you to:
- Dry mouth
- Dry eyes
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Paranoia
- Nausea
FAQs
Is THCP natural or synthetic?
THCP is naturally present in cannabis, but in very low concentrations, which are not enough for extraction for commercial purposes. This is why most of the THCP in products is semi-synthetic, i.e., synthesized in a lab from hemp-derived CBD. So, though it naturally exists, the version you’re using is probably semi-synthetic.
Is THCP lab-made?
Yes, THCP is made in the lab because extracting enough naturally occurring THCP from cannabis is neither practical nor economically viable.
Manufacturers use hemp-derived CBD as a starting point to later convert it into THC via chemical processing involving catalysts and solvents.
What is the synthesis of THCP?
THCP synthesis involves the conversion of CBD isolate into THCP via acid-catalyzed reactions. This rearranges CBD’s molecular structure to form the heptyl side chain unique to THCP. This semi-synthetic method mimics the structure of naturally occurring THCP.