THCP Vs. THCA: Understanding Their Differences

Cannabis enthusiasts may come across terms like THCP and THCA in their exploration of cannabis products. While both come from the cannabis plant, they serve different purposes and have unique effects. The main difference lies in their chemical makeup and how our bodies process them.

While THCA is not psychoactive in its raw form, it can become THC, the well-known compound responsible for the “high,” when heated. THCP, on the other hand, is a potent synthetic cannabinoid that stands out due to its intense psychoactive effects.

What Is THCA?

THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is the precursor to THC, the compound responsible for the euphoric effects of cannabis. It is only when cannabis is heated—whether through smoking, vaping, or cooking—that THCA undergoes decarboxylation, a chemical process that removes a carboxyl group, transforming THCA into THC. This means that the raw cannabis flower contains THCA, which only becomes psychoactive once heat is applied.

What Is THCP?

THCP, or tetrahydrocannabiphorol, is a relatively recent discovery in cannabinoids. It was identified by Italian scientists in 2019 and has since gained attention for its potency. THCP has a unique, longer alkyl side chain compared to THC, which enhances its ability to bind with the body’s cannabinoid receptors.

The result is a much more potent experience than typical THC. THCP can be up to 30 times more powerful than Delta 9 THC in terms of its interaction with CB1 receptors.

Although THCP can be naturally found in trace amounts in cannabis flower, most if not all THCP products on the market are synthetically made in a lab.

THCA vs THCP: Key Differences

The main difference between THCA and THCP is how they’re made. THCA is naturally produced in high concentrations in cannabis flower, while THCP has to be made synthetically. THCP is highly psychoactive and can induce intense effects. THCA only becomes psychoactive once decarboxylated, but THCP, due to its unique structure, interacts with cannabinoid receptors in a much more intense way from the start. This makes THCP a much stronger compound than THCA once consumed.

If you want to experience a natural cannabis without synthetic compounds, THCA flower is what you’re looking for.

Understanding the Availability of THCA and THCP

THCA is naturally abundant in raw cannabis flower, making it widely available in various hemp-derived products. It remains in its acidic form until exposed to heat, where it converts into THC through decarboxylation.

THCP, in contrast, is found in only trace amounts in cannabis plants, making natural extraction impractical. Due to its scarcity, nearly all THCP products on the market are synthetically created in laboratories. As a company committed to natural, plant-derived cannabinoids, Hemp Generation does not carry synthetic THCP products.

Our Commitment to Natural Cannabinoids

At Hemp Generation, we prioritize transparency and natural cannabinoid products. While THCP has gained attention for its potency, it is primarily produced through synthetic processes in a laboratory rather than extracted directly from cannabis plants. Because of this, we do not carry THCP products. Instead, we focus on providing high-quality, naturally derived THCA flower and other hemp-based products that align with our commitment to purity and integrity.