2021 Cannabinoid Matchup: THC-O vs. THC-P

Right now, the hemp market is going through its own renaissance era, as researchers are gaining insight into the plant’s individual compounds like never before. Two particularly exciting cannabinoids that have hit the market only recently are THC-O and THC-P. From name alone, you may think that these compounds are so similar that taking one is going to be a lot like taking the other. But, to put it simply, that’s not true. THC-O and THC-P may sound like, but they can produce two extremely different experiences for the user, while having pretty dramatically different properties overall.

Each hemp user has their own goal in mind in terms of how they want to feel after taking a cannabinoid, and what effects they hope they experience relating to their own personal needs.

Where THC-O and THC-P Come From

THC-O and THC-P are perhaps the most similarly-sounding cannabinoids in hemp, but they are actually completely different in terms of their origin. THC-P is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in the hemp plant, existing in only a minor amount in the plant’s chemical structure. It was discovered only in late 2019, because its trace prominence made it hard to identify. It’s a homologue of delta 9 THC, meaning that its molecular structure is very similar to delta 9.

THC-O, meanwhile, is not a naturally occurring cannabinoid, but a synthesized one. It is created by combining THCA, the acidic predecessor of THC, with acetic anhydride to yield an entirely new cannabinoid. It was invented during the mid-20^th century by the United States Military as a means to incapacitate opponents with a high psychoactive effect.

Their Psychoactive Properties

THC-O and THC-P are both psychoactive cannabinoids, which means that no matter which one you choose, you will feel intoxicated. The exact nature of the intoxication, however, is different between the two cannabinoids.

THC-P is a cannabinoid that binds up to 31 times as strongly to CB1 receptors in the brain as delta 9 THC. It’s these receptors that utilize cannabinoids to induce the psychoactive response. In short, this means that THC-P has the potential to deliver a far more powerful high than delta 9. Note that THC-P and delta 9 appear so similar in terms of their structures that you may notice similar qualities when taking the two cannabinoids. For instance, many people describe the high associated with delta 9 as euphoric, mellowing and soothing throughout the body.

THC-O, meanwhile, was developed in a laboratory to also be more potent than delta 9 THC, but in the case of THC-O, it’s about 3 times as psychoactive. This means that theoretically, it’s less intoxicating than THC-P, but still powerful, nonetheless. Furthermore, the properties of THC-O give it the potential to produce psychedelic effects at higher dosage amounts, with many users noting subtle visual effects during the high. Many people also note sensations of euphoria at all dosage levels. Note that the exact qualities of the high, whether you’re taking THC-P or THC-O, can vary from person to person depending on the strain of the plant, the amount taken and their personal chemistry and tolerance.

Non-Psychoactive Properties

THC-O was never considered for its potential therapeutic properties, as it was invented by the military to be highly psychoactive. THC-O is a cannabinoid, which means that it does interact with the endocannabinoid in some way, and we know from its psychoactive effects that it does attach to CB1 receptors in the nervous system, which can regulate various important processes of the body besides offering an intoxicating experience to the user. We do hope that in the near future, more studies on THC-O will be done to offer insight into what this cannabinoid is fully capable of.

THC-P, meanwhile, is simply such a new cannabinoid discovery that we don’t have a wealth of information on its potential properties outside of its psychoactive activity. However, it has been studied briefly by the same researchers who first discovered it. We now know that THC-P may offer the same general properties as delta 9 THC, but only in a more potent way. This means that THC-P may play a role in regulating appetite, nausea response, mood and pain levels according to what data has shown us thus far.

Purpose for Taking Them

Many people who wish to take THC-O are looking for a cannabinoid that can deliver a powerful psychoactive response, and that’s exactly what THC-O promises to users. THC-O can also introduce psychedelic effects, and naturally this is something that will appeal to many. Its main application is recreational since we cannot yet associate it with any other kinds of effects that relate to the endocannabinoid system.

As for THC-P, there are more reasons for adding it to one’s routine. Of course, its potential to be powerfully intoxicating, similarly to THC-O, is a common reason why people may seek it out. But in addition to that, we do know about some of its non-psychoactive properties that can be very useful to people.

Whether or Not They are Legal

Both THC-O and THC-P are federally legal, as a result of the passing of the Farm Bill in 2018. However, 12 states have banned delta 8 THC in recent years, and though the wording is vague, it appears that THC-O and THC-P may be banned in these same states:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Mississippi
• Montana
• Rhode Island
• Utah

Also, note that THC-O and THC-P are both metabolized by the THC-COOH enzyme in the body that also breaks down delta 9 THC. It is this enzyme that triggers a positive drug test result rather than delta 9 THC itself, meaning that taking either cannabinoid could cause you to fail a drug test. Further, since both are intoxicating, they can impair driving, so never drive under the influence of either THC-O or THC-P, as this can result in serious harm as well as trouble with the law.

Products That They Come in

THC-O and THC-P can be found in the same familiar product forms, because all cannabinoids are easily converted into extracts that blend well with lots of other ingredients.

• Vape Carts: Vape carts are disposable, pre-filled cartridges for vaping, which attach easily to standard vape pens and come in lots of strain options.
• Disposable Vapes: Disposable vapes are fully assembled and ready to use out of the packaging, without ever needing to be charged or refilled.
• Tinctures: Tinctures are sublingual oils that are absorbed below the tongue, and come with dropper caps for easy portioning.
• Edibles: Edibles are ingested to introduce long-lasting effects and a body high experience. Gummies are particularly popular.
• Flower: Raw hemp flower in any strain that’s available can be infused with pure THC-O or THC-P.
• Dabs: Dabs refer to very potent concentrates that are vaporized with a dabbing device. They’re considered too potent for beginners.
• Capsules: Capsules offer an easy way to ingest a THC-O or THC-P oil.

THC-O and THC-P: Two Psychoactive Cannabinoids Offering Completely Unique Experiences

There is no doubt that both THC-O and THC-P can offer a lot, all thanks to their exciting and one-of-a-kind properties, including the specific types of psychoactive effects that they can provide. You may very well find that one is better for your particular goals than the other, but it may be worth it to give each one a try as they can both be useful in their own ways.

At The Calm Leaf, it’s easy to explore the effects of both THC-O and THC-P thanks to our varieties of THC-O and THC-P products that all contain lab-tested, organically derived hemp derivatives and clean, carefully sourced ingredients, to ensure you get the quality level and purity that you deserve.