2023 Cannabinoid Matchup: THC-P vs. Delta 8 THC

Delta 8 THC was the first cannabinoid to enter the legal hemp market as a psychoactive compound to act as an alternative to delta 9 THC. Since then, loads of new cannabinoids have entered the hemp universe, including Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THC-P) – the most intoxicating cannabinoid to exist in cannabis. Now, for those who are new to one of them or both, we want to compare them, so you have a better understanding of which cannabinoid is right for you. Despite both being forms of THC, the reality is that their effects are vastly different from one another, as you’re about to find out.

What is THC-P (Tetrahydrocannabiphorol)?

THC-P, aka tetrahydrocannabiphorol, is the cannabinoid that’s gotten lots of buzz because of its profound potency. Discovered only in 2019, this super minor compound has 7 carbon atoms on its side chain, and what that means is that structurally, its ability to attach to the brain’s CB1 receptors is beyond impressive. THC-P attaches to these receptors at about 33 times the rate of delta 9 THC, which is why its potency is so much stronger.

What’s the High Like?

Because of the incredible rate at which THC-P works on the brain’s CB1 receptors, the high you can get from THC-P is estimated to be about 10 times as potent as that of delta 9 THC. In short, that’s really, really strong. Because of that, THC-P is best for someone who has some experience with other forms of THC, and has the tolerance to handle such a super-strong cannabinoid.

The high is said to be very euphoric, too, and a lot of people who have anxiety say that taking it brings them a feeling of relief. The body high can be really powerful if the cannabinoid is taken in fairly high doses, possibly causing couchlock and drowsiness.

Does THC-P Have Benefits?

THC-P is a really new discovery, which means we don’t have tons of information about what kinds of effects it can offer. But, what we do know is that this cannabinoid is likely to offer a substantial number of benefits, based on this one study that was done at the time of its discovery.

Those benefits are:

• Anti-inflammatory effects
• Anxiolytic effects
• Antiemetic effects
• Appetite-boosting effects
• Neuroprotective effects
• Analgesic effects
• Sleep-enhancing effects

Does THC-P Have Side Effects?

All cannabinoids can produce some side effects, which goes for just about any substance we take, and THC-P’s side effects are thankfully pretty mild and short-lived, and no different from the side effects associated with cannabis. THC-P is nontoxic, so you don’t have to worry about major health concerns.

The effects include:

• Dry mouth
• Dry eyes
• Dizziness
• Forgetfulness
• Drowsiness
• Clumsiness
• Paranoia
• Anxiety

Now, keep in mind that these side effects are largely dose-dependent, and tolerance-dependent. In other words, the more you take, the more likely they are to occur, and the lower your tolerance, the more likely they are to occur. For a lot of people, these side effects actually stop occurring once they have been taking THC-P for a while.

Who Would Prefer THC-P?

So, is THC-P the type of cannabinoid that makes sense for your lifestyle? The main thing to consider, once again, is your tolerance to psychoactive cannabinoids. Because THC-P’s high can be so strong, you really should have a good tolerance overall, to enjoy the high rather than feel overwhelmed by it. And, besides that, it does offer benefits, like we said earlier.

What is Delta 8 THC (Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol)?

Delta 8 THC is the minor cannabinoid found in hemp that makes up about 0.1% of its chemical composition. It was discovered way back in the 1960s, so unlike THC-P, we actually know quite a bit about it. Delta 8 forms by delta 9 oxidizing naturally in cannabis as the plant ages, and through this process, its chemical structure changes, which dictates how it attaches to cannabinoid receptors in the brain.

What’s the High Like?

Delta 8 THC is extremely different from THC-P in this regard. While THC-P is the most intoxicating cannabinoid in hemp, delta 8 is actually one of the mildest, being 30% less intoxicating than delta 9 THC. This means that the high is a lot more like a buzz – but keep in mind that if you have zero THC tolerance, you can still get really high off of it as a first-timer. Also, delta 8’s high is known for being one of the most relaxing, “chilliest” that you’ll get from cannabis, with people describing a feeling of tranquility and bliss, both in the body and the mind.

Does Delta 8 Have Benefits?

Because delta 8 THC has been around for a long time, a good number of studies have been done about its potential benefits, which is helpful since it gives us a clear idea of the many reasons why people would want to use it.

Those benefits include:

• Anti-inflammatory effects
• Anxiolytic effects
• Analgesic effects
• Appetite-boosting effects
• Sleep-enhancing effects
• Neuroprotective effects
• Anti-nausea effects

Does Delta 8 THC Have Side Effects?

The potential side effects associated with delta 8 are the same as the ones we talked about earlier with THC-P. But, because delta 8 is overall milder, the side effects are less likely to occur unless you take a super high dose.

Again, they are:

• Dry mouth
• Dry eyes
• Dizziness
• Forgetfulness
• Drowsiness
• Clumsiness
• Paranoia
• Anxiety

Who Would Prefer Delta 8 THC?

Basically, delta 8 is the best choice for someone who doesn’t have a high THC tolerance, or simply doesn’t want to get really high. Its mood-balancing buzz is perfect for those who just want to chill out instead of being extremely intoxicated. And, as you can see, it comes with lots of potential benefits that make it totally worthwhile aside from its ability to get you high.

Which Cannabinoid Will You Choose?

Clearly, both THC-P and delta 8 THC bring a lot to the table. Not to mention, are totally worth trying for their own reasons. So, if you’re on the fence, simply try them both at The Calm Leaf. The Delta 8 products and the THC-P products that we carry offer all kinds of delivery methods, strains, and more, so that you can customize your experience and find your own version of cannabinoid-induced bliss.