Is THC-P More Indica or Sativa-Acting?

THC-P, or Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabiphorol, has made quite a name for itself, as the most powerfully intoxicating cannabinoid in all of hemp. Known to be 10x as strong as delta 9 THC in terms of its high, THC-P is renowned for its dreamy effects that can be great for things like mood, sleep, and even physical discomfort.

Still, for those who have never tried it before, it can be hard to explain what the “high” is going to feel like. So, naturally, a lot of people ask whether or not it feels like an indica or a sativa, since those are easy references to go by. Let’s take a closer look at what kinds of properties THC-P has, to find out what the answer is.

Indica vs. Sativa: What’s the Difference?

Indica and sativa are the two main genres of cannabis strains – leaving out hybrids, which are strains that have both indica and sativa in their lineage.

Indica strains and sativa strains have distinctive properties, and even look different. While sativa strains are tall and lanky, indica strains are short and bushy. In terms of their effects, indica strains are generally known for being more calming – sometimes sedating – and are the strains that are associated with “couchlock,” which is a state in which the body high is so strong, the limbs feel glued to the couch.

By contrast, sativa strains are more energizing, uplifting, and cerebral. They tend to provide a body high, but it’s more of a warm and tingly high than a heavy and drowsy one. They can be great for focus, creativity, sociability, and motivation. Sativa strains, naturally, are more popular to take during the day, and indicas at night.

What are the General Effects of THC-P?

THC-P is a new discovery, since it wasn’t until 2019 that cannabis researchers found it in a sample of cannabis. It’s a very minor cannabinoid that attaches to CB1 receptors in the brain at 33x the rate of delta 9 THC, which, once again, makes it roughly 10 times as potent. Basically, tetrahydrocannabiphorol’s high is super strong, and probably not the best choice for hemp newbies. Its ability to bind so effectively to these CB1 receptors comes from its more intricate carbon side chain, which enables the cannabinoid to attach more easily when it comes into contact with the receptors in the brain that are responsible for getting us high.

Now we know that THC-P is incredibly potent, but what does it actually feel like? It’s a good question and unfortunately, still, no studies have been done on the specific nature of its high. However, what we do know from countless people who take it religiously is that the high tends to be super euphoric and stress-relieving at the same time. Many people also describe a very powerful body high effect, which may go so far as to offer major relief to those with physical discomfort.

So, where does that fall on the indica to sativa scale? Another great question indeed, and one that’s tough to answer. For starters, we’re talking about a cannabinoid, and not a strain, as the strain of cannabis comes from the terpene profile of the plant’s breed.

If we were to categorize THC-P in terms of “strain types”, we’d have to say that most people will probably find it to behave like a hybrid. Why? Because THC-P can be both uplifting and heavily cerebral; and calming and even couchlock-inducing in higher doses.

What Can Influence Your THC-P High?

How much THC-P feels like an indica or a sativa can depend on a lot of variables, from the type of product you take, to the way in which your body just uses tetrahydrocannabiphorol. Two people can both take THC-P and wind up with a unique experience based on these different factors.

So, let’s explore the most important factors that can influence what your THC-P high ends up feeling like.

Factor #1: Strain You’re Using

Of course, if you’re using a THC-P product that comes in different strains (in other words, a product that contains terpenes in addition to THC-P), then the strain you choose will have the biggest influence on whether your high is more like a sativa or indica – or a hybrid. Flower, vapes, and dabs are all sold in indica, sativa, and hybrid varieties.

Factor #2: Product Type

To an extent, the product type can also matter. Typically, inhalable products (flower, dabs, and vapes) are more cerebral and uplifting, while oral products (gummies, capsules, tinctures, etc.) can produce more soothing effects with a stronger body high. Dabs will likely give you the strongest “sativa-like” experience because they’re so cerebral due to how potent and fast-acting they are, with edibles probably behaving the most “indica-like” because they usually deliver the strongest body high, and the most relaxing effects.

Factor #3: Your Body’s Endocannabinoid System

Another thing that we tend to overlook is the fact that everyone’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) is different. This is the system of the body that consists of cannabinoid receptors, which “receive” THC-P and determine how it’s going to be used. Each person also has their own unique configuration and quantity of cannabinoid receptors. How your ECS is built can affect things like your tolerance to certain cannabinoids, as well as which types of effects you’re more prone to after taking them.

Factor #4: Other Cannabinoids/Substances in Your System

Other things that are in your system at the time of taking THC-P can also play a big role. For example, if you’re vaping THC-P with your morning coffee, the caffeine will work synergistically with THC-P to introduce a more energizing (sativa-like) high. Taking THC-P with, say, delta 8, can mean a more chill (indica-like) kind of high, since delta 8 is a more calming cannabinoid.

Other substances that can influence how you feel when you take THC-P include medications and alcohol. For example, medications that slow down the nervous system, like anti-anxiety medications, can bring out the more indica-like side of THC-P. Alcohol can make THC-P feel more sedating.

Factor #5: Your Mood

Yes, the state of mind you’re in at the time of taking THC-P can play a surprising role. For instance, if you’re already feeling sleepy and mellow, THC-P may make you feel groggy, and like taking a nap. Taking THC-P when you’re out with your friends, meanwhile, may give you more of a boost that makes you feel more sociable. Cannabinoids have a role in regulating our mood-balancing neurotransmitters, so our mental state at the time of taking them can impact how they affect us from one day to the next.

Final Question: Does THC-P Act More Like an Indica or Sativa? Answer: That All Really Depends!

Ultimately, which type of strain THC-P behaves like is going to depend on a number of things, and it can really be different for everyone. At the end of the day though, the best way to know how it will make you feel is by simply trying it yourself. While THC-P is incredibly potent, there are all kinds of product types out there for beginners, to help you ease your way into it with lower doses to get a feel for its effects.

The Calm Leaf carries an amazing selection THCP products from some of the top brands in the industry, and are available in different product types, strains, and more.