Kratom vs. THCP: How Do They Measure Up Against One Another?

We’re seeing a huge boom in the market for natural plant derivatives that offer loads of potential benefits along with some really enjoyable psychoactive potential. One of the heavy hitters on the market today is kratom, which has become a staple of the natural wellness industry in recent years. We want to compare it to another sought-after plant derivative, which is THCP – a compound found naturally in the hemp plant.

Contender #1: Kratom

Kratom is the term for the dried and ground up leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, and is related to coffee. The leaves of the tree offer a heavy dose of alkaloids that boast properties which can change how we feel, both mentally and physically. Taking kratom means that these alkaloids interact with our brain’s opioid receptors, which regulate physiological processes including our mood, pain sensitivity, and more.

Kratom naturally exists in numerous strains, referring to the specific cultivar of the tree (which varies between different regions). It also comes in three “veins”, referring to the color of the leaf’s vein at the time of harvest. As the leaves grow and mature, the color of the vein transforms, and this indicates the maturity level and prominence of individual alkaloids in the leaf. This means that color of the vein can tell us how potent the product is, and which effects are the most prominent depending on which alkaloids are most prevalent at any given time during the maturation process.

Can I Get High off of Kratom?

Kratom is potentially psychoactive, which comes from the fact that it attaches to the brain’s opioid receptors which can cause intoxication, similarly to opiates. How high you can get from kratom, and what kinds of psychoactive effects that you experience (euphoria, sedation, etc.), will depend on the dosage, as well as the vein and the strain of the product.

Is Kratom Legal?

Kratom is legal under federal law, as it’s never been illegal in the United States. However, a few states have made it illegal, and they are:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arkansas
• Hawaii
• Indiana
• Rhode Island
• Tennessee
• Vermont
• Wisconsin

Also, it’s important to know that kratom is illegal in several municipalities across the United States, even in states where kratom is deemed legal. Because of that, we urge you to check your state laws and local laws periodically to make sure kratom is still legal where you live, as this can change at any time.

Does Kratom Have Benefits?

Kratom hasn’t been on the US market for long, which means that medical researchers are still in the early stages of analyzing its distinctive benefits. However, there are published scientific papers for us to understand that it has the potential to:

• Enhance energy, focus, and alertness
• Act as an anxiolytic
• Enhance mood
• Offers analgesic properties
• Improve sleep
• Decrease appetite

Does Kratom Have Side Effects?

Basically, kratom use can cause certain side effects, especially when not taken according to the label’s directions, if your dosage is too high, or if your body just doesn’t tolerate it because of the nature of your unique body. Side effects that can occur are:

• Nausea
• Drowsiness
• Impaired coordination
• Increased heartrate
• Dry mouth/thirst
• Irritability/confusion
• Potential overdose

What Kinds of Kratom Products are There?

You can buy kratom in various product forms, as it’s pretty easy to infuse the water-soluble kratom powder into any formula. Now, we’re going to explore the types of products you’re most likely to come across:

• Kratom Powder: The dried and ground up leaves, which is the pure form of kratom. It can be added to liquids or any other kind of solution you prefer.
• Kratom Liquid Extracts: These are highly concentrated liquid kratom products that are taken like a shot to offer a fast-acting and very potent experience.
• Bottled Kratom Drinks: Bottled kratom beverages include soft drinks, sparkling water, and any other type of drink infused with kratom powder.
• Kratom Teas: Kratom tea is just kratom powder placed inside of a teabag, for an easy way to extract the alkaloids into hot water.
• Kratom Edibles: Kratom gummies and other kratom-infused edibles promote long-lasting effects that come on more gradually.
• Kratom Capsules: Taking kratom in capsule form can be convenient if you’re already used to taking supplements as part of a routine.
• Kratom Vapes: These are still quite new to the marketplace, but just like any vapes, they’re available in bottle E-Liquids to be used in compatible vape pens, as well as pre-filled cartridges that attach to any 511-threaded pen-style system and AIO (All-In-One) Disposable Vapes. Vaping kratom allows you to feel the effects within minutes, but the effects don’t last as long.
• Kratom Topicals: Kratom topicals are applied to the skin, so that the alkaloids absorb transdermally.

Contender #2: THCP

THCP (tetrahydrocannabiphorol) was discovered in 2019, and it’s known to be the most powerful cannabinoid found in cannabis. THCP acts on CB1 receptors at 33x the rate of delta 9 THC, which means it absorbs far more easily to offer very strong effects. It’s found only in trace amounts in the plant material. However, through isomerization, manufacturers can create THCP distillate with relative ease.

Like we’ve seen with every cannabinoid in the cannabis plant, tetrahydrocannabiphorol binds to cannabinoid receptors (CB receptors) in the body, which mainly exist within the nervous system, and other bodily systems as well. Cannabinoid receptors use these compounds to regulate a number of bodily processes through the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a system in every mammal that is tasked with maintaining homeostasis. This is why cannabinoids are associated with so many distinctive properties at the same time.

Can I Get High off of THCP?

THCP is intoxicating, and it’s reported to be 10x as intoxicating as delta 9 THC, meaning it’s best for someone with a well-established tolerance. The high is said to offer euphoria and calm at the same time, making it great for finding a nice sense of inner bliss.

Is THCP Legal?

The Farm Bill passed in 2018 in the United States, which finally made the hemp plant legal under federal law. This legislation permitted all hemp derivatives can be sold legally as long as they contain no more than 0.3% delta 9 THC by dry weight. All cannabinoids except delta 9 THC are therefore legal without restrictions, and that includes THCP.

Still, states are permitted to prohibit certain cannabis-derived products, and some have banned all psychoactive hemp derivatives. These states are:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Maryland
• Mississippi
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New York
• North Dakota
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Utah
• Vermont
• Washington

Does THCP Have Benefits?

THCP has been studied by cannabis researchers for its potential benefits, though these studies are in the early stages. According to studies, tetrahydrocannabiphorol can potentially achieve the following, at a higher potency level than other cannabinoids:

• Reduce stress levels
• Improve mood
• Offer analgesic properties
• Offer anti-inflammatory properties
• Reduce nausea
• Increase appetite
• Aid in sleep
• Support digestive and immune function
• Offer neuroprotective properties

Does THCP Have Side Effects?

Cannabis has never been shown to cause major adverse events or life-threatening effects. It’s nontoxic, and that includes its individual cannabinoids. However, if you have a low THC tolerance or you take too high of a dose, you can end up with certain side effects. And, there are certain side effects that come with psychoactive cannabinoids, if you get too high. The good news is that side effects reported are mild and short-lived, and include:

• Dry eyes
• Dry mouth
• Reduction in blood pressure
• Fatigue/drowsiness
• Increased appetite
• Paranoia/anxiety
• General impairment
• Forgetfulness/fogginess

What Kinds of THCP Product Types are There?

THCP can be found in a variety of product types that you can explore:

• Vapes (Disposables and Cartridges): Vaping THCP offers a fast-acting and potent way to get in a nice serving of your favorite cannabinoid, along with a nice selection of strains, all while being convenient, travel-friendly, and discreet.
• Edibles: Edibles like gummies produce long-lasting effects with a gradual onset.
• Concentrates (aka “Dabs”): Concentrates are concentrated cannabis products that are dabbed – that is, flash-vaporized at a high temperature using a special “dabbing” device – for an ultra-powerful and fast-acting experience.
• Flower: THCP flower refers to raw hemp flower buds infused with THCP distillate – an isolated extract of the cannabinoid. Flower comes in lots of strain choices and is sold in the forms of loose buds as well as pre-rolls.
• Tinctures: Tinctures are bottled oils that are intended to be taken sublingually (below the tongue) to absorb quickly and offer long-lasting effects in the most simplistic manner possible.
• Capsules: Capsules infused with the cannabinoid are great for those who already take supplements in capsule form, and simply want to add cannabinoids to their regimen.

Kratom or THCP: How Will You Go About Trying Them?

Good news everyone, you don’t have to pick just one product. Both kratom and THCP can offer loads of value to your everyday life, including an enjoyable high and potential benefits. And, because of that, we encourage you to try them both out at The Calm Leaf, as you will be able to discover numerous product types, strains, formulations, strengths, etc.