THC-P vs Delta 8

Disclaimer: The information provided here is intended solely for informational and entertainment purposes. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen. 

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The cannabis industry is rapidly changing, with new cannabinoids coming to market fairly regularly, and it can be overwhelming for the newcomer to understand all the options and what they do.

Today, we review two cannabinoids, THC-P and Delta-8 THC, comparing their effects and benefits. Despite the fact that they come from the same cannabinoid family, they don't have much in common.

Their chemical structure, strength, and effects are worlds apart. Today we’ll be going over Delta 8 vs THC-P, focusing on the similarities and differences between these two cannabinoids to decide which one might be your favorite.

Key Takeaways

• THC-P and Delta-8 THC are cannabinoids, albeit very different from each other.
• As a result of their disparate chemical structures, these two substances have vastly different potency, effects and therapeutic potential.
• Experienced users can also use THC-P, but most newbie tokers should stick with Delta-8 THC.
• Delta-8 THC is the hottest cannabinoid on the market right now, attracted to experienced cannabis users and young blood alike! Check out Botany Farms’ crazy selection of Delta-8 THC flower, edibles, vape carts and more!

Delta-8 THC is a hugely popular cannabinoid among cannabis users. Check out the amazing selection of Delta-8 THC products at Botany Farms, including flower, edibles, vape carts, and more!

Introduction to THC-P and Delta 8

THCp and Delta-8 THC both come from cannabis but are chemically different. These differences influence their potency and potential effects.

THC-P 101: The Basics

THCp, not to be confused with THCv is a relatively new cannabinoid. It’s an analogue of THC discovered in 2019 by a trio of Italian scientists. THC-P is present in cannabis but in such low quantities that it’s usually synthesized from CBD.

THCp is structurally different from common THC and other cannabinoids, which is why this new compound binds up 33 times more with the CB1 and CB2 receptors at higher temperatures. 

This high affinity for CB1 receptors is responsible for the more pronounced psychoactive effects and underpins THCp's extreme and therapeutic potential. Given these factors, THCp is better suited for connoisseurs with a high tolerance

An Intro to Delta 8 THC 

Another naturally present cannabinoid in cannabis is Delta 8. Like THC-P, Delta 8 THC occurs only in minute quantities, and extracting it from cannabis isn’t cost-effective. So, cannabis companies produce it from hemp CBD.

Delta-8 THC also has a distinguishably different chemical structure to Delta-9 THC and THCp, which produces distinct effects. Research indicates that Delta-8 THC is roughly half as strong as Delta-9 THC.

THCp, on the other hand, could be as much as five times more potent than Delta-9 THC. Many users are quite fond of Delta-8 THC due to its relatively low potency since Delta-9 THC can often be too intense. This makes Delta-8 THC a perfect alternative cannabinoid for newbies to the world of cannabis products.

Its lower affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors makes it a milder intoxicant. The resulting high is chill. Such factors have contributed to delta 8’s popularity.

The Chemical Profiles: THC-P vs Delta 8

Cannabinoids are a class of 21-carbon structures consisting of a bicyclic dibenzopyran ring fused to a pentyl chain (five-carbon). The binding sites responsible for their effects are located throughout the body.

The main difference between these two cannabinoids is their chemical profiles. Both Delta-8 THC and THC-P are potent enough to get you high (and possibly get you into legal trouble).

However, Delta-8 THC is less psychotropic than THC. While it produces psychoactive effects that some users describe as an obvious high, it is less intense than Delta-9. 

Naturally, how you consume cannabis determines its effects. This is why edibles have more intense effects than flower or vapes. 

The Molecular Structure of THC-P

The molecular structure of THC-P is nearly identical to Delta 9’s. However, the difference lies in the alkyl side chains.

With Delta 9 and Delta-8 THC, the alkyl side chain consists of five carbon atoms. However, with THC-P, the alkyl side chain has seven carbon atoms. This extended alkyl side chain significantly alters how THC-P interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors compared to Delta 8 and Delta-9 THC.

The difference in chemical structure probably makes THC-P more potent than other cannabinoids. Consequently, THC-P is to be consumed with caution, as its psychoactive effects can be extreme.

Delta 8: Composition and Effects

The significant difference between the two types of compounds is that the double bond in one is on the eighth carbon (Delta-8 THC) and the ninth carbon (Delta-9 THC) atom, respectively.

As noted above, THC-P has a longer alkyl side chain than Delta-9 THC or Delta-8 THC, which, thanks to the altered position of the double bond, is arguably half as potent as Delta-9 THC.

Thus Delta-8 THC is mild because the double bond is far from the COOH group. The double bond in Delta-9 THC is positioned between the COOH group and the Benzene Ring.

In fact, it has the same effects as Delta-9 THC, but lighter. For beginners who want to try one of the milder cannabinoids and avoid getting bogged down in intensely psychoactive experiences, this is the perfect starting point.

THC-P and Delta 8: Comparing the Experience

With the science out of the way, you probably want to know what to expect from these two cannabinoids.

The Potency of THC-P: What to Expect

THC-P is potentially 33 times more potent than Delta-9 THC, making it one of the most powerful cannabinoids. Generally, THC-P effects mirror those of Delta-9 THC, but are more pronounced; expect heavy euphoria, time distortion, and a full-body high. 

Like the abovementioned THC-C, THC-P’s extremely high potency may also give way to paranoia and anxiety. This is why THC-P should be ingested only sparingly, and why it holds appeal mostly to the long-time consuming crowd.

Empirical research would still be needed, but THC-P might offer therapeutic effects – perhaps more potent than some of the others because of its greater receptor affinity and potency.

It could be anti-pain and anti-inflammatory, it might help you sleep, and it probably does a great deal more Still, more generally, cannabinoids tend to have an anti-inflammatory profile.

Delta 8: A Milder, Clearer Experience

As we’ve already seen, Delta-8 is similar to Delta-9 THC and THC-P. So, it may provide the same therapeutic benefits, just milder.

Not only is Delta-8 THC less potent than the other two, but it’s also thought to produces a less intense ‘high’. Some believe these factors make the cannabinoid an appropriate gateway to the psychoactive and therapeutic potential of more potent cannabinoids, such as Delta 9 and THC-P.

Delta-8 generally causes a gentle head high, as well as euphoria and relaxation. body high, relaxed and couch-lock effect, and other similar properties to low doses of Delta-9 THC.

While Delta 9 and THC-P have high cerebral potency, Delta 8 won’t bake your brain. Still, at a lower potency, Delta 8 may bring on paranoia and anxiety, like any drug in the THC category.

Legal Considerations for Delta 8 and THCp

The legal landscape of cannabinoids in the United States is murky. Firstly, federal and state laws differ, so a cannabinoid may be legal in your state, but not in another. Therefore, it’s essential to check with your local laws and regulations regarding the legality of these cannabinoids.

The Federal and State Laws on THC-P

Because THC-P is relatively new, cannabis legislation doesn't explicitly mention it. Be that as it may, the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived cannabinoids with 0.3% or less Delta-9 THC content.

This means that THC-P may be federally legal. Furthermore, THC-P is likely legal in states where Delta-9 THC is legal. However, this is not a given, so do your research first.

Delta 8's Legal Status: What We Know

The good news is that more than half of the states in the USA have legalized Delta-8 THC. However, federal and state laws often conflict, so a cannabinoid may be federally legal, but not permissible in a state. 

Be sure to check your local laws and regulations to see what’s legal before buying and using these cannabinoids.

THC-P vs Delta 8: Frequently Asked Questions

And finally, here are your most frequently asked questions about THC-P and Delta-8 THC.

How do the effects of THC-P compare to Delta 8?

THC-P is known for its heightened potency and stronger effects, while Delta 8 offers a milder and more manageable experience.

What should I know about the legal status of THC-P and Delta 8?

The legal status varies by state and is influenced by the source of the cannabinoid. It's crucial to stay informed about local cannabis laws.

Making the Right Choice: THC-P or Delta 8?

Ultimately, choosing between these two cannabinoids can be a bit difficult, so let's try to narrow it down for you.

Factors to Consider When Choosing

• Experience level: THC-P is far more potent than Delta-8 THC, and if you've never consumed cannabis before, you'll want to start with Delta-8 THC.
• Tolerance: Even if you are a seasoned cannabis consumer, you still might have low tolerance for stronger cannabinoids. If you want a strong psychoactive high, then it's THC-P for you. But if you want a mild and relaxing high, Delta-8 THC is the better route.
• Therapeutic benefits: If you're looking for maximum potential therapeutic benefits, then the more potent one, THC-P, is recommended.
• Consider the entourage effect when choosing between these two. Go for cannabinoids and terpenes that work well together, e.g., myrcene and Delta 8, which have excellent overlapping attributes.

Personal Experiences and Recommendations

Bottom line: We've tried these cannabinoids and many more, and research and anecdotal evidence seem to converge at some points.

THC-P is an incredibly strong cannabinoid that results in a psychoactive high unlike anything else, so we recommend it only for the most experienced cannabis users.

For beginners, we recommend Delta-8 THC, as it's much milder and less likely to have negative side effects. If it's your first time consuming cannabinoids, be aware that THC-P and Delta 9 may result in a bit of paranoia due to their potency.

Finally, if a mild and relaxing high is what you’re looking for, our Botany Farms selection of Delta-8 THC vape carts, flower, edibles, and more come highly recommended.

Links to sources used in this article:

• https://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2022/01/009.html
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9906924/
• https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/delta-8-legal-states
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31752240/
• https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-021-00115-8