THCP vs. Delta 8: What’s the Difference?

In the ever-expanding landscape of cannabinoids, THCP and Delta 8 THC emerge as noteworthy players, each with its own distinct properties and potential effects. While both belong to the vast array of compounds found in the cannabis plant, they exhibit notable differences in their chemical structures and physiological impacts. This piece compares THCP vs. Delta 8 THC to better understand their contrast.

THC-P, or Tetrahydrocannabiphorol, is a relatively novel yet potent cannabinoid. With a longer alkyl side chain than its more well-known counterpart, Delta-9 THC, THCP exhibits intriguing interactions with the body’s endocannabinoid system, potentially leading to heightened physiological responses. On the other hand, Delta 8 THC, while sharing similarities with Delta 9 THC (the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis), offers a milder psychoactive experience, often described as producing a smoother and clearer high. In recent years, hemp-derived compounds have become more popular as a legal and natural option for relief and mood enhancement. Of the hundreds of cannabinoids found in hemp and cannabis plants, THCP and Delta 8 are two that can offer several benefits. Join us to learn everything you need to know about the similarities and differences between these two cannabinoids!

THCP vs. Delta 8: Which is Right For You?

Each cannabinoid gives unique effects that relief and wellness seekers benefit from. Many hemp enthusiasts take Delta 8 and THCP daily, as each holds traits that make them effective for various needs. If you have heard of THCP and Delta-8 but are unsure what sets them apart, we’re here to set the record straight!

In this guide, our wellness team at Exhale will delve into THCP and Delta-8 THC so you know which is best for you. If you are new to these cannabinoids, read as we cover their effects, legal status, and properties so you can gather the insight you need to make a properly guided decision.

For most people, D8 and THCP can deliver physical relief and better sleep, and they could do the same for you, too!

Join us in this THCP vs Delta 8 guide to get all the info you need for a relieving and elevating experience! If aches, tension, or racing thoughts make it hard to relax and unwind the mind, THCP and Delta-8 THC are likely what your relief needs are calling for! Join us below as we show you exactly why.

Key Takeaways

While both cannabinoids can be found in hemp or cannabis plants, there are some key differences between these naturally occurring cannabinoids. THCP and Delta-8 have unique qualities, so let us review what separates these compounds.

Reported Effectiveness

THCP has a greater affinity for CB1 receptors than D8 thc. For this reason, it can bind more strongly to them and produce more potent and intense effects. THCP is one of the rare but naturally occurring cannabinoids in the marijuana plant. It is best known for producing stronger effects than other cannabinoids. Meanwhile, Delta-8 THC offers a more settled and reserved experience with calming effects that are not as potent as those of THCP.

Effect Significance 

THCP is more potent than Delta-8 THC as it works deeper into the endocannabinoid system, where it binds to receptors that impact rest and moods. THCP is a psychoactive cannabinoid while D8 is not, but taken together, results can be more potent than if either of the two compounds were taken alone.

Extraction Process

Since THCP is so rare in nature, making viable THCP products requires additional manufacturing steps to produce sufficient amounts of the cannabinoid for effective products. For example, THCP can be synthesized via a chemical reaction named terpenylation. This combines 5-heptyl resorcinol with an oxygenated-derived form of limonene. While this results in a synthetic version of THCP, it still shares all the traits of organic cannabinoids. On the other hand, D8 THC is an isomer of D9 THC that occurs in low levels in cannabis plants. Since it naturally occurs in lower supply, it is often synthesized from CBD extracted from hemp plants. The refined and resulting distillate is then usable in tinctures, gummies, and other products that make it simple for people to enjoy the benefits of cannabis.

Compound Structure

Also named tetrahydrocannabiphorol, THCP is a natural cannabinoid and tetrahydrocannabinol analog. The reason THCp and D8 THC bring unique effects is their chemical structure is distinct from the other.

THCp is a potent phytocannabinoid with a seven-carbon chain, while THC has a pentyl chain consisting of five. THCP also has a longer carbon chain, so its potency and bioavailability are greater than those of other cannabinoids. Some may be surprised to learn that THCP is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant and hemp plant.

Potency

D8 THC is a moderate yet mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that may promote calmness and relaxation. THCP is a more potent and psychoactive cannabinoid ideal for those who seek intense relaxation and relief from tension or discomfort. Many seek the best of both worlds and take products like our THCP + Delta-8 THC edibles that blend both.

 

Key Considerations for Choosing Delta 8 vs. THCP

When it comes time to choose THCP or Delta 8 THC, you need to consider your tolerance level and therapeutic needs, as well as the type of experience you wish to achieve. Each has distinct benefits that cater to specific goals. There are things to consider before picking one, as we cover below.

Potency and Tolerance

Delta 8

This naturally occurring cannabinoid brings euphoric feelings like THCP, but to a lesser degree. On a one-to-ten potency scale, it would be a four or five, while THCP is an easy ten. Delta 8 is a laid-back, mental-soothing cannabinoid, which makes it highly popular with new and casual cannabis consumers.

THCP

THCP is known to give potent psychoactive effects as it strongly binds to cannabinoid receptors in the body. Its unique molecular structure makes it one of the most potent cannabinoids! From deep rest to enhanced sleep and relaxation, it is best for serious relief seekers and high-tolerance people who want the best of what the legal cannabis scene has to offer.

THCP vs. Delta 8 – Desired Effects

For Relaxation and Mild Euphoria

Those who seek chill vibes and milder psychoactive effects will find solace in Delta-8 THC. It is ideal for those new to THC cannabinoids as it is mildly psychoactive but still calming, relaxing, and uplifting. For a more settled and reserved cannabis experience, D8 THC is the way to go for all wellness needs.

For Stronger Psychoactive Effects

THCP is said to be over thirty percent stronger than Delta-8 THC, so it is best for serious relief seekers and high-tolerance consumers who have experience. This heavy-hitting cannabinoid brings deeper rest for most people and an intense psychoactive experience that can last for hours following a single dose.

Potential Therapeutic Benefits

If you strictly seek the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, Delta-8 THC is the one to reach for. As a mild and mental-soothing cannabinoid, it gives less potent psychoactive effects than THCP so that you can reap wellness and therapeutic benefits without the strong, intoxicating-like effects of the more potent THCP.

Approach with Caution

Be mindful of your tolerance level and start slow with low doses to have the best experience possible, as if you take more than you can handle, you may be more elevated than you hoped. THCP is a strong psychoactive cannabinoid and should be taken as advised on the bottle, though if you are new to this compound, take half the advised dose until you know how it makes you feel; the same applies to D8.

What is Delta 8?

Delta 8 THC is one of over a hundred cannabinoids found in cannabis Indica and Sativa plants. It is a psychoactive compound with effects similar to Delta-9 THC and works by binding to CB1 receptors in the body to improve mood and relaxation. It helps to melt away tension and racing thoughts for most people and can induce sleepiness and full-body calmness. Delta-8 THC can make it easier to rest and unwind the mind and can give heightened effects if taken in tandem with its cousin cannabinoid, THCP!

This mild yet effective cannabinoid naturally occurs but can also be isolated and extracted from hemp plants. However, it is often produced via CBD isomerization as more can be produced at a lower cost.

Legality of Delta 8

Is Delta-8 THC legal to use? Great query! It is legal to buy in most states as the 2018 Farm Bill made hemp-sourced extracts, compounds, and derivatives legal at the federal level in the United States. For a D8 product to be legal, it must contain 0.3% THC by dry weight, which all Exhale D8 products satisfy.

Delta 8 Dosage and Effects

From D8 oil to Delta-8 THC gummies and soft gels, there are many products this cannabinoid is found in, and we at Exhale have an easy-to-follow Delta-8 dose chart you can use to guide your dose sizes. Delta-8 gummies are one of the most popular ways to consume it. If you go this route, start with one gummy per day unless your tolerance is high and you can handle more. If this is the first time Delta 8 THC is being introduced to your body, start with half a gummy daily and raise the dose only once you know how it makes you feel. Once a dose is taken, kick back to relax as you await the effects’ arrival! Results from Delta 8 THC tend to show within an hour but can take up to two hours, based on your metabolism.

What is THCP?

Also known as Tetrahydrocannabiphorol, THCP is a natural cannabinoid found in hemp plants. It has a distinct molecular structure and a stronger binding than Delta-8 THC to CB1 receptors. This is one of the main reasons it has more potent effects than Delta-8.

THCP forms and comes to life when two additional carbon atoms join the THC compound and when an alkyl side chain attaches to its 8th carbon atom.

This transition equips THCP with its distinct trait of being much more potent than Delta-8 THC. Manufacturers can also use hemp-derived CBD to synthetically create THCP.

What mainly sets THCP and Delta-8 THC apart is their potency and molecular structure. Each consists of thirty hydrogens and twenty-one carbon atoms formed in a circle formation, but they have a unique alkyl side chain in the eighth position! This small difference lets it bind better to CB1 receptors than Delta-8. And the relaxed, good-feel vibes this allows make it the night-reliever of choice to most!

Legality of THCP

What is the legal status of THCP, and is THCP legal to use? Good news for relief and wellness seekers: THCP is legal in nearly all states! This is thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill that fully legalized hemp-sourced compounds with less than 0.3% of THC by dry weight. This law applies to Delta-8 THC, too, which has recently become a legal hemp product after a federal appeals court hearing.

However, some states have banned or restricted hemp-sourced cannabinoids like THCP due to their five-carbon atom chain and seven-atom side chain. This molecular structure is known as Deltum, which has higher potency levels than Delta-9 thc! Laws and regulations can change at any time, so before you buy THCP, be sure to check state and local laws to ensure you can enjoy it lawfully and with peace of mind.

Just be sure to buy THCP products from a vetted seller with pure and lab-tested products, like Exhale, to have the best THCP cannabis experience. You want to avoid products that use cuts and chemicals.

THCP Dosage and Effects

Effects from THCP can take an hour or two to arrive and will last one to three hours for most people.

Our D9 + HHC + THCP GUMMIES come pre-dosed and make starting with the recommended daily dose easy. For those new to this compound, a one to three milligram dose of THCP will likely suffice, while those with a high tolerance or need for serious relief may take four to five milligrams per cycle.

Our gummies contain 1mg of THCP, 25mg of HHC, and 15mg of D9 THC to bring reliable relief, good-feel vibes, and next-level elevation! Indeed, they are potent, to say the very least! For this reason, start with half a gummy daily to gauge your tolerance and raise it over time as needed.

Delta 8 vs. THCP: Which is Right for You?

Tetrahydrocannabinol propyl homolog (THCP) is a favorite to most people as it is more potent than D8 THC with an impressive thirty percent lead in potency. With it being legal in nearly all states, it is now one of the most popular cannabinoids among cannabis enthusiasts and end-of-day relief seekers alike.

For a euphoric, powerful, and elevating experience, the psychoactive cannabinoid THCP is likely to get the job done. If creativity and mild relaxation are your goals, the less potent Delta-8 THC can make it easy to enjoy the perks of cannabis without intoxicating effects. If you want the best of both worlds, try a product like our D9 + HHC + THCP GUMMIES that gracefully combine them!

Delta 8 vs. THCP: Potency

THCP and Delta-8 THC deliver varying levels of potency, given their respective attraction to CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. THCP binds strongest to feel-good, mood-influencing receptors, enhancing its potential to bring a more potent and euphoric experience.

On the flip side, Delta-8 THC brings a milder, clearer-headed experience. Making it best for those who are new to hemp-sourced THC and cannabinoids. THCP is said to be 30% stronger than Delta-8 THC, so if you are trying this newly discovered cannabinoid for the first time, be sure to start with low doses. Our THCP gummies come pre-dosed, so they are easy to micro-dose!

Delta 8 vs. THCP: Effects

Given the unique effects each delivers, there is surely a time and place for these compounds. People in search of mild to moderate, high-like sensations should go for Delta-8 THC. Those with experience or a high tolerance should use THCP. For the best of both worlds, try a product like our THCP + D8 THC edibles that put blissful relaxation within easier reach.

The Most Common THCP and Delta 8 Product Options

It is a great day to be a relief seeker, as THCP and Delta-8 come in many forms and are discreet products that make it easy to elevate under the radar, at home, or on the go. Let’s look at some popular product types!

THCP Product Options

There are many ways to enjoy THCP, and the one you pick boils down to personal preference. Let us review the most popular ways to consume THCP so you know what options are available.

THCP Tinctures

As a sublingual product, you apply tincture under the tongue and absorb the cannabinoids in your mouth. The effects tend to start within 15 to 20 minutes.

Extracting this liquid form of concentrated cannabis uses a carrier oil for the cannabinoids within. Typical examples of carrier oils are olive or coconut oil. What sets THCP apart from other cannabinoids is it is over thirty percent stronger than typical THC, so even seasoned, high-tolerance consumers can achieve the relief their long days require!

THCP Gummies

THCP gummies like those sold here at Exhale Wellness make it easy to discreetly enjoy intense, uplifting experiences. We love gummies because they are easy to carry and can deliver euphoric, carefree vibes in an hour or less! Plus, they feature natural ingredients and are legal in nearly all states. Our strong THCP gummies come pre-dosed, so you can easily measure the perfect amount per session.

THCP Vape Cartridge

THCP vape carts are vaporizer cartridges that contain THCP extract.

Discreet, portable, and easy to carry, these smoke-free glass cartridges are a great way to get relief on the go and are small enough to carry in your pocket. For a light-to-moderate consumer, a one-gram THCP vape cartridge can provide relief for weeks! 

Delta 8 Product Options

Delta 8 Gummies

Discreet, easy to take, and often flavored with natural medley goodness, Delta 8 gummies bring mild relaxation and enhanced creativity for most people. Many use them to make days more tolerable and to get the many potential therapeutic benefits cannabis has to offer, a newcomer-friendly cannabinoid!

Delta 8 Vape Products

More and more people are turning to Delta 8 THC vape cartridges as they bring mild yet noticeable effects that make it easier to relax after long, tiring days. Delta 8 THC is not as potent as THCP as it is not a psychoactive cannabinoid, but those who seek relief with a clear head will find joy with Delta 8!

Delta 8 Oils and Tinctures

Cannabis oils and tinctures have been used since ancient times for their relaxing and wellness traits.

To this day, the trend lives on, as many now use Delta 8 oils or tinctures daily to enhance their comfort, relaxation, and sense of well-being. Delta 8 THC oils and tinctures are easy to take and dose. Measure your dose using the dropper, place it under your tongue, and hold it there for 60 seconds. You can swallow any remaining tincture after 60 seconds. Tinctures are simple formulations of a carrier oil and cannabis extract. So their all-natural compounds let you relieve with a clear conscience.

FAQs – THCP vs. Delta 8

Read for answers to the questions most commonly asked by those new to THCP and Delta-8 THC.

Is THCP the Most Potent?

Given its unique molecular structure, it is the most potent psychoactive cannabinoid as it binds more strongly and efficiently to CB1 receptors than other cannabinoids. Beloved by cannabis enthusiasts and wellness seekers for its chillaxed vibes and psychoactive effects, THCP is not only best for those with a high tolerance but also for serious relief seekers who want a more potent and elevating experience.

Does THCP Get You Higher Than Delta 8?

Yes, it almost certainly will have a more pronounced effect than D8 at the same dose. Cannabis researchers seem to agree on THCP’s potential to deliver powerfully psychoactive highs, while Delta 8 is most popular for offering a milder experience than Delta 9 THC. Interestingly, research suggests THCP could be the cannabinoid most effective at binding to receptors in the body that influence mood and sleep.

With THCP’s strong affinity and greater engagement of ECS receptors, it can deliver more intense experiences and deeper levels of relaxation. This is why many claim to feel more potent effects from THCP vs. D8. However, as with many cannabinoids, THCP and Delta-8 can yield the most potent of effects when taken together.

Is THC-P the Same as CBD?

No, they are two different cannabinoids. The main difference between the two compounds’ effects is that CBD does not deliver the cerebrally stimulating effects of THCP. While there are many potential wellness benefits of CBD, it does not deliver the same mental effects as D8 or D9 THC. For this reason, CBD is often dubbed a therapeutic cannabinoid, whereas THCP would appear to have more utility as a recreational cannabinoid.

How Long Does a Delta 8 High Last?

It depends on how you consume and how much you consume! For the best experience, consider how soon you want the onset of effects to start so you can make them work for your routine. If you take D8 THC via a pre-roll or vape cart, its effects can take as little as five minutes to feel. Delta 8 THC taken in edible form can take thirty to ninety minutes to kick in, while its effects tend to fade in an hour or two. How long effects from D8 THC lasts varies from person to person based on things like weight, metabolism, typical dose size, and frequency of use.

THCP vs. Delta 8: Which is Good for Anxiety?

Research THCP is over thirty percent more potent than Delta-8 THC. As such, it brings more intense effects that can better address symptoms of issues like anxiousness and tension. If you need a potent solution for a troublesome issue, THCP is likely the cannabinoid you require to put daily stresses to rest.

Final Thoughts – THCP vs. Delta 8

THCP and Delta-8 are cannabinoids with a diverse variety of cerebral and physical effects. While each can bring euphoria, THCP is more potent than Delta-8 THC and can bring deeper rest and greater sensations. If you are ready to experience relief for yourself, we at Exhale are excited to show you that we have the purest and strongest THCP and D8 THC products around!

Want mild but blissful relief while keeping a clear head? Then, check out our Delta-8 THC products. Seek potent relief and chillaxed yet elevating journeys? Then, our THCP edibles are most likely what you’re looking for! The wellness team at Exhale thanks you for stopping by! Feel free to contact us any time. We’re always here to help!