For the longest time after hemp-derived cannabinoid products began to surface, all the attention went to delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC. However, further exploration has revealed so much more to appreciate about hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoids. THC-A vs THC-P are two prime examples.
While there is still more to learn about THCP vs THCA, that doesn’t stop the buzz or fascination. Take a look at everything there is to know about THC-A and THCP, the effects of both cannabinoids, and why they may be better together below.
What is THC-A?
THC-A (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the precursor cannabinoid of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC-A is present in small amounts in hemp and in larger amounts in high-THC cannabis plants. THC-A is unique because it is an acidic cannabinoid, and the inclusion of the acidic molecule with THC alters how the body responds to the cannabinoid when it is consumed.
THC-A Effects
Unlike other forms of THC that are not acidic, THC-A is not intoxicating. Before anyone says THCA effects can be intoxicating, it must be put through the decarboxylation process to eliminate the acidic molecules. You can’t expect any buzz from consuming cannabis extracts as it is. This is why raw, unheated cannabis plant flower is unlikely to cause euphoric effects. However, decarboxylation occurs at high temperatures. Therefore, when you burn cannabis plant flower that contains THC-A, the THC-A becomes THC and becomes intoxicating.
Because THC-A is not intoxicating, you can consume it without impeding focus or getting sleepy. Instead, you may feel slightly calmer or a little relaxed with a clear mind.
THC-A Benefits
THC-A is thought to offer some of the same therapeutic effects as delta-9 THC but without the same expected intoxication. Therefore, the primary benefit of THC-A is the fact that people can use it for pain or relaxation without the euphoric uplift. THC-A may also have a higher bioavailability than delta-9, which means you may not need as much to achieve desired effects.
While research is ongoing, other THC-A benefits may include:
- Support for digestive issues
- Support for seizure disorders
- Support for the neural system
What is THCP?
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiphoral (THCP) is a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants and hemp. THCP does occur naturally in the family of plants, but only in fractional amounts. Therefore, many of the THCP gummies and other products that contain THCP actually contain a synthesized version of the cannabinoid that is created using CBD (cannabidiol). Because this cannabinoid can be synthesized from CBD and hemp, THCP is legal.
THC-P Effects
What is THC-P in terms of molecular makeup? Well, it has a very similar molecular makeup to delta-9 THC but is speculated to be as much as 33 times more potent. THCP is intoxicating, but beyond this, much of what we know about THCP effects is purely anecdotal. Most people who try THCP claim you get a euphoric uplift, intoxication, and a deep sense of relaxation.
THCP Benefits
Early studies have shown THCP is far more biologically active than delta-9 THC in much smaller amounts. While it is too early to understand precisely what this means in terms of benefits, it is easy to assume that THCP could provide therapeutic effects at very small doses. However, another interesting benefit that has been talked about among consumers is the fact that THCP’s effects seem to last a long time. Therefore, people may use THCP in small doses to help with things like pain or sleep and enjoy those effects for long periods compared to THC.
What’s the difference between THCA and THCP?
THCP and THC-A can both be derived from hemp and both may have higher levels of bioavailability than delta-8 or delta-9 THC. And since both cannabinoids can be derived from hemp and not the regulated cannabis plant marijuana, they are both technically legal. While THC-A and THCP share some similarities, there are a handful of important differences as well, including:
- THC-A is an acidic cannabinoid; THCP is not
- THC-A is non-intoxicating; THCP is intoxicating
- THC-A may have a shorter duration of effects than THCP
- THC-A may not be as potent as THCP
It’s important to note, that while both THC-A and THCP are both federally legal, some states have implemented laws restricting any hemp products that are psychoactive. Therefore, you may not have access to THCP specifically in some states because it is an intoxicating cannabinoid.
Can you take THC-A and THCP together?
You can, and this can be a good way to maximize the effects of both cannabinoids. THC-A can be more therapeutic and help you focus, while THCP offers euphoric uplift that has a long-lasting duration. When combined, some people claim the outcome is pretty profound, almost like you get the best of both worlds.
For example, Galaxy Treats 3G Live Resin Disposables contain THC-A, THCP, and HCP. This combination provides an experience that highlights the best of all three cannabinoids. Reviewers mention that the disposables are potent, and deliver a body high like being wrapped in a warm, weighted blanket. They also experience a slight head high, but they feel entirely social all at the same time. Even better, these disposable vapes come in flavors like Grape God, Birthday Cake, Gushers, and Pineapple Express.
Find Your Way to New Heights with Galaxy Treats
Whether you are just starting to explore all the different types of THC from hemp or consider yourself well-experienced, Galaxy Treats is the place to be. We’re all about quality and transparency with our products, but we also love creating combined-cannabinoid products that are bound to enhance your experience. Be sure to take a look at our full collection of edibles and disposables—all lab-tested and all made from 100 percent hemp extracts.
