Want to understand the differences between THCh and THCP? Read our detailed comparison of the effects, differences, and risks of these cannabinoids. Explore their effects on the body and discover what potential risks they may pose. Gain a deeper understanding of how these compounds work and what factors you should consider before using them. Find out everything you need to know about THC-H and THC-P here.

If you want a high that is said to be exponentially stronger than Delta 9-THC, then you should upgrade to either THCh, which is about 10 times stronger than regular THC, or the much more potent THCP, which is 33 times stronger!

This article will cover how these different THC homologues interact with longer carbon chains and explain the process by which both of these phytocannabinoids safely get you “high.”

This is especially true for THCP, which is the most recently discovered and most potent phytocannabinoid to date. Read on to discover the effects and risks of using these two THC alternatives.

Both THCh and THCP are THC homologues

THCh and THCP are both homologues of THC. This means they have a similar genetic and chemical structure to Delta 9-THC.

Therefore, they act similarly in terms of the binding of THCP or THCh to the endocannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 which are spread throughout our central nervous system (CNS), immune system and the rest of our bodies.

CB1 is found in the neocortex, hippocampus, amygdala, basal ganglia, striatum, cerebellum, and hypothalamus.

These parts of the brain are responsible for functions such as learning, memory, decision-making, sensory and motor responses, emotions, hunger, and other processes.

CB2 is found throughout the peripheral nervous system and is commonly found in circulating immune cells, the spleen, osteocytes, osteoclasts, and other immune response cells. CB2 is also believed to play a significant role in modulating inflammation.

Both THCh and THCP bind to these two receptors. And there are several semi-synthetic versions of each as well. Some are derived from CBD, Delta 8-THC, or Delta 9-THC. For example, there is Delta 8-THCh, Delta 9-THCh, Delta 8-THCP, and Delta 9-THCP.

Although in terms of potency, of these two homologues, each derivative of Delta 9-THC is expected to have a more significant psychoactive effect on the human body.

Although this has not been explicitly researched and proven, there is speculation from researchers and anecdotal comments from cannabinoid connoisseurs.

All of the research available on this potential difference in potency is about Delta 9-THC, not Delta 8-THC. Until science catches up with the cannabinoid market, we can't say anything for sure about the potencies of the different homologues of Delta 9-THC.

Although we have some comparative data on THCP and THCh, there is currently no clinical data for either THCh or THCP.

THCP was discovered in 2019 by Italian researchers and was found to have an alkyl chain of cannabinoid atoms. It is the first natural cannabinoid to be discovered to have an alkyl chain of cannabinoid atoms.

THCh vs THCP

To be honest, we know very little about THC. Most of the data we have collected is anecdotal evidence from consumers who have tried products on the market that contain THC.

The difference between THCh and THCP from the scientific side is the length of the carbon atom chain.

As a homologue of THC, THCh has a hexyl (six-carbon atom) alkyl side chain, unlike the pentylalkyl side chain that regular Delta 9-THC has.

On the other hand, THCP has a heptyl (six-carbon) alkyl side chain and is scientifically called (-)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabiphorol (Δ9-THCP).

This increase in carbon chain length appears to greatly increase the potency of THC-P compared to Delta 9-THC. In fact, it was found that the affinity of THCP to bind to the CB1 receptor was over 25 times greater than that of its homologue Delta 9-THC.

A 2018 study found that the pentyl side chain leads to changes in the affinity, selectivity, and pharmacology of ligands that bind to cannabinoid receptors.

The study also found that shorter alkyl groups reduced the compound's potency because it did not interact with the CB1 receptor as strongly as a pentyl chain does.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) not only has pain-relieving properties, but also produces the psychotropic side effects that many cannabis users seek.
The same study also found that an increase in the number of carbon atoms leads to increased potency and affinity for binding to cannabinoid receptors.

Therefore, THCP is expected to be more potent than THCh because it has a longer carbon chain. It has also been shown to have a high affinity for the CB1 receptor as an agonist. Not to mention that the length of the alkyl side chain has been shown to be crucial for the activity of the CB1 receptors.

This six-carbon alkyl chain is why Delta 9-THCP is considered the most potent cannabinoid yet discovered in terms of psychotropic potency, with Delta 9-THCh and its hexyl side chain a likely close second.

THCh vs THCP: Effects

The problem is that THCh is so new and is usually found in combination with other cannabinoids when it comes to products on the market.

Because of this, we can't be completely sure about its personal effects. Additionally, current THCh products typically contain four to five different cannabinoids in varying proportions.

Therefore, it is better to say that these THCh products are more or less THCh enriched rather than dominant, and most of these THCh products contain Delta 8 as the dominant cannabinoid.

On the other hand, THCP is available both in isolate form and with other cannabinoid compounds. But remember, you don't need a lot of it to get high.

THCP has been studied in mice, and it has been shown how potent the compound actually is.

THCP is said to produce almost psychedelic effects, so it is best to start with small doses of THCP.

THCh vs THCP: Risks and Side Effects

The side effects of THCh and THCP are still relatively unknown. We can speculate that they have similar risks and side effects to THC until further research is done.

The side effects of THC can include:
Increased heart rate
Coordination problems
Dry mouth
Red eyes
Slower reaction time
Memory loss
Anxiety

A notable difference between THCP and THCh is that the potency of these compounds makes overdose a more likely possibility compared to Delta 9-THC. This problem is due to these alkyl side chains which showed an increase in potency.

If the person consuming THCh or THCP is not aware of how strong they are, it is possible to overdose, or in other words, “green out.”

If you take too much of any of these compounds, you may experience nausea, dizziness, anxiety and paranoia, slurred speech, fatigue, dry mouth, increased heart rate, and body temperature changes such as feeling cold or sweating.

But there are ways to prevent and take care of this case where you get too high and green.

Note that no one actually knows the short or long-term side effects of these cannabinoids or products that advertise that they contain them.

Semi-synthetic products may contain other byproducts, residues, solvents, and unknown contaminants if they are not regulated, which may have unforeseen health effects of their own.

Finally, about THCh vs THCP

Of THCh and THCP, THC-P, based on the length of their alkyl side chains, is the more potent, almost psychedelic compound.

So if you have a high tolerance and are having trouble achieving the effects you want, you can give it a try.

And while it produces a smaller high than THCP, THCh is great for people who want to get higher than straight THC but are afraid of taking too much THCP. Both are stronger than your typical Delta 8-THC or Delta 9 THC. But can also be derived from each.

Theoretically, this means that Delta 9-THCP is the strongest natural phytocannabinoid we have discovered. This will make waves in the industry.

Remember, you should only buy from reputable suppliers who have a Certificate of Analysis (COA). This is to ensure that what you receive does not have residual solvents due to the cannabinoid conversion process from converting Delta 8-THC to THCP or THCh.

Enjoy these relatively new cannabinoids and remember to always consume responsibly and do your due diligence when it comes to determining legality in your state or country.