Cannabis plants naturally produce around 80-100 compounds known as cannabinoids. These compounds react with receptors in the body and provide various effects ranging from improving appetite to alleviating symptoms of depression and pain relief. 

While cannabinoids naturally occur in cannabis plants, scientists can also create synthetic and semi-synthetic derivatives of cannabinoids. THCP-O is derived from THCP, a naturally occurring cannabinoid, and developed through a chemical process known as acetylation.

One of the latest synthetic cannabinoids on the scene to try to rival Delta 8, which started booming in popularity around 2018, THCP-O is considered one of the most potent cannabinoids ever synthesized. Here, we look into why this cannabinoid is gaining popularity, its creation, and its benefits and potential risks.

What is THCP-O?

THCP-O is the acetate form of the potent cannabinoid THCP. Scientists have only been working on the extraction and synthetic production of THCP-O since around 2019, so most information about the cannabinoid remains anecdotal. 

What we know so far is that THCP-O is a psychotropic cannabinoid that affects the mind and body when consumed. However, it is still a relatively new cannabinoid to be made available to consumers and can be unpredictable, so be careful when consuming it and start with small doses. 

A recent study found THC-O, a synthetic cannabinoid, could potentially cause the vaping-related lung disease EVALI. THCP-O, like THC-O, should never be vaped and is safest if consumed as a tincture or gummy. 

How THCP-O is Created

THCP-O is a synthetic cannabinoid. The process begins with the extraction of THCP from cannabis plants using chemical reactions to convert cannabinoids like CBD. Then, an acetate group is added to the extracted and isolated THCP to increase stability. Finally, it is purified to remove any harmful byproducts. 

THC and CBD can be extracted directly from cannabis plants due to the large quantities (around 30%) in cannabis. THCP, Delta 10, and other cannabinoids found in smaller amounts are all converted through chemical reactions from CBD to produce cannabinoids that consumers can use.

Effects and Benefits of THCP-O

The jury is still out on all the effects of THCP-O on the body. However, reports from users suggest it can provide euphoric sensations, relaxation, an increase in sensory perception, pain relief, and an overall body high. Scientific research suggests THCP-O may bind up to 30 times better with CB1 receptors in the body than existing cannabinoids. This receptor can radically alter our appetite, memory, mood, and more. 

While this doesn't necessarily mean THCP-O is that much more potent than regular THC; it may have a more psychedelic effect than THC when consumed in higher quantities. CBD, on the other hand, does not bind well with CB1 and works instead by preventing the breakdown of endocannabinoids in the body. The potential therapeutic benefits of THCP-O include helping to fight insomnia and anxiety, increasing appetite, and providing pain relief. 

Legal Status and Regulation

The legality of THCP-O is a gray area. The 2018 Farm Bill made it federally legal to buy and sell hemp and naturally occurring derivatives, as long as they contain under 0.3% Delta-9 THC. However, THCP-O isn't found naturally in cannabis plants, which means the DEA would consider it illegal. 

THC is legal in all 24 states that have legalized recreational cannabis. It might surprise some people to learn that CBD remains illegal in Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota. At the moment, you can still buy THCP-O in most states, and it is available in smoke shops and online stores, but it may be hard to find in states with stricter rules around CBD and cannabinoids in general. 

Safety and Risks of THCP-O

THCP-O can be a lot stronger than other cannabinoids, which comes with its own risks. Taking too much too quickly may lead to an overwhelmingly intense euphoria and altered perception that may distort sound and visuals. It may also lead to a rapid heart rate and memory impairment. 

Due to its synthetic nature and hazy legal status, there are fewer checks and balances on the quality of products being produced, unlike CBD and THC in states where they are legal and are controlled and checked for quality. 

If you want to try THCP-O, never consume it in a vape. Unfortunately, burning it in this form produces ketene, which can severely damage the lungs. Instead, consume it in a tincture or gummy. Remember, start slow and take note of your tolerance. 

Heavier cannabis users may find the effects to be less intense than people who don't consume much. Find a stress-free spot to take it, and ensure you've cleared any meetings from your calendar before you partake.

Future Research and Developments

THCP-O is being researched to see how consumers can best use it. With some people suggesting it provides a high that is 5-10 times more intense than Delta-9 THC, there's a future for this cannabinoid if scientists can harness it correctly. It may be able to help people with chronic pain, insomnia, and more. 

Much like other synthetic cannabinoids, the impact it could have on the cannabis industry may not be completely transformative. There remains a weariness among many consumers to veer away from naturally occurring THC and CBD and venture into the synthetic cannabinoid realm.

However, people searching for a different high school may find that THCP-O gives them what they need, especially in a future where it has been researched more thoroughly. 

Understanding Cannabinoids

Archaeological evidence suggests that humans may have been experiencing the benefits of cannabis and cannabinoids for thousands of years. Humans (and all other animals) have cannabinoid receptors in the body, which control the activity of neurotransmitters.

Cannabinoids bind with these receptors and can provide a variety of positive effects that could be as far-reaching as preventing neurodegeneration, alleviating diabetes symptoms, and even cancer, but may also increase anxiety and paranoia. 

THC and CBD are the biggest household names in the world of cannabinoids. THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid, which means it gets you high, whereas CBD isn't psychoactive.

Despite their differences, both of these compounds occur naturally in cannabis, which makes them easier to extract and produce in large quantities and may help with pain management and more.

But, they're just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the cannabis plant's many health benefits, which is why the discovery and production of new cannabinoids could open the door to even more. 

Conclusion

THCP-O may be the most potent cannabinoid discovered so far, but it has a long way to go before it becomes the go-to on the market. This emerging cannabinoid needs more checks and balances to see it hit the mainstream and get the public interested in its therapeutic properties, which are yet to be proven. 

While it's always exciting to hear about new cannabinoids, be sure to research any new cannabinoids that you want to try thoroughly before consuming them, and always source them from a trustworthy source in states where they are legal.