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THCA Vs THCP: Which One Is Better?

THCP Vs THCA

THCp is probably the strongest cannabinoid known to man. The world of cannabis research is constantly changing, and with it, the discovery of new cannabinoids like THCp and THCa. While the scientific community is familiar with these two cannabinoids, it’s likely you are not.

So, today, we are breaking down the two cannabinoids: THCp and THCa.

Key Takeaways

  • THCa is non-psychoactive and the precursor to Delta 9 THC. THCp is a psychoactive cannabinoid that is 33x more potent than THC.
  • Even though THCa is non-psychoactive, THCa becomes THC once decarboxylated, meaning that once you smoke or light THCa, it turns into THC. You can find THCa in raw cannabis form, tinctures, and vapes.
  • THCp is the strongest cannabinoid in terms of potency, with similar effects to Delta 9 THC, including euphoria, relaxation, appetite stimulation, and giggles. 

View our most popular THCP and THCA products here, including gummies, vapes, and more!

THC-a Vs. THC-p

Both of these compounds have THC in their name, but they have completely different effects, benefits, and chemical structures and before you try these two minor compounds, it’s important that you understand what you’re consuming.

Why? Because THCp is extremely potent, and THCa can easily be misunderstood as THC. 

What Is THCa?

Beginning with its chemical structure, THCa carries an extra carboxyl group. This carboxyl group gives THCa its non-psychoactive profile. When this carboxyl group is removed via decarboxylation (heating), THCa transforms into THC.

THCa naturally forms in the plant’s trichomes, the crystal-like structures that glitter and shine on the heads stems, and leaves of the flower.  

To simplify, THCA is the same thing as regular THC. So the next time you roll your joint, pack the bowl, or load the bong, remember that you’re probably smoking THCa, and you have been for a while.

Potential and Effects of THCa

Current studies are exploring the potential of raw THCa and its benefits. So far, THCa is similar to CBD as it is non-psychoactive but has potential uses for specific applications like headaches, migraines, and pain relief. However, this cannot be confirmed, and more research is needed. Currently, the FDA has not approved THCA.

THCA is also used in juices and products with unheated THCA. These products have potential therapeutic benefits, but further research is still needed to verify their efficacy for specific applications, like reducing certain issues.

Even though the compound is non-psychoactive, many people use THCa (raw cannabis/hemp). They claim that THCa has the benefits of supporting certain issues and increasing one’s general well-being.

What Is THCp?

THCp stands for THC-Extra Potency.

We’re kidding, but it’s a good way to remember what THCp is.

THCP, or Tetrahydrocannabinol, is like THC’s cousin. They come from the same family, but THCp has an elongated carbon chain. This elongated carbon chain is why THCp binds with such ferocity and produces an extremely potent high.

Potential and Effects of THCp

Research indicates that THCp’s chemical structure binds to CB1 receptors 33x more effectively than THC. In other words, THCp’s potency is 33x greater than THC’s

Due to its incredible potency, more and more people in the community are looking to get their hands on it. But, due to the scarcity of THCp found in hemp and cannabis plants, THCp products are costly and harder to produce.

As stated earlier, the benefits and effects of THCp are being researched, but the community agrees that it’s just like THC but way, way more potent.

Where To Buy THC-A and THC-P Products Online?


Looking for THCa? Check out our THCa Isolate, THCa Diamonds, THCa Badder, THCa Crumble, THCa Pre-rolls, THCa Diamond Sauce, and THCa Live Resin Concentrate.

Looking for THCp? Check out our THCp Gummies, THCp vapes, and THCp Distillate.

Our customers love our THCp gummies  and are raving about the potency, duration, quality, safety, and of course, the delicious flavors. Don’t believe us?

Check out our THCp Gummy ratings and reviews.

Even though new cannabinoids are being introduced to the market regularly, it’s vital that you stay safe and informed and are not a victim of counterfeit, fake, or synthesized products that can harm you. 

When purchasing THC-A and THC-P products online, check that the brand shows a (COA) Certificate of Analysis for each product it sells and that it is tested by a reputable third-party testing facility. It’s common nowadays to see brands selling products that aren’t of the highest quality and getting away with it.

THCp is difficult to make and requires a great deal of knowledge to extract and produce a quality and reliable THCp product. Keeping it transparent, every single product we sell is equipped with a third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA), showing exactly what is and isn’t in our products.

Chemical Structures Compared

THCp vs THCa

These two popular cousins take shelf space in dispensaries and stores nationwide. THCa is penetrating the scene due to its legal status/chemical structure, and THCp is surprising evening the most seasoned stoners as a “No joke, only take one” experience.

But when it comes to the science of THCp vs. THCa, here are the differences:

THCA

The A in THCa isn’t there to be pretty; it stands for acid, which indicates the presence of a carboxylic acid group. This acid group keeps THCA in its non-psychoactive form until it is removed via decarboxylation (smoked/heated), which is the perfect condition for you and the cannabis industry.

When the 2018 Farm Bill passed a law stating that any hemp product containing less than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis is legal, it changed the way dispensaries operate.

Now, hemp manufacturers/farms are growing THCA hemp instead of THC because THCa can be shipped, stored, and sold legally, waiting to be grounded, packed, and heated into THC.

THCP

The structure of THCp is similar to THC, but THCp contains a longer carbon side chain. This long carbon sidechain boosts the binding affinity of THCp to CB1 and CB2 receptors. 

Visually, you can see that THC has a five-carbon alkyl chain, and THCp has a seven-carbon alkyl chain. This tiny difference of 5 carbons to 7 carbons is why THCp produces its pronounced effects.

Is THCa Stronger Than THCp?

Which is stronger, THCp vs THCa? When it comes to strength, THCp is easily the strongest, but each compound is used for different reasons. THCa can be used for recreational purposes like smoking and vaping but can also be applied in therapeutic applications like juices and lotions. THCp is primarily used for recreation.

Folks within the community will make the argument that THCa flower can have a very high THC content and, once smoked, can be very strong. Still, THCP is recognized as the strongest cannabinoid.

Potential Benefits: Which Is Better?

Unsure which compound to go with?

The majority of folks will agree that THCa is the better compound to purchase as its effects are predictable and mild compared to THCp.

Most people are looking for the dual benefits of THCA, providing therapeutic relief and a psychoactive experience, and not the crazy potency of THCP.

Some folks will disagree and find that THCp is exactly the right cannabinoid for them.

No research claims that one cannabinoid is objectively better than the other, so it’s best to try them both and see which one is best for you.

THCa or THCp: Which One is Safer?

The lack of research on THCa and THCp means we don’t know the long-term effects of using either cannabinoid. So we are not sure which is safer in the long term. In the short term, THCa and THCp are considered safe for usage if it is not abused.

Either way, it’s important that you purchase your cannabis needs from reputable brands that stick to industry standards and regulations. Any serious brand backed by licensed and trusted testing facilities will post the testing results of all their products.

This way, you are safe from any harmful or alien compounds present in low-quality produced hemp/cannabis products. 

Final Thoughts

THCa and THCp are chemically different, but both come from the same plant. One brother, THCp, is great at creating the most potent and unique experience cannabis has to offer, while THCa, the older brother, is consistent, predictable, and reliable.

The cannabis world is evolving, and the potential of over 100+ cannabinoids is pushing cannabis research into overdrive. Both THCa and THCp are actively researched, and the exploration of these cannabinoids is just beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions: THCp vs THCa

What Is the Difference Between THC-A and THC-P?

THCa is the non-psychoactive precursor form of THC, but when decarbed (Smoked, Vaped, Ignited), THCA becomes THC.

THCp is a minor cannabinoid with a unique cannabinoid structure that produces a potent psychoactive experience.

How Do THCa and THCp Relate to Other Cannabinoids Like THC and CBD?

There are over 100+ cannabinoids in cannabis. THCa is just like THC but with a carboxylic acid group attached, hence the a in THC(A). When that acid is removed via decarboxylation, THCa becomes Delta 9 THC.

THCp is like THC, offering a psychoactive experience, but is incredibly strong.

What Are Some of the Potential Benefits of Using THCa and THCp?

While research remains ongoing for both compounds, our customers are reporting potential benefits like pain relief, relaxation, and stress relief when using either THCa or THCp.

Are There Any Potential Side Effects Associated With Using THCa and THCp?

The primary side effects of using THCa, THCp, and even Delta 9 THC are paranoia and anxiety. Oftentimes, these side effects are felt when overuse occurs.

Where Can I Find Reliable and Safe Products Containing THCa and THCp?

You can buy tons of THCa Products and THCp Products online, but reliable and safe products are hard to find.

Vivimu offers secure, tested, and customer-reviewed products that are affordable and competitively priced. 

More Questions About THCP?

Are you curious about cannabis and its 100+ derivatives? Check out our blog section, where we answer commonly asked questions about legalities and more. Want to speak to us directly? Contact us at support@vivimu.zendesk.com or +1 (720) 955-1667.

Picture of Kevin OConnor

Kevin OConnor

Kevin O'Connor is a distinguished expert in the cannabis and hemp sectors, currently leading as the Director of E-commerce at Vivimu. With a sharp analytical mind and a passion for innovation, Kevin drives product advancements that set new standards in the market. Based in Colorado, he is also a prolific writer, sharing his expertise and insights through engaging content that resonates with both industry professionals and consumers alike.

Kevin's work not only pushes the boundaries of what's possible but also motivates others to strive for excellence. To delve deeper into his thoughts and experiences, connect with Kevin on LinkedIn and Instagram. His contributions extend far beyond product development, making him a pivotal figure in the ongoing evolution of the cannabis and hemp sectors.

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