It doesn’t take much to stir the pot with a conversation about THCP vs Delta 8. Plenty of people have opinions about this topic and want to offer their conclusions about which option is better.
The reality is a little trickier than that, though. There are many facets of the THCP vs Delta 8 debate to consider before definitely coming down on one side or the other.
Just like people like to discuss things like Delta 8 vs Delta 9 gummies and other related topics, we felt that it might be helpful to take a look at the question of whether you should go with THCP or Delta 8. Fortunately, we have both TCHP products and Delta 8 products available at BudPop, so you can find what you are looking for no matter which you prefer.
| Feature | THCP | Delta 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Potency | Extremely high, significantly stronger than Delta 9 | Mild, gentler than Delta 9 |
| Effects | Intense, long-lasting, best for experienced users | Smooth, calming, ideal for beginners |
| Onset & Duration | Slower onset, very long-lasting | Quick onset, shorter duration |
| Best For | High-tolerance, thrill-seeking users | Casual, everyday users |
| Product Availability | Limited, niche products | Widespread in gummies, vapes, tinctures |
| Legality | Federally legal, but more restricted in some states | Federally legal, widely accepted in most states |
Overview of THCP
Italian researchers first discovered THCP (short for tetrahydrocannabiphrol) in 2019 as a naturally occurring cannabinoid. It has a similar structure to traditional THC, but it features 7 carbon atoms instead of 5. This means that it can bind more strongly to the cannabinoid receptors that we all possess.
In fact, this cannabinoid is said to have 33 times more binding affinity than what is found in Delta 9 THC. This should not be confused with the idea that it is 33 times stronger than Delta 9 THC. Rather, it means that in small doses, it can have stronger and faster-acting impacts than does Delta 9 THC.
Overview of Delta 8
Chemically similar to Delta 9 but less potent, Delta 8 is also a naturally occurring cannabinoid that is found in cannabis plants. It has virtually the same structure as Delta 9 except for the fact that it has a double bond on the 8th carbon chain instead of the 9th. Thus, it is understandable that some also choose to compare Delta 9 vs THCa.
Delta 8 is found only in very small amounts in hemp in the natural world. As such, it is often synthesized with CBD to produce larger quantities of the product so that it might be more widely enjoyed.
Users report feelings of euphoria when using Delta 8. They also note that it offers them a clear-headed high and that they may experience some appetite stimulation as well.
THCP vs Delta 8: Key Differences to Consider
While thinking about Delta 8 vs THCP, it is essential to consider the differences between the two. Why are you potentially going to favor one over the other? Let’s take a look at some of the areas where users will notice a difference between Delta 8 vs THCP.
Potency and Psychoactive Effects
There is a big gulf between THCP vs Delta 8 when it comes to potency. Delta 8 is roughly 50-70% less potent than Delta 9, but THCP can be 30x more potent than Delta 9 when it is initially consumed. As such, THCP is going to have much stronger initial effects on the user, whereas Delta 8 is more of an easy ramp-up for those who are just beginning their THC journey.
The psychoactive effects users feel with THCP vs Delta 8 will differ as well. For example, the psychoactive effects of Delta 8 are said to be mild to moderate in intensity, but the psychoactive effects of THCP can be quite intense.
The euphoria effect is felt with both products, but it is said to be a lot stronger with THCP than with Delta 8. Likewise, the duration of the psychoactive effects tends to last longer with THCP as well. Those impacts can last between 4 and 8 hours for most users. The impacts of Delta 8 tend to last just 2 to 6 hours for most users.
Onset and Duration
As mentioned, the duration of the impacts of Delta 8 vs THCP is typically shorter in nature, coming in at roughly half of the time that one will likely experience the impacts of THCP.
However, the onset time is roughly similar for THCP or Delta 8. The typical onset time for most users is between 15-45 minutes, but this can vary slightly depending on the form of Delta 8 or THCP that one takes.
Legality and Access
Access to THCP vs Delta 8 is something that many people wonder about quite a bit as well. They are curious about whether they will be capable of picking up their favorite or not. After all, when it comes to some products, such as HHC gummies vs Delta 9, there are sometimes questions about how much access one might have to each product.
When it comes to Delta 8 vs THCP, the access question is one worthy of examination. Delta 8 products are far easier to get access to for most, as they were explicitly legalized via the 2018 Farm Bill.
THCP products do not fall under a specific federal schedule for drug classification, but they are still available legally in most areas. Access might not be as bountiful with THCP products for some, but we offer them at BudPop.
Product Availability
No matter if you want THCP or Delta 8 products, we have you covered at BudPop. We keep both stocked because different customers prefer different experiences. Check out our broad inventory of both THCP or Delta 8 products and discover what works for you.
Safety and Research
There is ongoing research into both THCP and Delta 8 products. If comparing THCP vs Delta 8, you can safely say that Delta 8 products have been around longer. They have been known about since the 1970s, whereas THCP was only discovered in 2019. That said, there is still a lot of research to be done on both.
Most of the known safety concerns are considered mild to moderate and include things such as the potential for dry mouth and red eyes. However, you should also take your safety seriously when it comes to the potential for impairment. You should never drive while under the influence of THCP or Delta 8.
Cost and Value
The difference in cost for THCP vs Delta 8 is relatively negligible. You will pay slightly more for THCP products as they are rarer and produce a more potent high, but you can get more value out of them since they provide such a powerful experience.
Consider purchasing in bulk to save on cost, and consider the long-term value of what you are purchasing rather than the immediate cost that you pay today. Many consider THCP to be the better long-term value play, but you should also consider your level of experience with THC products and how you want to approach that.
Who Should Try Which?
New users might want to stick with Delta 8 until they are certain about what their body can handle. They can still have a tremendous experience with it and begin to learn the ropes of THC products as a whole. Meanwhile, those who are a bit more experienced already might choose to go with THCP products because they have a much more potent effect. This can make them a better value over the long run.
Shop Both at BudPop and Find Your New Favorite Way to Get High!
There is no reason why you have to choose THCA or Delta 8 when you can simply have both. You can buy THC gummies online at BudPop, or even consider Delta 8 cartridges from our online store as well. It is entirely up to you to decide which options you like and which are right for your tolerance levels, as well as your budget.
Bringing Our THCP vs Delta 8 Comparison to a Close
We hope that you have enjoyed learning about THCP vs Delta 8 and all of the unique and interesting differences between the two. It is a fascinating subject that helps keep you informed about which choices are right for you. Now that you know a bit more about each type of product, check out our listings at BudPop and select the options that are right for you.
