THCA vs THCP – Which is Best for You?

We all know about THC, the part of cannabis that gets you high.

But have you heard of THCA and THCP? It’s getting a lot of attention lately—and for good reason.

Understanding the similarities and differences between these two cannabinoids and which one can be the best for you can help you make a more informed choice. In this post, we’ll break down what each cannabinoid does, how they differ, and which might be the best for your needs.

What is THCA?

If you’ve heard the word THCA and wondered what it is, don’t worry; you’re not alone. THCA stands for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, and it’s a natural cannabinoid found in cannabis plants.

THCA is mostly found in the flowers or buds of fresh cannabis plants. In fact, raw cannabis—especially when it’s not dried—has a higher amount of THCA. Once the plant is dried or aged, the amount of THCA starts to drop, especially if exposed to light or heat.

Can THCA Turn into THC Naturally?

Yes! Even without a lighter or oven, THCA can change into THC over time. If cannabis sits in the sun or gets too hot while being stored, the heat and oxygen can slowly convert THCA into THC.

But what makes THCA interesting is that it’s not psychoactive—which means it won’t get you high in its raw form.

Since THCA doesn’t get you high, some people consume raw cannabis (juicing, tinctures, or salads) to access its potential therapeutic effects without intoxication.

However, when THCA is heated—such as through smoking, vaping, or cooking—it changes into THC—the compound that does get you high. This process is called decarboxylation (yes, a big word, but it just means applying heat).

That’s one of the main reasons people are so curious about it.

Decarboxylation here means THCA loses a carboxyl group (COOH) and converts it into psychoactive THC.

THCA is gaining attention because it’s right at the edge of what’s legal, what’s natural, and what might be medically helpful. While it won’t get you high on its own, heat changes everything, and that’s exactly what people are experimenting with.

THCA isn’t just one thing—it’s available in several different types and forms. Here’s a quick look at what’s out there:

THCA Flower (Buds)

This is the raw cannabis flower that naturally contains THCA. People usually smoke or vape, which turns the THCA into THC. But you can also eat the buds raw to get the benefits of THCA Flower without getting high.

THCA Patches

These are like nicotine patches—but for cannabis. You stick the patch on your skin, and it slowly releases THCA into your bloodstream throughout the day. Because there’s no heat involved, you don’t get high.

THCA Diamonds (Crystalline Form)

This form looks like tiny white crystals or powder. It’s super concentrated THCA. THC-A Diamonds are for dabbing—a method where the crystal is heated up and inhaled, turning THCA into THC instantly.

THCA Edibles

You’ll also find THCA in gummies and other edibles. If they’re made with raw THCA and not cooked at high heat, they won’t cause a high. But if they’re baked or heated, the THCA becomes THC, and yes—you’ll feel it.

What is THCP?

You’ve heard of THC and CBD, but have you met THCP? This one does get you high.

THCP (short for Tetrahydrocannabiphorol) is a compound found in the cannabis plant. It’s very similar to THC, which is the part of weed that makes you feel high. It was discovered pretty recently—in 2019—by a team of Italian researchers.

In fact, THCP is believed to be up to 33 times more active at the brain’s cannabinoid receptors than regular THC (the psychoactive compound in weed). That means even a tiny amount of THCP could affect your body and mind much more than the same amount of THC.

It comes down to how THCP interacts with our body. Our body has a built-in system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system controls things like mood, pain, appetite, and sleep. THC connects to special parts of this system, called CB1 receptors, which causes the high. THCP has a longer side chain (a longer tail on its molecule), allowing it to stick to the CB1 receptors more strongly than THC. That’s why it can cause a stronger, longer-lasting effect, even in small amounts.

THCP is found naturally in some cannabis strains, but only in very tiny amounts. Because of that, most THCP products you’ll see are lab-made from hemp-derived CBD. This makes it more accessible, especially in places where marijuana isn’t entirely legal.

Because it’s so strong, THCP can also cause side effects more easily, especially if you’re sensitive to THC. That’s why it’s always best to start small, especially if you’re new to THC or have low tolerance.

THCP is still rare but growing in popularity. You might find it in:

• Vape carts
• Gummies
• Oils/tinctures
• Dabs or concentrates

Be cautious—many products aren’t well-regulated yet, so buy from trustworthy brands with lab reports (COAs).

What are the similarities between THCA and THCP?

​THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) and THCP (tetrahydrocannabiphorol) are both cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. While they have distinct characteristics, they also share some similarities:

Both Come from Cannabis

Both THCA and THCP are naturally occurring compounds in cannabis. THCA is typically found in higher concentrations, especially in raw cannabis, whereas THCP is present in much smaller amounts.

They Interact With the Endocannabinoid System

Your body has a system that helps regulate mood, appetite, pain, and sleep. Both THCA and THCP can affect that system, though in very different ways.

Potential Health Benefits

THCA is being studied for anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Thanks to how strongly it connects with your brain’s receptors, THCP might help with pain, sleep, and relaxation.

You Can Find Both in Products Today

You’ll find THCA in flower form (which turns into THC when smoked) and in patches, edibles, or raw products. THCP is mostly in vapes, oils, or edibles made by brands that specialize in potent cannabis products.

What are the differences between THCA and THCP?

Although they sound similar, they are different regarding their effects, benefits, and even how they interact with your body.

Let’s break down the key differences between THCA and THCP to help you understand how they work, their potential uses, and what you should know before trying them.

Chemical Structure

THCA is the precursor to THC, meaning it has to be heated to convert into THC. THCP, on the other hand, has a longer alkyl side chain, allowing it to bind more effectively to cannabinoid receptors, making it more potent than THC.

Psychoactive Effects

THCA is non-psychoactive in its raw form. It won’t get you high unless it is converted into THC through heating. THCP is highly psychoactive. It’s stronger than THC, which means it can produce much stronger effects, even in small doses.

Natural Occurrence

THCA is abundant in raw cannabis plants, particularly in freshly harvested cannabis flowers. THCP is found in trace amounts in the cannabis plant and is extracted due to its low concentration.

Benefits and Uses

THCA is believed to have therapeutic benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, and neuroprotective effects. It’s being studied for its potential in treating chronic pain and inflammation without producing a high.

THCP has not been studied as extensively, but early research suggests that it could provide powerful relief for pain, anxiety, and mood disorders. Due to its potency, it’s also thought to offer more potent therapeutic effects than THC potentially.

Side Effects

THCA is relatively safe in its raw form and doesn’t cause the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis. However, when converted into THC, it may cause typical THC-related side effects like dry mouth, red eyes, and impaired coordination.

THCP is much stronger, so its side effects can be more intense. These might include feelings of euphoria, altered perception, increased heart rate, and, in some cases, anxiety and paranoia. The more potent effects of THCP mean you need to be cautious when consuming it.

Legal Status

THCA is generally legal in most places, as long as it’s part of hemp products containing less than 0.3% THC. The legality of THCA can vary depending on local laws. Still, in general, raw cannabis products are permitted in regions where marijuana is legal.

THCP is a newer discovery, so its legal status isn’t as clear. It may be regulated under existing cannabis laws. However, it’s still important to check local regulations, as THCP may not be specifically addressed yet.

Which one is the best—THCA or THCP?

Are you wondering which one is best for you? Well, you’re in the right place!

At Elyxr, we have both THCA and THCP products to suit your needs.

However, choosing between THCA and THCP depends entirely on your personal goals, tolerance, and what you’re seeking from your cannabis experience. While they share similarities, they affect the body and mind differently. But which one is the best?

Choose THCA if:

• You want relief without the high—perfect for pain relief and inflammation.
• You prefer something non-psychoactive but still want the benefits of cannabis.
• You’re looking for neuroprotective properties or need help with nausea.

Choose THCP if:

• You’re after a stronger, more intense high.
• You need extra pain relief and anxiety reduction.
• You’re looking for a potent, therapeutic effect that’s stronger than regular THC.

We understand that you want safe, effective, and easy-to-use products. That’s why we offer high-quality THCA and THCP options, carefully tested for purity and potency. You can find THCA and THCP products on our website—no hassle, just what you need.

We’re here to help you find exactly what works best for you. Start your journey with Elyxr today and see why so many people trust us for their cannabis needs.

Ultimately, both THCA and THCP have their place in the world of cannabis, and which one you choose depends on your personal preferences and what you’re looking to achieve with your cannabis use.

Always check local regulations, and if you’re new to cannabinoids, consider consulting with a healthcare professional before trying something new.