Is THCP Indica or Sativa? Strain Types, Effects, and How It Feels

THCP is a minor cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant and has gained immense popularity among consumers due to its potent effects. Many consumers who have not tried this cannabinoid are curious about what its high feels like. Sativa-like or Indica-like? 

This guide will explore everything about THCP, whether it's an Indica or a Sativa, how it feels, strain effects, and types.

Is THCP Indica or Sativa? The Real Answer

THCP is neither Indica nor Sativa; it’s a cannabinoid. How THCP feels like depends on the variability of the strain it is combined with. The indica and sativa categories are easy to understand for consumers who are confused about the best time to consume THCP products.

If THCP is paired with the Indica-dominant flower or cartridge, it will produce calming and sedating effects. For sativa-like THCP, the high will be associated with mental clarity, focus, and motivation.

1.   THCP Isn’t Strain-Specific - It Depends on the Source

As explained earlier, THCP is not a strain; it gives the effects of the strain source. If the strain source of your THCP product is Granddaddy Purple Indica, expect to feel sleepy, relaxed, and couchlocked.

If your THCP product uses a sativa strain, like Sour Diesel, you can enjoy a body high that is more like a warm high and keeps you motivated, focused, and creative. This makes it best to use during the day.  

2.   Sativa-Like THCP vs. Indica-Like THCP: What to Expect

THCP has 33 times stronger affinity to bind with CB1 receptors as compared to traditional THC, thus producing more potent effects. To determine the effects of THCP, it’s important to look for the strain used. 

Sativa-like THCP effects include:

• Mental Clarity

• Increased Focus

• Sociability

• Enhanced Creativity

• Motivation

Consuming Indica-like THCP products can feel like:

• Deep physical relaxation

• Cerebral high

• Sedating & Calming effects

3.   Terpene Profiles and Other Factors That Shape THCP Effects

Terpenes are the cannabis compounds that are responsible for the flavor and aroma of the cannabis product. Terpene profiles play an important role in determining the effects of the THCP products. Some terpenes increase the psychoactive effects of THC, while some terpenes reduce the effects. For example:

• Myrcene promotes relaxing and sedating effects

• Pinene promotes focus and creativity

• Limonene is associated with energizing and uplifting high

Other than terpenes, the THCP effects also depend on the fusion of THCP and other cannabinoids. The presence of more than one cannabinoid and terpene profile will produce the entourage effect, providing a more balanced cannabis experience. 

THCP vs THC: Key Differences in Chemistry and Potency

THCP and THC are both intoxicating cannabinoids present naturally in the cannabis plant. The difference in the chemical structure is that THCP has a longer carbon chain than THC, making it 30x stronger than delta 9 THC. THCP has more binding affinity towards CB1 receptors than THC. 

1.    How THCP Is Made: Natural and Synthetic Sources

THCP (tetrahydrocannabiphorol) cannabinoid, can be found naturally in the cannabis plant, but in trace amounts. To meet the increasing consumer demand, manufacturers produce synthetic THCP by converting CBD cannabinoid through the process of isomerization. The synthetic THCP is produced under the compliance of the 2018 Farm Bill with THC content less than 0.3% by dry weight.

2.   What Kind of High Is THCP? (Sensory, Strength, Duration)

Users report effects such as enhanced sensory perception, deep physical relaxation, and mental clarity. The cerebral and physical effects may last for 6-8 hours, depending on the strain and dose.  

Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid: How Do These Strains Differ?

1.   Effects of Indica Strains: Calm, Sleepy, and Body-Centered

Indica strains are usually known for their calming and relaxing effects. If you are looking to unwind or for evening-time cannabis consumption, Indica strains are the best choice for THCP products. The effects include sleep support, deep body relaxation, and calmness.

2.   Effects of Sativa Strains: Uplifting, Creative, and Energizing

Sativa strains are the best for daytime consumption. These strains are more cerebral, uplifting, and energizing, enhancing mental clarity, focus, and motivation. If you are consuming cannabis at a social gathering, Sativa-style THCP vape is the best choice.

3.   What Are Hybrid Cannabinoids?

Hybrid cannabinoids contain both Indica and Sativa strains, providing balanced effects of both strains. You may find a THCP vape providing balanced effects of relaxation and mental clarity. You can explore our THCP-infused flower and disposable vapes to enjoy the balanced effects of hybrid cannabinoids. 

How THCP Behaves in Hybrid Cannabis Strains?

1.   Synergistic Effects With Other Cannabinoids (Entourage Effect)

The presence of more than one cannabinoid and terpenes produces entourage effects. This entourage effect produces a more tailored experience for wellness enthusiasts. You can experience balanced or enhanced effects of THCP along with the therapeutic benefits. 

If you combine THCP with CBD, CBD will help balance the potent effects of THCP. Pairing THCP with CBN will promote sleep. 

2.   THCP in Full-Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum, and Isolate Products

The increasing innovation has provided diversity to consumers when it comes to THCP product types. Check our full-spectrum gummies to experience the wholesome effects of THCP. THCP products are available in full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolates.

• Full spectrum contains the whole cannabis plant profile, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and trace amounts of THC.

• Broad-spectrum contains all cannabinoids and terpenes except THC.

• Isolates contain only THCP cannabinoids. 

Benefits and Potential Uses of THCP

THCP provides several therapeutic and recreational benefits to the users. It includes reducing pain, insomnia, and stress.

1.   Reported Therapeutic Benefits (Stress, Pain, Sleep)

Existing research and users’ feedback say that THCP provides several therapeutic benefits, including:

• Pain relief

• Appetite stimulation

• Stress reduction

• Enhanced sleep

2.    Is THCP Good for Sleep? (Does THCP Make You Sleepy?)

Many users report sedation effects when consumed in heavy doses or the Indica strain. If you are struggling with sleep issues, try out cannabis edibles that are specifically designed for nighttime use. Suffering from sleep issues? Try out our delta 9 + CBN nighttime gummies.  

Dosing Guide: THCP for Beginners

THCP is a highly potent cannabinoid that even regular consumers should consume in lower doses. If you are new to cannabis consumption, you need to carefully consume THCP products.

• How Much THCP Should You Take?

Manufacturers recommend starting with 1-3mg of edibles and a single small puff for beginners. If you are an intermediate or regular user, start with a 3-5 mg dosage. It is advised to wait till the onset time of the product.

• How Long Do THCP Effects Last?

The effects of THCP last longer than THC, usually 6-8 hours. The onset time and the duration of effects depend on your metabolism and the method of consumption, such as edibles, vapes, or tinctures. 

Legal Status of THCP in the USA (2025 Update)

1.   Is THCP Federally Legal?

At the federal level, the 2018 Farm Bill legalized the use of hemp-derived THCP products containing THC content less than 0.3% by dry weight. However, the legal status of cannabis compounds tends to change with time; you must check all cannabis laws before purchasing.

2.   State-by-State Legality

The legal status of THCP varies from state to state. Some states have banned or restricted its use, while in some states, users can purchase and consume THCP products with legal compliance.

3.   Can You Buy THCP Online?

Yes, you can buy THCP online from a reputable cannabis brand like CannaAid. You can buy THCP online if it’s legal in your region. We provide a range of THC and CBD products for our consumers, ensuring the purity and potency of the products. Explore our cannabis collections and choose the product according to your taste and needs.

Final Thoughts: Should You Try THCP?

THCP is a highly potent minor cannabinoid, providing unique and therapeutic effects to consumers. Looking for strong psychoactive effects? Try out THCP products with diverse strain types. The effects of THCP are stronger than THC, so consume in lower doses. Everyone will have a different THCP experience based on product type, dose, and body metabolism.

Frequently Asked Questions About THCP, Strains, and Effects

Q. What’s The Difference Between THC-P Indica And Sativa?

Indica THCP strains are more relaxing and sedating, while Sativa-like THCP is associated with energizing and uplifting high.

Q. What Are The Cannabis Strains High In THCP?

Cannabis strains, including Girl Scout Cookies, Fruit Loops, and Pink Rozay, are reported to have high THCP levels, even though they are less available. 

Q. Is THCP The Same As THC?

No, THCP is a different cannabinoid from the traditional THC in terms of composition, potency, and effects. THCP has a long side alkyl chain, allowing it to bind strongly with the CB1 receptors to produce 10 times more potent effects than delta 9 THC.

Q. How Does THCP Interact With Terpenes?

Terpenes greatly influence the THCP effects; some terpenes enhance the psychoactive effects, while some inhibit. The type of terpene influences how it feels to have THCP, including improved focus, relaxation, or mood through the entourage effect. 

Q. What Is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is a naturally occurring hemp cannabinoid that produces milder psychoactive effects than traditional THC.

Q. How Long Does Cannabis (THC or THCP) Stay In Your System?

Cannabis can stay from days to weeks in your system depending on the dosage, frequency, and metabolism. Frequent users may test positive for drugs for a long time.

Q. How Do You Get THCP?

THCP is present in the cannabis plant in trace amounts; however, it can be produced through an advanced extraction and conversion process using the CBD cannabinoid.

Q. How Strong Is THCP? (How Strong Are THCP Effects?)

THCP is said to have 30times more binding affinity towards the CB1 receptors than the delta-9 THC. THCP effects are 10 times more potent than the delta-9 THC effects.

Q. Will THCP Show Up on a Drug Test?

Yes, standard drug tests can detect THC metabolites in your system, so THCP shows positive drug tests.