Have you heard about THC-O, the increasingly popular, potentially psychedelic acetate cannabinoid? Want to learn more about it before deciding to use it?
There are numerous misconceptions regarding THC-O, which are the consequence of limited scientific research and smart marketing by corporations.
In this article, we will analyze the physics and science fiction behind THC-O, its effects, and how to use it properly.
What is THC-O?
THC acetate ester (THC-O) is a cannabinoid produced synthetically.
First, CBD (cannabidiol), a naturally present cannabinoid in the hemp plant, is synthesized into delta 8 THC. The delta 8 is then converted to THC-O by mixing it with acetic anhydride.
Although acetic anhydride is a dangerous drug by itself, the resulting THC-O is safe to take if done appropriately. It’s essential to follow safety guidelines, as explained in the ‘How to Use THC-O Safely’ section.
Depending on your location, you might have discovered products that contain THC-O, which comes from marijuana. THC-O is a type of cannabis with no THC limitations.
Is THC-O Legal?
THC-O’s legality is complicated. Originally, it was created to provide cannabis consumers with a legal way of obtaining the effects of delta 9 THC dominant products.
Cannabinoids made from hemp are now federally legal in the United States, according to the 2018 Farm Bill (though certain states have prohibited their sale and use). Most businesses, individuals, and even lawmakers felt that THC-O was a hemp product.
However, The DEA has verified that THC-O is not a hemp derivative because it does not exist naturally in hemp and is thus a restricted substance.
Rob Kight, a famous cannabis attorney, made a blog post in February 2023 where he showed correspondence with the DEA, proving that THC-O was a controlled substance.
Although some brands are still selling THC-O products online, they seem to haven’t been threatened with DEA action.
While THC-O has been declared illegal, the lists of states below show where it was legal before the DEA’s letter in February 2023.
States Where THC-O is Legal:
- Alabama
- Connecticut
- California
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Indiana
- Illinois
- Kentucky
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Massachusetts
- Maine
- Maryland
- Missouri
- Minnesota
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Hampshire
- Nebraska
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Side Effects of THC-O
If you use THC-O, you could have negative effects like:
- Your mouth and eyes are dry
- lower blood pressure
- Lightheadedness
- Insomnia
- The feeling of disorienting
- Changes in how color and brightness are perceived.
Benefits of THC-O
A new study debunks the claim that THC-O-acetate, a new cannabinoid on the market, has psychedelic effects. The compound is more likely to cause relaxation, euphoria, and pain relief, suggesting caution in its use due to potential health implications.https://t.co/8EyVFxbh3Z… pic.twitter.com/njO3m0mzlN
— Neuroscience News (@NeuroscienceNew) July 11, 2023
Sleep
As delta 9 THC is beneficial for sleep, and THC-O is even stronger than delta 9, it may help get better sleep. Based on their personal experiences, some have claimed that THC-O can assist them in falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer.
Mental Relaxation and Mood Enhancement
The psychoactive properties of THC-O make it useful for increasing mental peace and relaxation.
Inflammation and Pain
Anecdotal evidence shows that THC-O may have therapeutic potential for many types of pain, and the surveys proved that many THC-O users reported this as an advantage.
Effects of Psychedelics
Depending on your preferences, this can be a benefit or a disadvantage. Anecdotal research suggests that THC-O may give a psychedelic experience like “magic mushrooms” for some people.
How to Use THC-O Safely
If you want to try THC-O but are concerned about its possible negative effects, we’ll go through how to use it properly, including which products may be harmful.
Edibles
Edibles, such as candies and gummies, provide the therapeutic benefits of THC-O without creating risks to your respiratory health. Edibles also allow for constant, predictable dosing, so you don’t have to worry about using incorrectly or too much.
Oils
THC-O oil products blend THC-O “extract” with carrier oils (as mentioned earlier, THC-O cannot be derived directly from hemp).
THC-O oils are an excellent option if you need to take highly precise quantities because the metered dropper allows you to determine your dose down to the drop.
Use Caution If Using Vapes, Flower, or Dab Rigs
Vaporizers (vapes) allow you to inhale THC-O as a vapor. THC-O flower products are just cannabis flower that has been sprayed with THC-O distillate. THC-O dabs are a concentrated cannabis product that may be inhaled using a dab rig.
These techniques of inhalation are feasible alternatives to smoking or vaping delta 9 THC or other cannabinoids. However, we suggest you proceed with extreme caution while combining them with THC-O, the acetate version of THC.
When acetate versions of chemicals are heated, they release ketene, a toxin that can cause significant lung damage. As a result, when taking THC-O, consider utilizing an oil or edible product.
The Verdict
THC-O is presently not widely recognized in the cannabis and hemp communities, and more research is needed to investigate its effects and therapeutic potential. There are also significant questions about its safety when inhaled.
And, as of February 2023, THC-O may be legally prohibited in the United States, making its acquisition and consumption difficult, if not impossible.
