In 2018, a new law massively changed the cannabis industry. The Farm Bill adopted regulations allowing for industrial hemp cultivation, processing, and sale in the US. So what did this mean exactly? Well, not only did high CBD hemp products flood the market, but now, manufacturers had leeway to explore other cannabinoids. Soon Delta-8 THC was having its moment in the limelight, but now, THC-O is making waves.
Maybe you’ve heard of this THC variant already. It’s gaining notoriety for its extreme potency and its legal status. We know that THC is the major cannabinoid in marijuana. It offers the high we associate with weed and is also highly regulated in states with legal weed. This type of THC is called Delta-9 THC, but there are other forms of THC. Delta-8 and Delta-10 are famous for their “light” effects that resemble Delta-9 but with less psychoactive properties.
There is nothing light about THC-O. In fact, it’s beloved for its extra strength and availability in states that have not yet legalized recreational marijuana.
The “O” in THC-O describes the addition of acetate. Technically, the full name is O-acetyl-Δ9-THC, but we’ll just stick with THC-O for simplicity. Unlike other minor cannabinoids, THC-O is a synthetic cannabinoid that is not naturally occurring. Instead, it is made in a lab through multiple series of extractions and chemical alterations.
The process begins with a THC molecule. To fall in line with hemp regulations, that means it’s often hemp-derived Delta-8 THC. Once extracted and isolated, lab technicians add a highly volatile, flammable acetic anhydride to the molecule. The resulting chemical reaction produces THC-O. Of course, this is an oversimplification, and no one should attempt to make it at home.
Once produced, it is a suitable addition to THC-O vape pens and disposables, edibles, or infused joints.
THC-O’s claim to fame is its potency. In fact, it’s so strong that it is hailed as three times stronger than Delta-9 THC. That is a significant increase in strength, especially for a hemp-derived cannabinoid. It’s believed that the added acetate is responsible for this because it makes it easier for THC-O to bind to our endocannabinoid receptors. Which, as we know, are part of our endocannabinoid system that governs how our bodies receive and process cannabinoids.
The acetate increases bioavailability, meaning the effects will come on stronger and faster than regular THC. In terms of effect, that means triple the high in the same amount of product. Consumers report that THC-O is so intense that it borders on psychedelic. Not psychoactive – psychedelic. It has been compared to mescaline and LSD and is often called a “spiritual cannabinoid” because of these trippy effects.
A hit or two from a vape pen might get you stoned, but we’re not insinuating that it will cause you to hallucinate. However, large doses just might. What is a large dose? That’s primarily up to each individual to decide. Everyone processes THC differently and shouldn’t expect the same results.
THC-O is not best suited for first-time users or those who just want to get a buzz. Yet, medical patients are singing its praises because they now have an option for the tolerance they’ve built up from regular THC products. Plus, easy access means more people can try THC-O, which is a double-edged sword.
THC-O is manufactured in a lab. As of now, it is almost exclusively made from a hemp-derived THC molecule. This means that it is protected under the 2018 Farm Bill so long as the final product contains less than 0.3% THC by total volume. As long as this rule is followed, then THC-O products can be sold to – and consumed by – adults over 18.
Even though hemp is legal, that doesn’t mean you can use hemp products and pass a drug test. Unfortunately, modern drug tests cannot determine the source of origin. Instead, they are looking for THC metabolites, which can come from Delta-8, Delta-9, Delta-10, THC-O, or any other THC variant. Actually, it’s possible to fail a drug for CBD. This is because a full-spectrum CBD product contains trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3%) that can build up over time and trigger a positive result on a drug test.
Once produced, you can easily infuse products with THC-O. Adult consumers can shop online for gummies, tinctures, vape cartridges, disposable pens, dabbable extracts, and infused joints. As it continues to gain popularity, THC-O will find its way into more products and online retailers.
As with all alternative cannabinoid products, do your research. Never buy from black market producers; always look for high-quality companies that operate entirely transparently. If you cannot find a certificate of analysis detailing the cannabinoid percentages and lack of contaminants, it’s not a trustworthy brand.
Although the research is still new on THC-O, many consumers are grateful for an option that offers more strength than THC that they can buy online. Who knows what the future holds for THC-O, but it’s taking off right now.
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