Cannabis and hemp-derived products have taken the world by storm. The cannabis industry in the U.S. is growing at an alarming rate and is expected to reach $32 billion in annual sales in 2022. THC-O, or THC-O acetate, is a chemical compound derived from hemp. The newly discovered THC-O ranks highly among cannabinoids available in the market and is 3x stronger than THC.

Thousands of beginners and experienced marijuana users have started using THC-O for recreational purposes. THC-O acetate is one of the legal cannabinoids that you can purchase. It is available in medical marijuana dispensaries and online stores across many states in the U.S. Similar to chemicals such as Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC, THC-O has an increased concentration of THC that can produce intoxicating effects on people.

What is THC-O?

THC-O acetate, better known as THC-O, is a THC analog that is much more potent than traditional weed. Unlike cannabinoids such as CBD and THC, THC-O is not a naturally occurring compound. THC-O acetate can induce a high in small doses and can also have psychoactive effects in larger doses.

Many people who have tried THC-O acetate have said that its high can be three times stronger than the effects of THC. The potent effects of THC derivatives have made THC-O products a best seller in the hemp industry.

Curious cannabis users must take precautions while consuming THC-O acetate, as higher doses can lead to adverse effects. THC, the main ingredient with psychoactive effects in cannabis plants, has various medicinal uses. People requiring high doses of THC to treat their anxiety can opt for THC-O as a preferable variant to other chemicals derived from marijuana.

How is THC-O synthesized?

The earliest traces of THC-O were found in a labohttps://account.whitespark.ca/accountratory in Jacksonville, Florida. It was discovered by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in 1978. Since its discovery, many military scientists have been playing whack a mole with the chemical to identify its molecular structure and study its effects on the human body.

THC-O is not a naturally occurring chemical. It must be synthesized by extracting several hemp-derived compounds. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is derived from federally legal hemp that contains less than 0.3% THC. Delta 8 THC is further extracted from hemp. Acetic anhydride is added to Delta 8 THC to form THC-O.

The highly combustible chemical acetic anhydride is a colorless liquid that is used in manufacturing dyes and fibers. Producing THC-O requires specialized equipment to carry out the chemical processes. It must not be produced at home. It is advised to buy THC-O from stores that have a valid license to sell THC-O acetate products.

As a biologically inactive compound, THC-O has to be metabolized by the body to activate it. Since it has greater bioavailability, the synthetic cannabinoid is highly potent and can be absorbed easily into the body compared to Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC.

How is THC-O different from other cannabinoids?

The hemp plant has given rise to various controlled substances and cannabis products. Most cannabinoids are derived from federally legal hemp. Synthetic cannabinoids such as THC-O deliver intense psychedelic effects despite having a similar molecular structure to chemicals found naturally, including Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC.

The global increase in marijuana use has led to the cultivation of various strains of cannabis. THC-O is a psychedelic cannabinoid made from the extracts of Delta 8. Although Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC are hemp-derived cannabinoids, they do not provide any visuals.

Generally, THC is found to be a stable compound in many of its forms. Scientific research has proven that, unlike THC, THC-O is prone to degradation when exposed. You must store THC-O vape carts in a clean and dry environment to maintain their shelf life. There are numerous risks involved in using THC-O products that are contaminated. The slightest exposure of vape cartridges to heat, light, humidity, and oxygen can decrease their potency.

Is THC-O legal?

Yes, THC-O is considered legal in most of the states in the U.S. As per the Farm Bill passed in 2018, any products that are derived from hemp plants with less than 0.3% THC have a clean legal status. It includes hemp derivatives such as the non-natural cannabinoid THC-O, THC acetate, and other forms of cannabinoids.

 

On a federal level, cannabis users have unlimited access to products containing THC-O. The 2018 Farm Bill allows the sale and use of legal cannabis for recreational and medical purposes.

However, several experts believe that THC-O is considered illegal. They cite the 1986 Federal Analog Act that declares any chemical that is substantially similar to THC to be treated as a Schedule 1 Drug. The psychedelic high of THC-O puts it in a gray area.

According to the National Academies Press, the current state of cannabis legality is overwhelmingly positive. More than 25 states in the U.S. have legalized cannabis, and its products have a wide range of therapeutic uses.

Is THC-O safe to consume?

Research on the safe use of THC-O is inconclusive. The most prevalent use of THC-O involves the use of butane hash oil. Cannabis oil containing THC-O is heated with an electric device to release fumes and vapors that you can inhale. THC-O is a synthetic chemical, and inhaling it can negatively impact your health. THC-O carts may also contain nicotine, an addictive substance that can be dangerous to consume. Sustained use of THC-O vapes can result in lung injury and respiratory conditions.

 

THC-O edibles such as THC-O gummies are safer to consume. THC-O gummies are fun-sized snacks that you can eat without damaging your lungs. It may take up to 30 minutes for the high to kick in. However, ingesting THC-O will not prevent it from being detected in a drug test.

Types of THC-O products

Cannabis lovers consume THC-O in a variety of ways. From tinctures to vape carts, there is a wide range of THC-O products in the market that let you consume them the way you like.

Vape pens

Vape pens are portable electronic devices that you can use to vape THC-O. Vaping is an alternative to smoking, and it may be potentially less harmful to your health. Vape pens are available in different sizes, colors, and flavors across many states in the U.S.

 

You can buy disposable vape pens that last for a couple of weeks. Disposable vape pens have a limited amount of e-liquid that contains THC-O. These devices come with a battery that you can charge through USB. Disposable vape pens are affordable and can last for several weeks with moderate usage. It is also the easiest way to start vaping.

Non-disposable vape pens are a slightly expensive variant. These vape pens have replaceable parts, including a battery and a vape tank. You can refill the vape tank with a vape juice of your choice. Depending on your usage, these non-disposable vape pens can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

Vape carts

Vape cartridges, or vape carts, are products that can be plugged into vaping devices such as pod mods and box mods for an enhanced vaping experience. These vape carts come in exciting flavors and quantities.

 

Experienced vapers use vape carts for extended durations of vaping. A vape cart can last for about 300 puffs and can create large clouds. Most vape carts contain 750 mg of THC-O. Many of the vape carts available online also contain nicotine and CBD.

Flowers

Numerous strains of cannabis flowers containing THC-O can be bought from medical marijuana dispensaries and smoke shops. These flowers are measured as per their dry weight.

People can smoke these flowers in blunts, pipes, and bongs for immediate effects. THC-O flowers are highly potent and can induce a high within minutes of smoking. Depending on the quality of the strain, flowers can cost you hundreds of dollars per gram.

These flowers can provide psychedelic effects such as mild visuals with the high. Smoking THC-O flowers can be harmful to your lungs.

Tinctures

Tinctures are products with an increased concentration of THC-O in them. You can ingest tinctures by placing a few drops under the tongue. It can take up to an hour for the effects of the tinctures to be felt. You can purchase tinctures over the counter in local stores around many states in the U.S.

 

Tinctures are tested in laboratories and list most of their ingredients on the label. These tinctures are available in 1,000 mg and 2,500 mg bottles, containing up to 92% of THC-O. You can easily store tinctures at home, and you can last several months without losing their potency.

Pre-rolls

Pre-rolls are premium joints that can contain THC-O. Each of the caviar joints can have up to 1g of THC-O in them. Pre-rolls are cone-shaped joints that are made for the convenience of beginner marijuana users.

People can smoke pre-rolls right out of their pack. The effects of pre-rolls can come on within a few puffs. Joints that are pre-rolled can contain other chemicals such as CBD and Delta 8 that provide relaxation to its users.

Edibles

Edibles are products containing THC-O that you can eat. These bite-sized gummies and cookies are available in a number of attractive forms and flavors. Edibles can contain between 500 mg to 1,000 mg per pack. You can consume candies with CBD and THC-O for better sleep and to relieve anxiety.

Dabs

Dabs are THC-O concentrates that are made using butane hash oil. It is most commonly sold as dab wax in online stores. You can smoke dab wax in bowls, joints, and vapes.

Benefits of THC-O

Many marijuana users find the effects of THC-O to be quite enjoyable. Further research has to be conducted to study the effects of the cannabinoid. People consume THC-O for several reasons that include:

•  Relieves anxiety
• Provides rest and relaxation
• Manages physical pain
• Improves sleep
• Regulates appetite

Does THC-O show up on a drug test?

Yes, most drug tests can detect THC derivatives and THC analogs that include THC-O. Since THC-O has a higher potency than Delta 8 and Delta 9, it is easily detectable through drug tests.

The dose of THC-O can make a drastic difference

Tinctures, cartridges, and edibles have varying amounts of THC-O. People new to using cannabis can take small amounts of THC-O to determine its effects. To begin with, 10 mg of THC-O a day is a safe dosage as it is three times more potent than THC. You can increase the dosage over time based on your personal requirement.