THC-O is undoubtedly a name you have heard of if you have an idea about the cannabis world. It has been more well-liked among cannabis lovers due to its distinctive strength, easy absorption, legality, and reputation as a mystical, psychedelic cannabinoid.
THC-O, also known as THC-O acetate, is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid that, depending on how it is produced, is either a prodrug of delta-8 or delta-9 THC. It differs from other forms of THC in that it does not have a harsh taste or smell when inhaled. It takes 10 to 30 minutes to start working, and it has the potential to cause minor psychedelic effects.
Products containing THC-O online for sale are accessible in all the typical cannabis forms, including flowers, gummies, oils, edibles, and vape pens. Disposable vapes and vape carts are available for purchase with either unflavoured distillate or flavoring terpenes. Products like tinctures and edible oils like MCT are also created containing this cannabinoid.
Let’s debunk THC-O in this article to assist you in comprehending the most recent cannabis research and how it relates to your situation.
Definition of THC-O
Let’s start with the fundamentals and dispel some myths regarding this chemical. To begin with, it is written with the alphabet “O” instead of the number zero or “0,” and it is pronounced as ‘THC-oh.” Technically speaking, it comes in its basic form of “O-acetyl-Δ9-THC,” although it is much simpler to say “THC-O.” This is a cannabinoid derived from hemp. It is a tetrahydrocannabinol derivative that can only be produced in a laboratory. Although it is more powerful than conventional THC, it is swiftly gaining recognition for its appetite-stimulating, anti-anxiety, and anti-nausea qualities.
THC-O has some intriguing properties. Here are a few examples:
- Appetite stimulation;
- Sleep-inducing characteristics;
- Stress and pain relief;
- Giddiness;
- Increased inventiveness;
- Reduces stress;
- Anxiolytic effects.
THC-O is far more robust than your average THC and delta-8 and delta-10 THC. Some have reported a more potent, even hallucinogenic-like high that is more spiritual.
Safety of THC-O for Health?
As a partially synthetic cannabinoid created by combining THCA with acetic anhydride to produce a more potent form of THC, we understand that some people may be concerned about specific hazards associated with ingesting THC-O-acetate. But, since its creation, THC-O has not been linked to any significant adverse responses. If there were any distinctive negative effects of this cannabinoid, we would have heard about them by now. No reports of a fatal overdose directly linked to ingesting cannabinoids have been documented so far. This should reduce your concerns and increase your comfort level when trying THC-O.
However, you should be aware of the possibility of a medicine combination between THC-O-acetate and other substances (prescription or non-prescription). It is essential to consult your doctor before using a THC-O product if you are on medication. THC-O may generally inhibit CYP3A4, an enzyme that metabolizes several well-known medications. If these drugs are unable to digest, they may build up in the bloodstream over time, which may eventually be hazardous.
The cannabinoid is not known to have any significant adverse effects. However, some individuals may have minor and transient adverse effects. Both users who take more significant dosages than usual and those with a low tolerance to the impact of THC-O, such as novices, are more likely to experience these harmful effects. Some of the adverse or side effects are as follows:
- Mouth dryness;
- Eye dryness;
- Low blood pressure and faster or irregular heart rate;
- Nervousness;
- Brain fog;
- Grogginess;
- Cognitive dysfunction;
- Headache.
These adverse effects often subside with the euphoric effects and hardly ever worsen. Though it would be implausible, you might want to seek medical assistance if they do get severe or stay longer than the high itself.
About the Legality of THC-O
The Drug Enforcement Administration is expected to classify THC-O from hemp as an illicit substance. The 2018 Farm Bill modified the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to exempt “tetrahydrocannabinol in hemp” from the CSA. There is no precise list of prohibited substances that includes this cannabinoid. Since THC-O is mentioned in the Farm Bill, it is exempt from the CSA. However, the analysis is more challenging since THC-O is not naturally present in cannabis, including hemp. Therefore, despite coming from hemp’s cannabinoids, people might argue that it is not tetrahydrocannabinol.
There is also the Federal Analogue Act, 21 USC 813. The Analogue Act substantially broadens the CSA to include items that are controlled substance analogs. The Analogue Act defines a “controlled substance analog” as a substance that meets both of the following criteria:
- It has a chemical structure that is substantially like a controlled substance in schedule I or II.
- Its impact on the CNS or central nervous system is either significantly similar to or more potent than a prohibited substance listed in schedule I or II.
Thus, still, THC-O is in a certain gray area in terms of its legality.
