Just when you thought you’d heard about every new cannabis plant, someone else joins the list. Enter THC-O, a THC derivative three times more potent than Delta-9 THC. As if that weren’t enough to entice even the most tolerant of THC consumers, THC-O is actually a borderline drug. Is something this effective safe, or even necessary?
Despite the hype, there is some debate as to whether or not THC-O represents a breakthrough in cannabis processing, or if it denies the essence of cannabis, it is perfect in its natural form. So where does this cannabis come from, and is it legal?
What is THC-O?
THC-O, or THC-O acetate, is a synthetic analog of Delta-9 THC. Unlike minor hemp like Delta 8And Delta 10, or HHC, THC-O does not occur naturally within the cannabis plant. Instead, it is made through a series of extraction processes that begin with the cannabis plant. As with most new cannabis, research and regulation is scarce.
We know that early research indicates that THC-O is a pro-drug, which means that it must be metabolized before it can be activated. After THC-O is metabolised, it becomes a variant of Delta-9 THC but with a much higher bioavailability. In this case, consuming the same amount of THC-O as one would otherwise leave even the most experienced cannabis consumer in a stoned stupor. However, for the medical patient who needs large doses of THC to calm symptoms, THC-O may be a more effective and affordable alternative.
How to make THC-O
THC-O production begins with THC. Since the most concentrated form of THC is prevalent in marijuana, it makes sense to start there. However, marijuana is highly regulated, and it can only be produced, manufactured, and sold in states with a medical or adult program. For this reason, most companies produce THC-O with hemp.
Hemp contains trace amounts of THC, but there is another way to get larger amounts as the basis for THC-O production. First, Convention on Biological Diversity It is extracted from industrial hemp, then converted into Delta-8 THC through it isomerism. Again, Delta-8 occurs naturally, but this isomerization process is necessary to purchase enough Delta-8 to work with.
Then, acetic anhydride is combined with Delta-8 THC molecules, leaving behind a completely odorless and flavorless isolate. No additional terpenes, flavonoids, or anesthetics are present after application of acetic anhydride.
Please note that acetic anhydride is highly flammable. This is a highly volatile and dangerous process and should never be performed at home. Leave the science to the scientists, people.
Is Delta-10 the same as THC-O?
Delta-10 is a natural hemp, but like Delta-8, it’s only present in trace amounts. The same isomerization process used to extrapolate Delta-8 from CBD is used to create Delta-10.
Delta-10 is less potent than Delta-8 or Delta-9, making it less potent than THC-O. Some users reported that Delta-10 looks like a file sativa to the indica Delta-8, and they’ve gone so far as to say that THC-O is something similar to mescaline or LSD.
THC-O VS THC
THC is the starting point for THC-O. The two differ in chemical composition, most notably – THC-O is a synthetic cannabinoid rather than naturally occurring THC. THC-O is not found anywhere in the cannabis kingdom and can only be achieved in a laboratory.
The second most notable difference between the two is the difference in potency. While both can be considered psychotropic, THC-O has a tendency to produce delusions, hallucinations, and altered cognition at much smaller doses than THC.
How strong is THC-O?
THC-O is said to be 3 times more powerful than Delta-9 THC. For someone who consumes large amounts of cannabis on a daily basis, this may sound tempting, but something powerful can send a first-time cannabis user into a complete panic attack.
Its powerful effects are a boon for patients who need to consume hundreds (if not thousands) of milligrams of THC to control their symptoms. Unfortunately, this volume of THC purchased at a dispensary comes at a hefty price, even with a medical marijuana label.
Effects of THC-O
Some people report that THC-O is almost spiritual in reality, connecting her mental and physical feelings with a psychedelic journey. Introspection and stimulation of all the senses, psychedelic has the power to change the mindset and outlook on life. However, this effect can be annoying and uncomfortable for some users, especially if it is unexpected.
Physically, THC-O provides calming effects with a full-body sensation that typically starts out like THC with a slight pressure behind the eyes that eventually washes out the entire body as the effects increase. It is similar to THC…. But “more”.
Is THC-O safe to consume?
This depends on who you ask. Of course, the brands that release THC-O products defend their safety, as long as they are produced in a laboratory and thoroughly tested.
Because THC-O is highly concentrated, the starting material plays a vital role in overall safety. Cannabis treated with pesticides or containing heavy metals produces extract from contaminated soil in higher concentrations of these things. In general, vaping makes up some Fears Among the cannabis community.
Is THC-O Legal?
Again, this depends on who you ask. Cannabis was legalized under 2018 Agriculture Law, paving the way for cannabis and its derivatives to reach the mainstream market. Regardless of the state of origin on Delta-8 and Delta-10 products, they are still in a legal gray area as THC products. Just because THC-O is not a natural hemp does not mean that it is exempt from legal scrutiny.
Some people would argue that it falls under the protection of the Farm Act, as long as the product is derived from hemp, and contains less than 0.3% THC. However, on the other side of the coin, THC-O is technically an analogue of THC and may be subject to 1986 Federal analog law. This law states that anything considered similar to a Schedule 1 drug (such as marijuana) is also considered a Schedule 1 drug. To date, no federal regulations have prohibited the sale of THC-O.
Where to buy THC-O?
Most THC-O products are available online. Companies like Bearly Hemp Co And Benoid Promotion and sale of vape pens and gummies containing THC-O. As the demand for these very powerful products continues to grow, more and more online retailers will be jumping into the game. It is important to remember that you should always do your due diligence when shopping from online cannabis retailers.
Verify that they include all ingredients and dosing recommendations on their packaging, and that full test information is available online. Certificates of analysis must include total cannabinoids, terpenes, negative mold and mildew results, pesticides, heavy metals, and residual solvents.
Can THC-O Cause a Drug Test to Fail?
In short, yes. THC drug panels simply test for THC metabolites, and because of their extreme efficacy, THC-O will almost certainly cause a positive drug test. If you think you may encounter a drug testIt is best to stop using all cannabis products immediately.
THC-O . Consumption Methods
THC-O is found primarily in vape pens, tinctures, and food items. Ongoing research may help us determine which techniques are best for specific uses. For example, if THC-O is significantly more bioavailable than THC, a dye that is absorbed by sublingual delivery may prove successful for medical marijuana patients who need fast-acting relief.
THC-O . Dosages
Determining the dosage is a personal matter of the user. However, knowing that THC-O is three times more powerful than THC, it would be wise to significantly reduce your regular dose when testing any THC-O product. For example, if you like taking 50 mg of THC, start with 10-15 mg of THC-O and wait a full two hours before deciding if you want to increase your dose.
last thoughts
The science of cannabis can be exciting and a little confusing. Changing a plant from its natural state is controversial with some audiences who prefer to keep things the way Mother Nature intended. However, other schools of thought suggest that this plant was gifted to us to use as needed, and adjustments are a natural part of this process. what do you think? Would you try synthetic or semi-synthetic hemp products?
