The popularity of cannabidiol products is on the rise. For years, the only cannabinoid that anybody knew about was delta-9 THC. But later, CBD emerged as widely popular in late 2016 with various products. Recently, a synthetic compound derived from hemp called THC-O acetate has quickly gained popularity among buyers. Hence, the market is constantly expanding its products.
It is also known as a “spiritual cannabinoid” and influences the effect of psilocybin when ingested. There has been much research regarding the drug’s efficacy, dosage, and benefits. But is it more potent than delta-9 THC? Without further ado, let us learn more information about THC-O.
What is THC-O?
THC-O is an ester of THC and is synthesized through a chemical process using acetic anhydride. Acetic anhydride is a high-inflammable and colorless liquid used for making dyes, plastics, fibers, pharmaceuticals, and explosives. Since it does not naturally exist in the hemp plant, the extraction is expensive and tedious.
The process requires specialized equipment as it involves using volatile and flammable chemicals. It includes causing an off-gassing of peroxide into the air, which results in an explosion. Never try to make THC-O at home. Only someone with the best knowledge and technical equipment can extract it successfully.
THC-O has some base structures similar to delta-9 but has an acetate group attached to it. The acetate group makes it far more potent than other THC forms. It has borderline hallucinatory effects and is thus known as the psychedelic cannabinoid.
How is THC-O different from delta-9 THC? THC-O stronger than delta-9?
Acetate is a promising new cannabinoid because it has strength and purity. People have described it as having all the benefits and none of the negatives, as this compound is much stronger than any other THC variant. It is 3x times more potent than its cousin delta-9 and produces more psychedelic effects than any other compound.
Since THC-O is acetylated, the molecules bind your cannabinoid receptors at a higher rate, which means THC-O is way more potent than any other THC variant. Researchers indicated that THC-O has an increased potency of 300% over delta-9. This increased potency has made it an appealing cannabinoid for the hemp industry.
However, THC-O is a prodrug, which means it doesn’t become active unless the liver metabolizes it. Once it is absorbed, the unique functional group (-O) is removed, allowing the THC to exert its effects as usual but at a much higher dose.
Hence, there’s a noticeable delay in the onset of the results of this drug. While delta-9 usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, THC-O can take up to one hour before one can feel the effects.
How does potency impact the consumption experience?
The higher the THC content, the more intense and intoxicating effects you can enjoy. Increasing the THC content will also make whatever effect the strain produces, whether that’s euphoria, relaxation, or sleepiness, significantly strong. Of course, this potentially vigorous cannabis isn’t for everyone. If any beginner consumes products high in THC percentage, they might experience increased anxiety or other side effects. If you have never experimented with this type of cannabis, we advise you to take things slow.
What are the benefits of THC-O?
THC-O is a potent cannabinoid and can be euphoric and enjoyable for many users. It has helped ease pain and muscle spasticity. Nausea and vomiting have become common problems for cancer patients. A study in 1995 revealed that oral dosage of THC-O was an effective treatment for people suffering from chemotherapy.
THC-O is a neuroprotectant, which means it protects brain cells from damage. THC-O is an effective sleep aid and helps insomnia fall asleep faster. It is also beneficial in treating the symptoms of PTSD, which include agitation, severe anxiety, depression, insomnia, nightmares, and social isolation.
Researchers found that treating a concerning antibiotic-resistant pathogen with THC-O successfully killed the bacteria when other drugs could not. It stimulates brain growth by causing brain cells in the hippocampus to grow. It increases the appetite by releasing the hormone ghrelin, which stimulates hunger.
It is also known for its anti-aging tool. The herb increases its THC production in response to UVB light, which causes oxidative stress in humans, contributing to visible aging.
What is the dosage of THC-O?
There has never been any official study on the optimal dose of THC-O. But, the anecdotal reports of people testing the effects of THC-O at different dosage is quite prevalent. If you are new to THC-O, we would advise you to start slow even if you have a high tolerance to other forms of THC.
The threshold dose is roughly 2mg oral or 0.5mg inhaled. If you consume anything higher than this, you may face psychoactive effects. Standard Psychoactive dosage ranges from 3-10mg oral or 1-3 mg when smoked or vaped. Psychedelic doses usually start around the 15mg mark. You can start with the higher doses only and when familiar with THC-O at lower doses.
THC-O comes in various formats such as tinctures or thc-o gummies, distillates, vape carts, candies, and more. The most commonly found forms are vape cartridges and disposable vape pens. It is easy to use and cost-effective.
Is THC-O safe and legal?
The legality of THC-O has been in controversy for a long time. The THC-O products extracted from hemp are legal under federal law, thanks to the Hemp Farming Act of 2018. However, the Federal Analog Act of 1986 discourages the manufacturing and production of new chemical compounds with chemically similar substances.
However, many people in the hemp industry believe that THC-O is different enough from delta-9 and does not fall under Federal Analog Act. But, there is no need to worry as hemp is a legal product due to its inability to get anyone high.
There haven’t been any reported cases of overdosing or addiction or any other adverse effects associated with THC-O. The reason behind this is that THC-O is much stronger than any other THCs. The significant risk can be buying it from an unknown source that might pose health risks. Hence, accurate labeling and proper certifications are a necessity.
When you buy THC-O, source it from a reputable company that offers good accountability and is entirely reliable. The companies that provide third-party lab reports and verify the products’ contents, quality, and potency are best.
Conclusion
THC-O is a comparatively new compound. It is pure and has limitless therapeutic potential because it is synthetic, highly intoxicating, and has triple the potency of delta-9. THC-O is undoubtedly strong and more potent than any other THC variant, but the existence of patients who rely on extreme doses of THC is undeniable. Sometimes it may lack safety and efficacy.
However, if you are aware of the lack of regulation, no one can stop you from choosing the best products. It is risky to make it at home, so it is best to check out some of the existing products in the market and experience the world of THC.