THC-O Frequently Asked Questions

The world of THC is evolving so fast, it can be hard to keep up. We break down the good and the bad of THC-O, one of the newer forms of THC that's taking the country by storm.

Key Takeaways

• THC-O-acetate is a synthetically modified form of THC, usually created from Delta-8 THC.
• While THC-O is generally considered to be far stronger than normal THC, that hasn't been proven in scientific studies.
• Generally, THC-O is thought to cause similar effects as normal THC, though these effects may be felt more strongly when using THC-O.
• The legal status of THC-O is contested, but as of a 2024 court ruling, it is legal at the federal level.
• Several states prohibit THC-O, including some where recreational marijuana is legal, so it's important to check your local laws and regulations.
• Some evidence suggests THC-O might be more adverse than alternatives like Delta-9 or THCa.
• Those alternatives are available on our website and come with a certificate of analysis to prove they have been tested by a third-party lab for purity and safety!

See Related: Hybrid Weed: What Is It And How To Use It

What Is THC-O?

THC-O is also called THC-O-acetate. It's a synthetic cannabinoid, meaning a cannabinoid that isn't naturally produced by the cannabis plant or hemp plant. 

That distinguishes THC-O from naturally occurring cannabinoids like CBD or Delta-9 THC. It also makes THC-O different from hemp-derived cannabinoids like Delta-8 THC.

THC-O is far from the only synthetic cannabinoid available. THC-M and Delta-10 THC are other artificial cannabinoids that have become more popular in recent years.

But does this artificial origin make THC-O markedly different from naturally occurring cannabinoids? To understand that, we first need to examine how, exactly, THC-O is made.

How Is THC-O Made?

The process of making THC-O at its most basic level involves three steps.

The first step is to isolate CBD. This is done by processing hemp.

Then, producers convert that CBD to THC. Either Delta-9 or Delta-8 THC will do.

Finally, an acetate group is added to the THC. This is done by combining the isolated THC with other chemicals. The result: THC-O-acetate.

Differences Between THC-O and Other Cannabinoids

So, THC-O is simply THC with an acetate added. What does that actually mean?

Well, this little acetate has big implications when it comes to how your body processes THC-O. In turn, THC-O can have markedly different effects when compared to other cannabinoids. 

Let's compare THC-O with a few of the most common cannabinoids to see where it's similar and different.

THC-O vs THC

The most obvious comparison is between THC-O and THC. In this case, we mean Delta-9 THC, the psychedelic cannabinoid that occurs naturally in cannabis plants.

Unlike THC, THC-O cannot bind to the endocannabinoid system receptors in your body that produce the classic "high" associated with marijuana.

However, if you think that means THC-O can't get you high, think again.

The chemical modification that prevents THC-O from binding to these receptors also allows it to more easily enter your brain. Once it's there, the added acetate degrades away. That leaves your brain full of — you guessed it — THC molecules.

This unique mechanism makes THC-O quite a bit stronger than regular THC. Some people claim THC-O is three times stronger, but that hasn't been proven by research.

What does potency mean here? Well, it means feeling more "high," for one thing. You might feel certain effects associated with THC more strongly.

For example, some users report more psychoactive effects when using THC-O, compared to regular THC. 

However, you should note that these are largely based on anecdotal evidence. Very little research has been done into the specific mechanism and effects of THC-O.

Bonus: How Long Does CBD Last In A Dog's System? A Helplful Guide

THC-O vs THC-P

THC-P, or tetrahydrocannabiphorol, is a THC analog found in the hemp plant. Unlike THC-O, THC-P is naturally occurring. 

However, it occurs in very small quantities. It might make up just 0.1% of the cannabinoids found in a sample of hemp.

Therefore, THC-P needs to be isolated and concentrated.

THC-P is a relatively new chemical compound. It was only discovered in 2019! That makes it decades younger than THC-O, which was discovered in the 1940s, and millennia younger than conventional THC.

Scientific research into THC-P is ongoing. But anecdotal evidence suggests that it's significantly stronger than THC-O, let alone regular THC. 

THC-O vs Delta 8 THC

Delta-8 THC is another compound found naturally in hemp plants. However, like THC-P, Delta-8 THC occurs in very small quantities. Therefore, it also has to be artificially isolated and concentrated.

As we mentioned, Delta-8 is usually what manufacturers use to create THC-O. 

THC-O vs THCa

Unlike THC-O, THCa has no psychoactive effects. However, when heated — either in the oven or by a flame, like when smoked — THCa transforms into regular Delta-9 THC. 

Is THC-O Legal?

The legal status of THC-O is contested. 

In 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration declared that THC-O was a Schedule I controlled substance. That would make it illegal at the federal level.

Why? Well, the DEA argued that THC-O is not naturally occurring. According to the DEA, this means it shouldn't be considered a hemp-derived product.

That matters because the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and hemp-derived products. If THC-O isn't a hemp-derived product, the DEA argued, it can't be protected by this legislation.

However, in 2024, an appeals court overruled the DEA. It determined that THC-O did, in fact, meet the 2018 Farm Bill's legal definition of hemp.

After all, the Bill merely prohibits hemp from containing more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. It says nothing about other compounds.

With all that said, THC-O is legal at the federal level. At least, it is for now.

Some States Banned

Just because THC-O is legal federally does not guarantee it's legal where you live. 

Other hemp-derived compounds, like Delta-8, have been banned in some states. Almost a dozen states have outright banned THC-O, and its legality is contested in a dozen more states. 

Importantly, the legal status of marijuana is not a reliable indicator of the legal status of THC-O. Washington state, for example, was one of the very first states to legalize recreational marijuana use. But THC-O is banned there.

All this confusion is naturally quite frustrating for the cannabis industry, not to mention consumers. The laws governing the cannabis market are constantly changing, so always be sure to double-check the regulations in your locality before buying anything.

Effects of THC-O

Remember, research teams are still investigating the precise effects of THC-O products. However, it seems like THC-O causes similar effects to regular THC.

The main distinct difference between THC-O and THC is potency. As we explained above, you'll likely feel more effects, and feel individual effects more strongly, when taking THC-O compared to regular THC.

Common effects of THC-O can include:

• Euphoria
• Relaxation
• Psychedelic experiences, including altered perception

Is THC-O Really Stronger Than THC?

Quantifying the strength of THC is quite difficult because it affects everyone differently. Other factors can also impact the effects you feel when using THC or similar products.

At least one study suggests THC-O might not be as strong as widely believed.

Still, the general consensus is that THC-O is indeed stronger than THC.

Side Effects of THC-O

Just as you might feel more potent effects from THC-O, you may also experience stronger side effects. Again, these are generally similar to the potential side effects of THC. They include:

• Hallucinations
• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Changes to heart rate

Potential Benefits of THC-O

THC-O might have similar benefits to THC, including:

• Pain relief
• Reduced stress
• Increased appetite

Potential Dangers of THC-O

Assuming THC-O is, in fact, far stronger than THC, users run the risk of getting far higher than they intended. This is especially true for anyone new to THC products.

As the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws notes, THC-O has not been tested for safety, at least not in studies with human subjects. Meanwhile, NORML also notes that vaping THC-O could produce a toxic compound linked to EVALI, a lung disease.

The chemicals involved in manufacturing THC-O can also be harmful, and not all producers are careful about removing them from the final product.

Alternatives to THC-O

Instead of trying a synthetic cannabinoid, you could always stick to what nature created.

Alternatives include:

• Delta-9 THC: The tried-and-tested classic. Good ol' THC, used by humans for thousands of years. We offer Delta-9 Gummies, Sugar, and a Delta-9 Drink Mix to satisfy any THC craving.
• Delta-8: Why bother turning Delta-8 into THC-O when you can enjoy it as it is? Grab one of our Delta-8 chocolate bars, a pack of Delta-8 Gummies, or a tincture, all available on our website or at our dispensary in Avon, Ohio.
• THCa: Remember, THCa turns into normal THC when burned or heated. Actually, cannabis flower sold as "THC" often contains THCa, which is converted naturally upon being lit. Because THCa is derived from hemp, and not cannabis, it's generally considered legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. Our THCa flower is grown in the US and tested by third-party labs for purity and potency. You can choose between sativa, indica, or hybrid.

Remember to check the regulations and laws in your local area before buying.

Conclusion

Some people view THC-O-acetate as an artificial improvement on the old THC. But its higher potency isn't exactly backed by extensive research, and there's a chance this synthetic cannabinoid is more dangerous than other alternatives.

Those alternatives likely provide just as many potential benefits as THC-O, if not more. And when you buy those alternatives from us, you can be sure you're getting high-quality, cruelty-free, independently tested goodies free from harmful chemicals.

Keep Reading: Is Delta 9 THC Legal In Ohio?

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Laws and regulations regarding cannabis and THC may change and vary by jurisdiction. Always consult your local laws and a qualified professional before purchasing or using THC products.

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