The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, also known as The Farm Bill 2018, did something phenomenal for cannabis and products extracted from the plant. It decriminalized cannabis extracts that contain less than 0.3 percent THC - delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol – of their dry weight. This led to a ton of products being released to users, top of them THC-O.
THC-O doesn’t get the same press as CBD oil, probably because it is not a DYI project. Most users don’t get to know about it right away, but they are shocked at what they have been missing all along when they do. This article will discuss everything you need to know about THC-O acetate and why it is a great product for medicinal and recreational use.
What is THC-O
Tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC-O or THC-O-acetate, is made by professionals in a controlled environment because the process is quite tasking and dangerous. It is more potent than regular weed but used for medicinal and recreational purposes just the same. The process starts with the extraction of CBD from hemp and then the removal of Delta 8 from the extracted CBD. The resulting product is then added to acetic anhydride, which leads to THC-0. Since the Acetic anhydride is added during the process, it is highly unsafe to try this production at home or in uncontrolled environments.
THC-O is not non-psychotic until ingested or heated, so you do not have to e scared of what it can do yet. The product we see on the market has small THC doses, as that is allowed in the Farm Bill, so you will be okay if you use it in controlled doses. As with most products, too much of it will cause immobility for the time it takes for the body to metabolize it fully, so you are advised to exercise caution.
The chemical process of creating THC-O strips the main ingredient of the terpenes that cause flavor and aroma, so you may not want to expect much of that from the final product. What you will get is a product way more potent than weed that could change how you look at cannabis.
The Difference Between THC and THC-O
The regular THC is also called Delta 9, and it differs from acetate in a few ways. First, Delta 9 is naturally occurring as it is extracted from hemp, but the acetate is made in the lab through human intervention. The acetate leads to a psychedelic high that some users have compared to LSD, so it is way more potent than weed.
The other main difference is that cannabinoids like THC and CBD are water-soluble, while THC-O is not. Water-soluble substances are absorbed into the bloodstream without further filtering, but non-soluble ones are not. Since acetate is not water-soluble, it goes through another process that could make it slower to absorb in the bloodstream, but it is three times more potent than regular THC. This means it still makes you super high even with slower absorption. Not many sellers carry it on the market, so it is pricier because the demand overwhelms the supply.
THC-O Effects
It is strong, so those using it for medical purposes feel the effects faster. This acetate has been used for pain relief, anxiety, suppressed appetite, and depression. It has shown better results than regular THC.
Thanks to its 3-time higher potency, users have reported experiencing higher spiritual and introspective feelings than with any cannabis extract. It is dosed for this purpose because it could lead to proper couch-lock if not used in the right proportions.
In small doses (0.5mg), the user experiences mild psychoactive effects. Moderate doses (1-3mg) lead to common psychoactive effects, while higher doses (5mg) result in psychoactive effects and/or psychedelic effects.
Common side effects include:
Lethargy
Dizziness
Grogginess
Nausea
Vomiting
Seizures
It helps to remember that the product is still being researched, so not too much is known yet. The best way to use it include a tincture, a distillate or dab, gummies, and vaping.
Is THC-O Legal?
The Controlled Substances Act deems anything with THC levels above 0.3% to be illegal, but anything within this threshold is allowed. THC-O's legality is determined by how much THC is in it, and most producers will always be below this level. This makes it legal in the US states that have legalized marijuana for medicinal and/or recreational purposes. Being an extract of hemp, manufacturers can distribute it freely as long as the suitable measures are followed. You have to be 21 years or older to buy this product or any other derived from hemp.
FAQ
Q: Is THC-O different from Delta 9-THC?
A: Yes, in the sense that THC-O is federally legal when it is below the 0.3% THC threshold. Delta 9-THC is not federally legal, so you can only get it in a few states. They both have the psychotic effects THC is known for, so you want to remember that before you start using.
Q: Is THC-O as potent as regular THC?
A: It is three times more potent, so the doses are much smaller, and you should space it out before using your next hit.
Q: Are there health concerns about using this product?
A: At some point during production, acetic anhydride is added, so some consumers may be concerned about its health implications. So far, none has been discovered, although this acetate is still new on the market, and there is a need for deeper research.
Conclusion
Would you try THC-O? Are you interested in a shroom-like trip that could bring you unbridled joy and maybe change how you feel about regular weed? Some of the factors you want to remember include that THC-O is not your regular product like CBD oil that you can put together at home. You will need deeper knowledge and the skills of experts. More importantly, you want to have the right gear to get things done, so it’s best left to experts. The product is available on the market and is best smoked in a bong to decarboxylate to release those psychotic effects you want from it.
