THC-0 Distillate
- A synthesized cannabinoid: THC-0 is not a naturally occurring compound; it is a laboratory-created analog of THC.
- Made from hemp: It is typically derived from hemp-derived cannabinoids like delta-8 THC, which are first extracted and purified.
- Acetylation process: The delta-8 THC is then chemically converted into THC-0 using acetic anhydride, a process that makes it more potent and improves its absorption by the body.
- Appearance: The final product is a thick, resin-like liquid that can be black, oily, or gooey.
- Potency: It is considered significantly more potent than delta-9 THC, with some sources claiming it is up to three times as strong.
- Delayed onset: The effects can take longer to manifest than traditional THC, but are often more intense once they kick in.
- Intense effects: Users have reported experiencing both traditional psychoactive effects and more intense psychedelic experiences.
- Edibles: It can be added to food and drinks.
- Sublingual: A drop or two can be placed under the tongue, similar to a tincture.
- Vaporizing: It can be used in a vape pen or cartridge designed for concentrates.
- Topping other cannabis products: It can be added to other products, such as on top of dried flower for joints.
- Drug tests: THC-O can cause a failed drug test, as it is a THC analog that will be detected by tests that look for THC metabolites.
- Regulation: The unregulated nature of some THC-O products poses risks, and some platforms and jurisdictions are placing restrictions on its sale.
- THC-O is the shortened name (the slang term) for THC-O-Acetate, also referred to as THC Acetate and ATHC. That’s a lot of names for one substance. And, yes, it can be confusing.But the nice thing about cannabis culture is that it leans more toward brevity than accuracy (thank goodness or we’d always have to say or write “tetrahydrocannabinol”). So you’ll probably come across THC-O or ATHC more often.
And while we’re on the subject of names, it’s important that you don’t confuse ATHC with THCA (or THCa). THCA is tetrahydrocannabinolic acid — the parent molecule of THC.
As you can see from the full name, the “A” in THCA stands for acid. THCA occurs naturally in raw cannabis and converts to THC through decarboxylation. In ATHC, the “A” stands for acetate. That’s the first major difference.
The second major difference is that ATHC can only be produced in a laboratory environment. You can’t pick up a few tools at your local hardware and whip a batch of ATHC in your kitchen. The results would be disastrous (that means flaming death, boys and girls).
So when it comes to ATHC vs. THCA, be sure to make note of where the “A” is in the name (and even whether it’s upper or lower case) because the two chemicals are completely different animals.
Cannabinoid
First and foremost, THC-O is a cannabinoid just like THC, CBD, CBG, and CBN. At their most basic, cannabinoids are chemical compounds that act on the cannabinoid receptors in your brain.
In other words, they’re the “stuff” that gets you high, relieves your pain, and takes the edge off your anxiety.
The thing about THC-O is that it is not a naturally occurring cannabinoid (like THC and CBD). It takes some pretty hefty — and volatile — chemistry to create THC-O in a lab. That processing strips away all the other beneficial chemical compounds (terpenes and flavonoids) and leaves behind a potent THC isolate with no flavor and no aroma.
In its natural state (or unnatural state, to be more precise), THC-O is just a heavy brown liquid more akin to motor oil than anything else. And when all is said and done, THC-O is what’s known in chemistry circles as an “analog.”
An analog is a compound having a structure similar to that of another compound, but differing from it in respect to a certain component. In this case, the original compound is THC. That makes THC-O a THC analog.
Let’s investigate what that means in a bit more detail (with pictures!).
What’s The Difference Between THC And THC-O?
The best way to understand the difference between THC and THC-O is with pictures (they really are worth a thousand words).
Here’s a picture of a regular old THC molecule:
THC molecule
Yeah, we know, it’s just a bunch of letters and numbers. But don’t worry too much about all the Hs and Cs and 3s. Focus instead on the lines and shapes. Trust us, it will make more sense when compared to the picture of THC-O.
THC-O molecule
The biggest difference between the two pictures (aside from the lack of Hs and Cs and 3s) is the upper right corner.
In the top picture (THC molecule), there’s an OH. In the bottom picture (THC-O molecule), there’s an O and a new set of lines. That new set of lines is the acetate molecule (the “A” in ATHC).
It’s the addition of that new molecule that sets ATHC apart from regular THC and makes it special.
So what exactly does that new molecule do? We’ll answer that question in the next section.
Why Is THC-O So Special?
The addition of the acetate molecule to the base THC molecule does one very important thing: It makes the THC molecule stronger.
We know you’re dying to hear about THC-O’s potency, but hold your horses. Let’s talk about water solubility first because there’s a bit of confusion in that regard.
THC-O Is NOT Water Soluble
Cannabinoids like THC and CBD are lipids (fatty oils) in their natural state. So, as a consumable product, they are fat-soluble (meaning they dissolve in oil).
In your body, the dissolution of fats and oils undergoes a slightly different process than water-soluble substances like vitamins and fiber. In simplest terms, there’s an extra filtering step before the nutrients pass into your bloodstream.
The difference in those processes means that, when it comes to cannabis consumption, less THC makes it into your bloodstream (because of the extra filtering) and, ultimately, to your brain (where all the magic happens).
But water-soluble materials bypass that extra filtering step and pass directly into your bloodstream. That means more of the nutrient is available for use by your body.
THC-O-Phosphate — a cousin of THC-O — is water soluble, but, because of its chemistry, doesn’t dissolve very fast. This results in slower onset of effects and decreased potency than the regular THC molecule. Why would anyone want that?!
Does that mean that THC-O is water soluble too? Unfortunately, no. THC-O is not water soluble. Your body subjects the molecule to the same filtering process it does other fat-soluble molecules.
Because of those filters, you get a lower percentage of the molecules into your bloodstream when you consume a THC-O product.
But there’s good news to this whole water-soluble/not-water-soluble confusion: THC-O molecules are much more potent than regular smoked, dabbed, or ingested THC.
That means that even though there are less THC-O molecules available to travel to your brain (because of the filtering process), the relative few that get through will knock your socks off.
How much more potent is THC-O? We’ll give you the numbers in the next section.
THC-O Is Strong
Hold on to your butts! Lab tests show that THC-O can be 300 percent stronger than regular THC. Yes, you read that right: 300 percent stronger.
All of that because of a tiny acetate molecule! It makes you appreciate just how powerful chemistry can be.
If you’re a thinking cannaseur, you may be wondering why anyone would need something that strong. And you’d be right. So let’s do away with the notion of using THC-O for recreational purposes — regular THC does just fine at getting you high — and focus instead on medicinal uses. That’s where THC-O really shines.
It goes without saying that everyone is different. The biology of one person’s body is different from the biology of another person’s body. So, in some people, THC doesn’t have the desired medical effects (pain relief, anti-anxiety, etc.).
THC-O, though, is, for all intents and purposes, a different version of the drug. Because of that, it can stimulate the cannabinoid receptors in your brain in a way that regular THC can’t.
So where a THC pill or THC oil might not provide the pain relief you’re looking for, a THC-O product might be a viable alternative. That’s why more and more people are talking about THC-O these days — because of its potential medical benefits.
So if you’re considering trying THC-O for the first time, start small (very small would be best) and increase your dosage slowly. It’s difficult to overdose on cannabinoids, but too much can take you way too high and give you a bad trip.
That defeats the purpose of the whole endeavor.
What Are The Effects OF THC-O?
The medicinal effects of THC are pretty well-known. THC-O doesn’t differ in that regard. Where it does diverge is in its recreational effects (its high).
Many describe the effects of THC-O as very spiritual and introspective. Some even liken the trip to LSD and shrooms — something regular THC products can’t claim.
One thing of note is that, like edibles, you’ll have to wait 20 to 30 minutes before you feel the effects of THC-O. This is because your body has to separate (digest) the acetate molecule from the THC molecule before it’s sent to your brain.
Should You Try THC-O For Yourself?
Absolutely! Especially if you’re looking for a specific medical benefit. THC-O may be just the thing for you.
Having said that, it’s essential to note that you should always buy your THC-O from a reputable dealer. Talk to the professionals at your local dispensary. They can help you find just the right product.
And please, please, please don’t try to make THC-O on your own. The process requires special equipment and advanced training to get right. And volatile, flammable, and explosive chemicals are necessary.
It’s not worth your life (or your home or your eyebrows) to do something that a lab can do better and safer.
If you want to use THC-O, always buy, never DIY.
- No matter how experienced you are with cannabis and hemp products, THC-O is still new to the market, and navigating the slew of formulas available can be intimidating. Most of them, though, are made with something called “THC-O distillate.”If the term “distillate” doesn’t ring a comfortable bell, you’re probably wondering–what is THC-O distillate?
Simply put, THC-O distillate is a purified extract that is used in many THC-O products. It’s created through a distillation process that isolates the THC-O compound, making it potent and versatile for various uses.
We’ll break down everything you need to know about THC-O distillate, including how it’s made, how to use it, and where you can get it for yourself. Let’s go:
Table of Contents
What is Distillate?
How is THC-O Distillate Made?
How THC-O Distillate is Used?
How to Find High-Quality THC-O Distillate?
Buying THC-O OnlineKey Takeaways
- THC-O distillate is a pure, potent form of THC-O.
- Distillate refers to the distillation method used to remove contaminants.
- THC-O distillate can be consumed in its concentrated form but is most commonly used to make other products, like edibles and flowers.
- Not all THC-O distillate is made equal, so you need to double-check the quality of a product before you buy.
What is Distillate?
Distillate simply refers to the purification method used during the manufacturing of a product. THC-O distillate is a pure form of extract that’s been distilled, meaning all unwanted materials have been removed, resulting in a final material that’s equally potent and pure.
Most distillate products have a purity of 95% or higher, with the remainder of the formula reserved for terpenes for strain profiling.
THC-O distillate can be marketed on its own, but is also used to make a variety of different THC-O products. The quality of the THC-O distillate used during manufacturing heavily impacts the quality of the final product, so it’s important to understand how to verify the quality of the products you buy.
How is THC-O Distillate Made?
In order to understand how we get to the purification process (that is, distillation), we need to discuss the way that THC-O is extracted, or rather, converted from hemp derivatives. THC-O exists in natural hemp material, but usually in concentrations below 1%. Therefore, in order to create a THC-O concentrate that contains high quantities of the compound manufacturers need to use a process called isomerization.
Isomers are compounds that have the same atomic components, just arranged in a different order. During the isomerization process, CBD is extracted from hemp and is then exposed to an acid, usually acetic acid, in order to rearrange its molecular structure into Delta-8. Then, the same isomerization process is used to convert Delta-8-THC to THC-O.
Nothing else is added or removed, which is what makes THC-O made through these methods inherently different from a synthetic cannabinoid.
After the isomerization process, the majority of the resulting extract is composed of THC-O, but the process can also leave other cannabinoids, terpenes, unwanted plant materials, and solvents behind. The distillation process is a refinement method used to remove all of these other compounds to create a THC-O extract that is highly potent and pure.
Distillation involves the selective heating and cooling of a substance that forces compounds apart, allowing unwanted compounds to be removed. (For comparison, distillation is a common method used to purify drinking water.)
Because of the high temperatures used during distillation, the resulting THC-O distillate is fully activated and ready to consume. Then, this concentrated material can be used on its own or alongside other cannabinoids to create a wide range of different hemp products.
How THC-O Distillate is Used?
THC-O distillate is a simple concentrate, so it can be used in countless different formulas to create a wide variety of THC-O products. Or, it can simply be marketed, sold, and used as a concentrated material.
As a concentrate, THC-O distillate can be dabbed in a traditional dab rig or an e-rig, or it can be added to a vape pen. This can provide incredibly potent doses and gives consumers the ability to create their own unique THC-O formulas.
THC-O, however, is incredibly potent and easy to mismanage in this concentrated form, so many consumers prefer different dosing styles. THC-O distillate is used to make a variety of different products, like edibles and oils. THC-O distillate is also sprayed onto hemp flowers to create THC-O flower, a smokable product that mimics the taste, smell, and effects of traditional cannabis flowers.
There’s really no limit to the way that THC-O distillate can be used to create products with different potencies, flavors, and dosing techniques.
Of course, THC-O is still fairly new to the hemp market and not all THC-O products are made equal. It’s important to understand how to identify high-quality distillate and well-made products when you get ready to buy.
Where to Buy THC O Distillate?
We mentioned that there’s a wide variety of THC-O formulas out there and that the quality of THC-O distillate varies from brand to brand based on how it’s made and the quality precautions taken during manufacturing. These inconsistencies make it incredibly important that THC-O consumers know how to navigate the market and look for high-quality formulas.
Choosing a high-quality THC-O formula will not only help ensure a better THC-O experience, but will help ensure your safety when using hemp-derived THC-O products.
Here are some things to look for in a quality product:
Brand Reputation
It may go without saying, but a brand’s reputation is important, especially in the widely unregulated hemp industry. Do a little “background check” on the brand by reading the reviews, checking out their hemp source (the U.S.-grown, pesticide-free hemp is best), and their manufacturing standards (like using a cGMP-compliant facility).
Purity
The purity of your Delta-8 distillate matters. Ensure that the products you choose are free of contaminants like mold, pesticides, or solvents. At Vida Optima, our hemp is tested prior to manufacturing to make sure that none of these contaminants make their way to the final product.
Potency
We mentioned that THC-O distillate is usually around 95% pure, which means that 1 gram (1,000 milligrams) of THC-O will contain 950 milligrams of THC-O.
Of course, this 95% measurement is a rule of thumb and is not necessarily a requirement. Because there’s no legal requirement for the potency of a THC-O distillate, some may have far less THC-O.
Always check the third-party lab reports to verify the potency of a product. Potency can vary from batch to batch. Make sure that the test results verify the information on the product’s label so that you know exactly how much THC-O you’re buying, and exactly how much of the product to consume.
Appearance
The appearance of a pure THC-O distillate can tell you a lot about its quality. For instance, distillate should be mostly clear, typically with a golden or rose-colored hue. Dark brown or muddy-looking distillate should be avoided. The distillate should also be free of cloudiness, which could indicate a misstep during the manufacturing process.
Buying THC-O Online
Because THC-O distillate is legally made from hemp material, you can order THC-O products online and have them shipped directly to your door. This makes them more accessible than traditional cannabis products for most people. They are also more potent, so keep that in mind when choosing a dosing style and potency.
Our premium THC-O products are made with potent THC-O distillate that’s free of pesticides and other contaminants. Whether you’re looking for edibles, sublingual tinctures, vape carts, or flowers, we guarantee that our entire hemp THC collection is made according to the industry’s highest standards.
All Vida Optima products are 100% Farm Bill compliant and third-party tested. Check out our Elev8 Collection to snag one of our three THC-O vape formulas.
FAQ – THC-O Distillate
Is THC-O stronger than Delta-9?
THC-O is often considered stronger than Delta-9 THC due to its higher potency and unique effects. However, the experience can vary based on individual tolerance and the method of consumption.
What is the difference between THC and THC-O?
THC, specifically Delta-9 THC, is the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis. THC-O, or THC-O acetate, is a synthetic cannabinoid derived from Delta-9 THC but is reported to be more potent and has a delayed onset of effects.
How do you use THC-O distillate?
THC-O distillate can be used in various ways, including vaping, dabbing, or adding it to edibles. Due to its potency, it’s recommended to start with a small amount to gauge your tolerance.
Is 25mg of THC-O a lot?
For many users, 25mg of THC-O is considered a strong dose due to its high potency. If you’re new to THC-O, it’s advisable to start with a lower dose and gradually increase as needed.
What states is THC-O legal in?
THC-O’s legality varies by state. It is legal in some states, while others have banned or restricted its use. It’s important to check your local laws to determine whether THC-O is legal in your state.
How many gummies does it take to be high?
The number of gummies needed to feel high depends on the THC-O content per gummy and your personal tolerance. Generally, starting with one gummy and waiting to assess its effects is recommended before consuming more.
Our THC-0 Distillate products are 100% hemp derived . THC-O is a synthetically-produced cannabinoid which anecdotal evidence suggests is 3x stronger than traditional THC.
- This product will probably cause a failure on a drug test. Do not use if you are subject to a drug test.
- Our products on this website are legal under federal law and are legal in most states. However, several states do not allow Delta 9 THCo Acetate. These include Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada and Utah. Therefore, we cannot ship to these states. It is the customer’s responsibility to know whether Delta 9 THCo Acetate is legal in their state or territory. Delta 8 Pro is not responsible for knowing whether our products are legal in your state, territory or county.
- This product contains Delta 9 THCo Acetate and was produced without regulatory oversight for health, safety or efficacy and there may be health risks associated with the consumption of the product.
- This product is federally legal under H.R.2 – Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018
- Our products contain 0.0% to 0.3% Delta 9 THC.
- THC-O’s appeal lies in its potency and its legal status. Research shows that it is roughly three times stronger than conventional THC. THC-O is a hemp-derived product that is more psychoactive and euphoric than Delta 9 THC (aka marijuana).Herban Bud is the only vendor on the market with 100% pure THC-O distillate. You will feel the effects with just one hit.Is it Safe?Every other THC-O vendor on the market is cutting their distillate with either Delta 8 or CBD to make it thicker. As an industry pioneer, Herban Bud only produces 100% THC-O vape carts thanks to our proprietary cartridge design.A lack of research and regulation has made data based on THC-O acetate are prevalent. Beyond its potency, researchers have concluded that THC-O is considered a “prodrug,” meaning that the compound is not activated until fully metabolized. It can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes to feel the effects typically.
If you choose to consume low-quality extract material that you buy off of an untrustworthy site, you are more likely to receive a product that is less pure than you are guaranteed to receive from Herban Bud’s THC-O distillate.
What’s inside THC-O carts?
With almost any vape cartridge sold outside of a state-licensed cannabis system, there is always worry when it comes to potentially toxic additives being mixed in. These types of thinning agents have caused serious health problems in the past.
There is nothing preventing upregulated companies from adding these ingredients without informing consumers. When purchasing THC-O distillate, you want to be sure that you are investing in a pure product that is free from harmful additives and thickeners.
Is it really Legal?
Well… it depends on who you ask. Producers of THC-O acetate products say that they are produced under the farm bill passed by Congress in 2018 because the molecule was derived from a chain of custody that began with federally legal hemp plants.
Some experts, however, believe the compound is not legal. They cite the 1986 Federal Analogue Act, which states that any substance analogous to a Schedule I drug – in this case, conventional THC – would itself qualify as a Schedule I drug. But this argument could be similarly used to argue against the legality of delta 8 THC, or perhaps even CBD.
100% THC-O Distillate Products
Not only is THC-O smoother, but you will also notice a stronger and longer-lasting effect than Delta 8, Delta 9 or Delta 10. Herban Bud’s THCO distillate vape carts are made from 100% pure distillate and cannabis-derived terpenes giving you the best effects.
There are 6 different strains available within sativa, indica, and hybrid groups. With so many sketchy THC-O companies popping up all over the internet, you want to be sure that you are receiving a high-quality product to ensure the best consumption for your experience as well as your overall health.
Check out our THC-O cartridges today.
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What is THC-O & Where Does It Come From?
THC acetate ester (THC-O) is a synthetically produced cannabinoid.
To make it, CBD (cannabidiol, a naturally-occuring cannabinoid in the hemp plant) is first converted to delta 8 THC. Then, the delta 8 is converted to THC-O by combining it with acetic anhydride, a chemical compound.
By itself, acetic anhydride is a hazardous substance. However, THC-O, the resulting product, is safe to consume in edible form (it should not be inhaled, however).
Hemp-derived THC-O is made from delta 8 THC that’s been extracted from hemp, a variant of the cannabis sativa plant that’s been bred to contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
However, as of 2023, THC-O derived from either marijuana (illegal cannabis sativa) or hemp (legal cannabis sativa) is federally illegal.
Is THC-O Legal?
No, THC-O is not federally legal in the US.
Under the 2018 Farm Bill, cannabinoids derived from hemp are federally legal in the United States (although certain states have restricted their sale and use).
Hemp is a variant of the cannabis sativa plant that contains less than 0.3% THC. Cannabis sativa with more than 0.3% THC is known to the government as ‘marijuana.’
Since THC-O can be produced synthetically from hemp-derived cannabinoids, most companies, people, and even lawmakers assumed that THC-O was a derivative of hemp.
However, the DEA has since confirmed that THC-O is not a hemp derivative, since it doesn’t naturally occur in hemp, and is thus a controlled substance.
In February 2023, a prominent cannabis attorney, Rob Kight, published a blog post in which he showed correspondence with the DEA confirming that THC-O was indeed a controlled substance.
This means that THC-O is illegal on the federal level. THC-O might still be legal in states that have legalized marijuana (which is also federally illegal), however, its popularity has largely died down because most people prefer “the real thing” if they can get it legally.
For informational purposes, below are the states where THC-O was considered legal and illegal prior to the letter.
States Where THC-O is Legal
- Alabama
- California
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
States Where THC-O is Illegal
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Mississippi
- Montana
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Vermont
Is THC-O Actually Psychedelic?
One of the reasons THC-O has become popular is because of its purported psychedelic effects. Many people and companies compare its effects to those of psilocybin (mushrooms).
However, scientists have wondered if this is actually the case, or if marketing hype and the placebo effect are to blame. A study done in July 2023 suggests it may be hype (or at least, some of it).
Researchers with the University of Buffalo, in New York, conducted a survey of over 300 participants, all of whom had used THC-O. The researchers asked the participants to indicate the degree to which they felt various sensations when using THC-O, including altered sense of time and hallucinations.
Of those surveyed, 79% responded that THC-O is not psychedelic, or is only mildly so. This seems to indicate that for most people, THC-O will not render any sort of psychedelic effect.
Anecdotal reports of THC-O use are very mixed. Some users say that it is slightly similar to mushrooms, while others posit that it has no psychedelic effects at all.
Overall, it seems that THC-O will not render significantly psychedelic experiences for most people who use it – however, it may render these effects for some.
Interestingly, the survey also found that the most common sensations reported with THC-O were relaxation, euphoria, and pain relief. Based on this, it seems THC-O may have some benefits, even if not as a psychedelic substance.
THC-O Effects & Strength: What is a THC-O High Like?
Like many other forms of THC, THC-O is psychoactive and will get you high.
For most people, THC-O renders effects of euphoria and relaxation. It may also render psychedelic, mushroom-like effects for some users (although as we covered, these effects aren’t predictable).
The effects of THC-O are actually similar to those of delta 9 and delta 8 THC, but noticeably stronger. THC-O is roughly 3 times as strong as delta 9, and roughly six times as strong as delta 8.
Some users also report that THC-O has strongly sedative properties, and that after taking it, they feel like falling asleep.
How Long Does it Take for THC-O to Kick In?
The time it takes THC-O to kick in depends on how you take it:
- THC-O vapes, prerolls, or dabs kick in within 20 minutes*
- THC-O oils/tinctures kick in within 30 minutes
- THC-O edibles kick in within 1-2 hours
THC-O’s onset times are noticeably longer than most other cannabinoids, psychoactive and not – for example, you’ll feel delta 9 within 5-10 minutes of vaping or smoking it.
This is due to THC-O’s nature as a “prodrug” – a substance that doesn’t become active until it enters the body. Contrast this to delta 8 or delta 9 which, when heated (as in a vape or preroll), turn from their acidic forms into their active forms, which render the psychoactive and other effects.
Since THC-O has to be processed through the body before it becomes active, it takes longer to begin having an effect.
*We do not recommend inhaling THC-O in any form; see “How to Safely Use THC-O” for more
How Long Does the High from THC-O Last?
Although the duration of the THC-O high will vary based on the product you use and the dosage you take, a good benchmark is 3-8 hours.
How Long Does THC-O Stay in the System?
Your body needs quite a bit of time to metabolize THC-O, and it varies depending on how often you use it and how much you use.
If you’ve taken a single THC-O edible, it will pass through your system in about 2 weeks.
However, if you use THC-O regularly, it may take 30 days or longer for your body to clear it.
How Does THC-O Compare to Regular THC?
THC-O and delta 9 THC (the THC in weed) are fairly similar in the nature of the effects they have to offer. However, on average, THC-O is about 3 times more potent than delta 9.
THC-O also may render psychedelic effects (for some) that delta 9 won’t.
Risks & Side Effects of THC-O
Although THC-O can provide a powerful alternative to other psychoactive cannabinoids, it isn’t without its downsides. Here’s what you need to know.
Risks of Inhaling THC-O
Although THC-O isn’t generally harmful, it may be harmful if consumed through an inhalable method, such as vapes, flower, or dab rigs.
THC-O is the acetate ester form of THC. It’s created by combining THC (usually delta 8) with acetic anhydride.
Studies have shown that THC-O, when exposed to heat, can produce ketene, a toxic gas that can cause serious lung injury.
The same is true for any acetate ester form of a substance that’s exposed to heat – it’s not inherent to THC-O.
We urge you to exercise caution when buying and using inhalable THC-O products, or any other product made with an acetate form of a cannabinoid.
Side Effects of THC-O
If use THC-O, you may experience side effects, including:
- Dry mouth and eyes
- Low blood pressure
- Lightheadedness
- Sleepiness
- Disorientation
- Changes in perceived color and brightness
Potential Benefits of THC-O
THC-O’s effects make it beneficial for a handful for therapeutic uses, such as:
- Sleep — As delta 9 THC has shown benefits for sleep, and THC-O is stronger than delta 9, THC-O may promote restful sleep. Anecdotal evidence suggests that THC-O may help users sleep more quickly and stay asleep longer.
- Mental relaxation & mood boosting — THC-O’s psychoactive effects make it beneficial for promoting mental calm and relaxation.
- Pain and inflammation — Anecdotal evidence suggests THC-O may have therapeutic potential for various types of pain, and the survey that we discussed earlier found that many THC-O users reported this as a benefit.
- Psychedelic effects — This can either be a benefit or a detriment, depending on what you prefer. Anecdotal evidence suggests that for some people, THC-O may provide a psychedelic experience similar to “magic mushrooms.”
How to Safely Use THC-O: Best Products
If you want to use THC-O, but you’re uncertain about doing so due to the potential downsides that it has, we’re going to discuss how to use it safely – namely, which types of products may be unsafe.
Edibles
Edibles, such as gummies and candy, let you get the therapeutic benefits of THC-O without any potential risks to your lung health. Edibles also allow for predictable, consistent dosing, so you don’t have to worry about using the wrong amount or taking too much.
Oils
THC-O oil products combine THC-O “extract” (remember, THC-O can’t be directly extracted from hemp) with carrier oils.
THC-O oils are a good option if you need to take very precise dosages, as you can measure your dose down to the drop with the metered dropper.
Proceed with Caution if Using Vapes, Flower, or Dab Rigs
You can also inhale THC-O several different ways:
- Vaporizers (vapes) let you inhale THC-O in vapor form.
- THC-O flower is hemp flower sprayed with THC-O distillate that can be smoked as a joint.
- THC-O dabs are a type of concentrate that can be inhaled through a dab rig
These inhalation methods are viable options for smoking or vaping delta 9 THC and similar cannabinoids. However, we advise you to be very cautious when using them with THC-O, which is the acetate form of THC.
When exposed to heat, acetate forms of substances produce ketene, a chemical that can cause serious lung injury. For this reason, consider using an oil or edible product when taking THC-O.
THC-O Dosage: How Much Should You Take?
As THC-O is very powerful, we recommend starting with a very low dosage.
You can use this formula to calculate your dosage precisely:
(0.025) x (your body weight in lbs.) = your daily THC-O dosage in mg.
You’ll notice that this dosage formula will put out a very small amount. This is because THC-O is extremely potent (3x stronger than THC), so it’s important to start by taking very low doses.
As you go, you can gradually adjust your dosage up and down based on how you feel.
Will THC-O Show up on a Drug Test?
As THC-O is a THC analog, it will show up on a drug test.
Tests screen for THC due to its presence in marijuana, and drug tests can’t tell the difference between THC from a legal hemp product and THC from marijuana.
If you are regularly drug tested at work or for another reason, we suggest abstaining from THC-O and instead opting for a broad spectrum or isolate CBD product that doesn’t contain THC.
Cannabinoids Similar to THC-O
If on the off-chance that you’ve read this article and decided THC-O isn’t the way to go, here are other, similar cannabinoids you can try.
Delta 9 THC
Delta 9 THC is the cannabinoid that people are referring to when they say “THC” – it’s popular because it’s the psychoactive component in weed. However, it’s also popular in hemp-derived form.
Apart from being just one-third as potent, delta 9 has similar effects to THC-O, minus the potential psychedelic sensations.
Delta 8 THC
Delta 8 THC, like delta 9, naturally occurs in hemp. However, it’s produced in a lab for use in products, because it only occurs in very small amounts.
Delta 8 offers effects of euphoria and relaxation as delta 9 does, although it’s only about half as strong (making it 6 times weaker than THC-O).
It’s ideal if you’re looking for therapeutic support. Because delta 8 renders a mild head high and is less likely than THC-O or delta 9 to cause anxiety, it’s frequently used for sleep and pain.
THCp
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiphoral (THCp) is a naturally-occurring cannabinoid in the cannabis sativa plant.
It’s chemically very similar to delta 9 THC, but it’s found in much smaller amounts and is also far more potent: anecdotal evidence suggests THCp is up to 30 times as potent as delta 9, which makes it about 10 times as strong as THC-O.
HHC
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a cannabinoid that naturally occurs in hemp. It’s similar in effect to delta 8 THC, but it’s about 50% stronger (for reference, HHC is three-fourths as strong as delta 9, while delta 8 is half as strong as delta 9).
As with delta 8, many HHC users report that it’s less likely than delta 9 THC to cause anxiety or paranoia.
Conclusion: A Powerful Cannabinoid
THC-O is still very new to the world of cannabis and hemp, and more research on it is needed to explore its effects and therapeutic potential. There are also major concerns about its safety when used in inhalable forms.
And as of February 2023, THC-O may be federally illegal in the US, making the purchase and use of it impossible, or at best, risky.
At the time of writing (September 2023), Congress is currently working on a revised farm bill – we can only wonder whether THC-O will be legal as a result. In the meantime, we have hemp-derived delta 8 and delta 9 to enjoy.
THC-O: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions customers frequently ask us about THC-O.
Is THC-O banned in the US?
Yes. In 2023, the DEA stated in a letter that since THC-O does not naturally occur in the hemp plant, it cannot be considered a hemp derivative and is therefore not federally legal under the Farm Bill.
Is 25mg of THC-O a lot?
A 25mg dose of THC-O is very high and will be too much for most people, given that THC-O is 3-4x as strong as delta 9 THC.
What is more potent, THC-O or HHC?
THC-O is about 4 times as potent as HHC.
Is THC-O safer than delta-8?
THC-O and delta 8 THC are both safe to consume in edible form and in small doses. However, THC-O is 6-8x as strong as delta 8 THC, so more care should be taken when consuming it.
Does THC-O get you high?
Yes, THC-O will create a strong head high with effects that are described as bordering on psychedelic.
What is a THC-O high like?
Most THC-O users describe the experience as a powerful high, with feelings of euphoria and relaxation. Some users also note that THC-O produces psychedelic-like, borderline hallucinogenic effects, similar to those of mushrooms (psilocybin).
How many mg of THC-O should I take?
Starting out, we recommend you take just 2-3mg of THC-O at a time, since it is 3x as strong as delta 9 THC.
How long does it take for THC-O edibles to kick in?
THC-O edibles kick in within 1-2 hours.
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