The signing of the 2018 Farm Bill legalizing hemp led to the manufacture of many delta-9 THC products. Additionally, more innovation and open manufacturing led to the development of more hemp bi-products. THC-O is among them and has quickly become one of the most popular. Like most other hemp and bi-products, this synthetic cannabinoid’s popularity stems from its psychoactive effects. While products that induce such reactions remain illegal at the federal level, the Farm Bill indirectly made them legal. Manufacturers also stretch its limits, cleverly delivering those effects while observing the law.
THC-O embodies this spirit, delivering the desired effects without placing the seller or buyer in legal trouble. However, there are concerns about whether this product should be on the market. Let us take a closer look at the effects of THC-O and determine whether those fears are founded.
What Is THC-O?
THC-O, Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC-O-acetate is a non-natural and psychedelic cannabinoid. This is because it is not extracted from traditional THC hemp plants like CBD, CBG, CBN, and other cannabis products. THC-O acetate is the product of combining delta-8 hemp or regular THC molecules with acetic anhydride. This highly flammable, colorless liquid is used in making pharmaceuticals, plastics, fibers, dyes, and explosives.
Like other hemp and cannabis products, there is ongoing research to understand THC-O acetate’s full effects and benefits. Presently, it is common knowledge that it causes more psychedelic effects than other natural or synthetic cannabinoids of hemp products. This is why the Federal Analog Act tries to ban such substances by declaring them illegal.
The synthetic combination of delta-8 hemp and the acetic anhydride chemical gives THC-O acetate more bioavailability. Therefore, this product is more potent than other THC products. For example, it is three times more potent than delta-9 THC, causing hallucinations, unlike other delta-9 THC gummies.
THC-O Products
Here are some common THC-O acetate products:
THC-O Vape Carts
For maximum effect, THC-O vape cartridges combine THC-O, delta-8 THC, and strain-specific terpenes. The best ones contain no additives and are made from high-quality ingredients.
THC-O Vape Pens
Due to the consumption method, these THC-O vape pens are among the most potent THC products. Inhalation produces instant reactions and combines well with natural flavors for a memorable session.
THC-O Gummies
These THC-O edibles provide a convenient, discreet, and cleaner THC-O acetate dosing experience. Although the high will take longer to kick in, expect it to last longer than vaping.
THC-O Flower
If you wish to smoke your THC-O products, a THC-O flower is a more exciting solution. A THC-O flower is simply a hemp flower infused with a THC-O concentrate. Manufacturers have yet to find ways to naturally increase the THC-O product’s concentration in the hemp plant.
Effects Of THC-O
THC-O is called the spiritual cannabinoid for a reason. Since there is more bioavailability of THC in this product than in others, your body will feel a significantly stronger impact. THC-O has three times the potency of delta-9 THC and five times more potent than delta-8 THC. Therefore, it delivers a more potent experience of the same magnitude. Users report feeling similar psychedelic effects as taking a small dose of LSD.
Note that the effects of THC-O take longer to kick in than those of delta-9 THC. Typically, it takes about an hour before you feel any effects. It is the same case with inhalation. While vaping other THC products or THC forms produce an almost instantaneous reaction, it takes about 20 minutes for THC-O products. Therefore, avoid taking too much too soon, thinking you are under-dosing. This way, you’ll avoid overwhelming your body.
Additionally, you need to start with a smaller dose and work your way up depending on your reaction. Typically, the minimum dose is about a third of what you normally take as delta-9 THC. Alternatively, stick to a minimum of 2 mg per edible or 0.5 mg for inhalation. You can safely raise it to 10 mg and 3 mg, respectively, but be vigilant.
What Are The Benefits Of Using THC-O?
THC-O presents the benefits associated with other cannabinoids but introduces the psychedelic angle due to its delta-9 THC concentration. Therefore, expect to feel most of the psychoactive effects of cannabinoids. Research is ongoing to determine how effective THC-O is at delivering the medicinal properties of the hemp plant. This means that most claims of THC-O being medicinal are unfounded, and the results are coincidental. While the product has several therapeutic qualities, only scientific research will validate all other claims. Here are the known benefits derived from THC-O:
- Euphoria
- Increased appetite
- Pain relief
- Sleep supportive properties
- Stress relief and reduce anxiety
- Enhanced creativity
- Supports relaxation
- Anxiolytic properties
- Higher potency than delta-8 means you only need a smaller dose
- Longer lasting euphoric experience
THC-O acetate also enhances creativity. Users who engage in creative work report feeling motivated and focused on their projects. The psychoactive and psychedelic effects are especially beneficial when you experience a creative block. THC-O serves as a jump start, putting you back on the creative track.
Additionally, enhanced sensory perception and reflection are beneficial for meditation. THC-O helps you look inside, exploring your psyche and evaluating your life. You can use this hemp product to get in touch with yourself at a deeper level. Addressing deep-seated trauma and other negative feelings is therapeutic and the best way to heal from them. THC-O provides you with a path to your innermost self.
Is THC-O Safe?
When discussing THC-O safety, you must consider its manufacturing and consumption. Presently, there are no known deadly safety concerns from overdosing on THC-O. Therefore, you can rule out a fatality when you consume THC-O, the hemp bi-product. However, you can suffer side effects and more on that later.
You may have heard of the possibility of making THC-O at home. While it is possible to make THC-O at home, it is ill-advised. The process entails using complex and explosive chemicals and processes. These explosive substances require specialized equipment and skilled individuals to create THC-O safely.
Side Effects Of THC-O
The high potency in THC-O may be desirable, but there’s always the danger of one easily suffering some side effects. Here are some to watch out for:
Getting Too High
While this is usually a desirable effect, THC-O can be overwhelming for the uninitiated. If you haven’t gotten used to how high delta-9 THC can make one feel, jumping straight to using THC-O is ill-advised. The higher potency will likely overwhelm you and keep you off the substance entirely.
Interference With Your Blood Pressure
THC-O can cause a slight drop in blood pressure, elevating your heart rate. This may not be a major issue for most people, but it can prove extremely uncomfortable for anyone with a heart condition.
Dry Mouth
Since cannabinoids act on the cannabinoid receptors in the salivary glands, this side effect is consistent with using THC-O. The substance will limit saliva production, thus the dry feeling.
Temporary Alteration Of Color And Brightness Perception
After consuming THC-O, you’re likely to experience a shift in how you perceive brightness, and colors will also seem different for a while. Such shifts enhance the psychedelic experience but may prove too disorienting for some.
Other side effects include the inability to drive, disorientation, lightheadedness, and grogginess. Additionally, you may experience dry eyes, and feeling too happy, which can become uncomfortable and scary. You can avoid such effects by dosing properly and ensuring you confirm quality when you purchase THC-O products.
Is THC-O Legal?
Technically, THC-O is federally legal in 38 states due to the 2018 Farm Bill. Since it is a hemp bi-product, THC-O has legal status in those states while remaining illegal where it is specifically one of the controlled substances. While it may not be outright illegal in those 38 states, it helps to err on the side of caution. Certain circumstances can land you in trouble, such as behaving improperly while under the influence. If you’re found to be intoxicated, you may face some stiff legal consequences. Therefore, avoid incidents like driving after consuming THC-O. Assuming the THC-O legal stand will save you is wrong.
You may also wonder whether THC-O can make you fail a drug test. Its ability to cause a failed drug test is similar to delta-8 and delta-9 THC. This means there is little scientific evidence to explain how, but it is still possible to fail the drug test. As one of the delta-9 THC analogs, THC-O has a similar molecular structure. Therefore, it is bound to show up on a drug test as delta-9 and THC metabolites. You need to avoid it if your occupation calls for regular drug tests.
Additionally, THC-O is fat-soluble, meaning it remains in your fat cells long after metabolizing. Therefore, you cannot detoxify the substance.
A good alternative of THC-O is THC.
Here Is Our Top Pick Of THC Gummies: Budpop Delta-8 Gummies
BudPop is an American-based company owned by hemp enthusiasts who have been in this industry for the past 30 years. After a series of degrading experiences, the owners launched their own company in early 2021. Since then, the brand has not looked back, and it has risen to exponential fame.
Conclusion: How Long Do The Effects Of THC-O Last?
THC-O is a relatively new hemp bi-product with some desirable qualities. It is especially wanted for its psychedelic effects, earning the name spiritual cannabinoid. However, its novelty and lack of conclusive research mean there is always the danger of suffering some side effects. This article sheds light on this hemp product to help you approach it safely and in moderation. This is how you’ll enjoy its many positive effects. You can also take a look at thc detox, if you are interested.
