Meet THC-O, the new cannabinoid on the block. THC-O isn't an obscure cannabinoid recently discovered, but a new cannabinoid made in a lab.
Lately, this synthetic cannabinoid is starting to get a lot of attention, both good and bad. However, what is THC-O, what does it do, is it legal, and is it the next big cannabinoid?
Find out all that and more as we take an in-depth look at THC-O and tell you everything you need to know.
What is THC-O?
THC-O is the shortened name for THC-O-Acetate--a close but fake relative of our beloved delta-9 THC. Without getting too technical, THC-O is really similar to regular delta-9 THC.
The only difference between the two is the acetate group (O) attached to it. However, that tiny difference in chemical structure leads to significant changes in effects.
That's because THC-O is much more potent than regular delta-9 THC. Some estimates think THC-O is three times stronger than regular THC and five times stronger than delta-8 THC.
What Does THC-O Do?
Not only is THC-O stronger than regular THC, but it also has different effects. Some users claim that THC-O is so powerful that it has psychedelic effects.
The psychedelic effects may be an exaggeration, but the potency is not. Many users find that once THC-O kicks in, it kicks hard.
THC-O produces a quick head rush, followed by heavy body high and racing thoughts even at low doses. The possibility of having intense paranoia is much more common on THC-O because of its potency.
Some users on Reddit claim that THC-O makes them feel more anxious and irritable than with delta-8 or delta-9 THC.
How Does THC-O Work?
THC-O is so much stronger than other cannabinoids because of how it works in the body. Normally, delta-8 or delta-9 THC work by directly traveling through the bloodstream to the brain and around the body.
THC-O needs to be processed first before it can actually have an effect because of the acetate (O) group. In order to lose the acetate group, the THC-O needs to get metabolized by the liver.
Once the THC-O loses the acetate group, it basically becomes regular delta-9 THC in structure. The question is, why is THC-O stronger if it becomes delta-9 THC?
It's possible that because of the metabolization, the THC-O is more bioavailable. That means that the body can use more of it, resulting in a much stronger high.
How Is THC-O Made?
As mentioned, THC-O isn't natural and can only be made in a laboratory by starting with delta-9 or delta-8 THC. Producers then use a chemical process to turn delta-8 or delta-9 THC into THC-O.
They achieve this transformation by using an extremely toxic compound called acetic anhydride. On top of being poisonous, acetic anhydride is highly flammable and potentially explosive.
Is THC-O Legal in the USA?
Currently, THC-O is in a bit of a legal limbo, and its legality isn't 100% certain. On the one hand, it is derived from a legal compound from a legal hemp plant.
However, that compound is produced via a chemical reaction, and it's an analog of a banned drug, which could make it illegal.
Some countries like the UK have already banned THC-O, and more will likely follow suit if the compound gets popular enough.
Is THC-O Safe?
Perhaps the biggest concern about THC-O is its safety. For starters, the compound is brand new and hasn't been tested, meaning that its potential side-effects or long-term effects are unknown.
On top of that, the compound is produced by using toxic and flammable chemicals. That might be okay, but the few companies selling THC-O don't offer any testing information.
That means there's no way to know if the THC-O product you're getting is pure and free from toxic chemicals.
Use CBD and Delta-8 THC Instead
At the moment, using and consuming THC-O right now is a gamble. It may be potentially dangerous to consume and doesn't offer any therapeutic benefits over other cannabinoids.
In our opinion, it's not worth the risk or the money to use THC-O products, at least until the doubts and concerns are cleared up.
For now, it's better to stay with safe, reliable, and tested options like CBD and delta-8 THC. If you're looking for the best brand of CBD and Delta-8 products, then head over to Simply Crafted.
Simply Crafted makes only the highest-quality CBD and delta-8 THC products that are tested, delicious, and packed full of cannabinoids.
Don't endanger your health by following a passing fad, and instead, enjoy excellent cannabis products from Simply Crafted.
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