There is a wave of hemp-derived cannabinoids taking over the CBD market, lack of regulation and research makes it an extremely murky place to be at. As a consumer, it can often get confusing to look at so many options out in the market.
What makes THC-O an interesting addition to the world of hemp compounds is that, unlike delta-8 and delta-10 which are milder than your traditional cannabis THC, THC-O is a much stronger compound, three times stronger to be exact.
Considering it is derived from hemp, the legal status is very different from cannabis since the Farm Bill 2018 has made it federally legal to sell industrial hemp and its derivatives across the states. Case in point- hemp-derived CBD.
THC-O poses unique difficulties because it doesn’t naturally exist within hemp plants and must instead be created artificially in a laboratory setting.
As we continue to develop an understanding of THC-O and other compounds, there are certain considerations you need to keep in mind when buying products with this ingredient.
Any product having less 0.3% THC is allowed at all dispensaries in US. However, you can buy product with higher THC by having a medical marijuana card. All you have to do is consult a medical marijuana doctor online, get a 420 med evaluation and then receive your medical marijuana card online
What is THC-O?
THC-O is also called THC-O acetate, and there is research dating all the way back to the 1940s associated with it. Back then it was tried out as a non-lethal incapacitating agent. The compound was tested on dogs. In the end of which the dogs had lost a significant amount of motor function.
The process to derive THC-O from hemp begins with the extraction of CBD first which is then converted to either delta-8 or a similar THC modification. After this acetic anhydride is added to the mix, creating an acetate more specifically THC-O, the compound that is supposed to be 3 times stronger than THC,
Though this process might appear straightforward, anyone attempting it at home should avoid doing it due to Acetic Anhydride being highly flammable and corrosive – trying anything could put your health, safety, and environment at risk. Let the professionals handle the creation in a highly controlled lab environment.
Also only make a purchase if you are 100% sure of the source of where the THC-O is derived from.
Comparing The Compounds- THC-O, Delta-10, Delta-9 & Delta-8
When we begin comparing the four compounds there are some very obvious differences that exist between them. But in the most generic terms, both Delta-8 and Delta-10 are a lot less potent and intoxicating than the traditional delta-9 THC. They are also referred to as THC-lite in most cases as their effects do not ever overreach that of Delta-9.
Delta-8 has more of a sedative high, the kind that puts you to sleep whereas Delta-10 has a high that is comparable to that of a Sativa strain in the sense that you get more of an active high.
THC-O is probably the strongest of this lot. It is stronger than not only Delta-8 and Delta-10 but also your regular Delta-9. As per anecdotal evidence, the high that consumers feel after using THC-O has been described as spiritual with strong effects that cross over to the hallucinogenic category extremely fast. Of course, just like any other hemp/cannabis compound factors like tolerance and the endocannabinoid system is the final factor in determining the effects.
THC-O is not a naturally occurring compound in the hemp plant, it is not even a THC isomer like Delta-8 or Delta-10. It needs to be made in the laboratory. That makes it a fundamentally different cannabinoid than the other three.
Factors to Consider While Buying THC-O
THC-O for the most part is unregulated so the onus lies on you as a consumer to pick the right product with the right credentials to ensure that you do not end up buying a faulty product.
The issue with THC-O is that there is a very high possibility of toxic additives getting in during the process. Additionally, the strength of the product means that you need to get an accurate potency lest you spin out after using them.
You need to ensure that you only make a purchase from a company that is completely transparent about their practices and offers a high level of accountability to their customers.
