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1. Weedmaps
2. Learn
3. Products
4. THC-O: Everything you need to know
THC-O: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
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CONTENTS
1. What is THC-O?
2. How is THC-O made?
3. Is THC-O legal?
4. Is THC-O safe to consume?
5. What is a THC-O high like?
6. Bottom line
7. FAQ
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What is HHC?
HHC is short for hexahydrocannabinol. It has technically been around since
1944, when American
As states continue to legalize cannabis, the federal prohibition of THC
continues to make things tricky for both the industry and the consumer. While
the 2018 Farm Bill's federal legalization of hemp was a step forward, the legal
divide between hemp and cannabis has led to many legal gray areas, particularly
for synthetic cannabinoids like THC-O.
Learn more about this unique cannabinoid and what you need to know to consume it
safely.
WHAT IS THC-O?
THC-O (Tetrahydrocannabinol-O-acetate) is a synthetic cannabinoid that does not
occur naturally in cannabis. It's chemically related to THC
(Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the main intoxicating compound organically
occurring in cannabis. THC-O is distinct from THC in terms of its chemical
structure and reported effects.
Compared to THC, THC-O has gained attention in recent years as a novel and
potentially stronger cannabinoid. However, there's still much to learn about its
safety, effects, and potential uses.
HOW IS THC-O MADE?
THC-O is synthesized from Delta-9 or Delta-8 THC molecules, which are often
synthetically derived from CBD. A secondary chemical reaction on these compounds
replaces the THC hydroxyl group with an acetyl group, resulting in
THC-O-acetate. This change increases the compound's fat solubility and membrane
permeability, making it easier for human bodies to absorb and use. This is
what's thought to make it more potent than Delta-9 THC.
IS THC-O LEGAL?
Cannabis lawyer Rod Kight of Kight Law Offices said THC-O's legality is
questionable. “Certainly, it does not have the safety data studies necessary to
be approved by the FDA as a new dietary ingredient in food products,” he said.
“More importantly, it's likely a controlled substance under federal law since,
unlike Delta-8 and other forms of THC, it's not produced by the hemp plant …
It's different from other forms of THC since it's not a naturally occurring
cannabis compound.”
IS THC-O SAFE TO CONSUME?
No research has been done in animals or humans to evaluate the safety of THC-O
or any of the unknown byproducts that are produced during the synthesis of THC-O
and there isn't any research evaluating its efficacy or safety for medicinal
applications.
Like most Delta-8-THC products on the market, THC-O is synthesized in a process
that uses hazardous chemicals. Only trained professionals in adequately equipped
labs should attempt it.
Photo by: Gina Coleman/Weedmaps
Once the conversion process is complete, several possible sources of
contaminants can show up in the final product: synthetic byproducts, unnatural
isomers created unintentionally during the chemical conversion process, or other
residuals from toxic solvents, acids, or bleaching clays. Since the hemp market
is largely unregulated, there is no oversight for testing and reporting the
presence of these potentially dangerous contaminants in THC-O products.
Ultimately, we don't know much about THC-O. Even though it's available for
purchase, no appreciable research has been carried out to understand its effects
or how it works in the body.
WHAT IS A THC-O HIGH LIKE?
Much like Delta-9 THC edibles, THC-O edibles have a delayed onset. People who
have tried THC-O also report psychedelic effects that are distinctly different
from the euphoria and intoxication common with Delta-9-THC.
THC-O's delayed onset and higher potency can also lead to unpleasant experiences
if you don't exercise caution. The bad experiences people have had with edibles
— from paranoia to rapid heart rate — can be amplified with THC-O's higher
potency.
BOTTOM LINE
THC-O and other Delta-9-THC alternatives, like Delta-8-THC or Delta-10-THC, are
new, and their benefits and risks remain to be seen. Scientists and researchers
are beginning to study these compounds, and hopefully, we will have data on
their safety and efficacy soon.
At present, there is no way for consumers to be sure of the safety or purity of
THC-O products as they remain unregulated. If you want to try THC-O, be aware
that there are risks involved, and THC-O may be significantly more potent than
Delta-9 THC. Proceed with caution.
FAQ
THC-O VS. DELTA-9 THC: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
THC-O is a synthetic cannabinoid, and Delta-9 THC is the most abundant,
naturally occurring compound in cannabis. Delta-9-THC can be synthesized from
CBD, and it is this synthetic Delta-9-THC that is being used to make THC-O.
THC-O is reportedly more potent than Delta-9 THC.
THC-O VS. DELTA-8 THC: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
Delta-8 THC is a minor cannabinoid found naturally in cannabis in small
quantities. Still, the vast majority of products on the market containing this
compound are synthetically created from CBD in a process that produces unknown
by-products. Delta-8 THC is reportedly less potent and has milder intoxicating
effects than Delta-9 THC and THC-O.
IS THC-O STRONGER THAN DELTA-8 THC?
THC-O is reportedly more potent than Delta-8 THC; however, individual responses
can vary depending on your dose and tolerance.
HHC VS. THC-O: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
HHC is a hydrogenated derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol that naturally occurs
in cannabis in trace amounts. However, it can also be synthesized from CBD,
which is the synthetic form available on the commercial market. Cannabis plants
do not naturally produce THC-O, so it must be synthesized. The effects and
safety of HHC are not as well-documented, and it's not as commonly found in the
market.
DOES THC-O SHOW UP ON A DRUG TEST?
THC-O may appear on a drug test that screens for THC as it is a THC analog and
shares chemical similarities with Delta-9 THC.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This article has been reviewed by Bonni Goldstein, MD, a physician specializing
in cannabis medicine in Los Angeles, California, owner and medical director of
CannaCenters, and medical advisor to Weedmaps.com.
Was this article helpful? Give Feedback
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Reviewed by Tony Daniels on 10/5/23
UP NEXT
WHAT IS HHC?
Plant
HHC is short for hexahydrocannabinol. It has technically been around since
1944, when American chemist Roger Adams first synthesized and subsequently
patented it. Its commercial use and public consumption is a relatively new fad
that comes on the heels of the semi-synthetic cannabinoid trend that's been
growing since...
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