Have you heard of THC-O? What are the effects of THC-O? It’s a cannabinoid rocking the cannabis industry right now.

THC-O is not a rare, hard-to-find cannabinoid that was just discovered. Instead, it’s a new synthetic cannabinoid that was created in a lab.

Despite its recent discovery, THC-O has received a great deal of attention. Many people are wondering about THC-O’s effects and legality.

Check out our guide to THC-O so you’ll know the latest on the THC-O cannabinoid.

The Science behind THC-O

Chemically speaking, THC-O is very similar to Delta-9 THC (the most prominent cannabinoid in cannabis).

A cannabinoid is a chemical compound. Every human body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) with receptors along with the nervous system that interacts with cannabinoids. When cannabinoids bind with these receptors, they influence the nervous system to produce reactions related to homeostasis. This means that cannabinoids affect our sleep, mood, appetite, and reproductive systems.

Our body produces its own cannabinoids which are called endocannabinoids. Interestingly, cannabinoids can also be found in nature. The Cannabis sativa plant produces over 113 phytocannabinoids.

Additionally, cannabinoids can be synthesized in a lab. Recently, the powerful cannabinoid THC-O was created and is making waves in the cannabis industry.

THC-O is a synthetic cannabinoid. Its name is an abbreviation for THC-O-Acetate. The chemical difference between THC-O and Delta-9 THC is the acetate group (O) attached to THC-O.

So what kind of effect does the acetate group have on the THC-O cannabinoid?

An insanely powerful effect. It is possible THC-O may be at least three times stronger than Delta-9 THC. This makes it five times stronger than another up-and-coming cannabinoid, Delta-8 THC, which is also similar in structure to Delta-9 THC.

How does THC-O make you feel?

You’ve probably had super powerful weed before. Maybe you seek out products with higher concentrations of THC, or instead prefer those with calming effects like CBD or Delta-8 THC.

So imagine feeling psychedelic effects from highly-potent THC-O. That’s what some users are claiming about the intensely-strong cannabinoid.

Since THC-O is only a recent discovery, whether it’s truly psychedelic can’t be said for sure. What can’t be denied, however, is THC-O’s super potency.

THC-O users claim that its effects kick in impressively hard.

Trying THC-O for the first time

If you’re wondering what to expect when trying THC-O for the first time, here’s a quick tip: tread carefully. There is a possibility you might experience paranoia due to THC-O’s super potency.

THC-O users claim consuming the cannabinoid produces a forcible head rush. After this has passed users experience racing thoughts combined with a deep body high.

Beware of trying THC-O, even in low doses. Some users claim that THC-O can make you more on-guard or anxious than Delta-9 or Delta-8 THC.

How does the body process THC-O?

You may be wondering why THC-O is so strong. The reason behind the cannabinoid’s super strength is the way it is processed by the body.

THC-O is processed differently by the body than Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC. These two cannabinoids are processed by traveling directly through the bloodstream to the brain.

THC-O differs in that it needs to first be processed by the liver due to the acetate (O) group. Once it is metabolized by the liver, THC-O loses the acetate (O) group and becomes Delta-9 THC.

So why would THC-O be extra powerful if it ends up becoming regular Delta-9 THC?

The answer lies in THC-O’s bioavailability. Due to its metabolization by the liver, THC-O is more bioavailable, meaning that the body can use more of it. This results in a very powerful high.

The process behind making THC-O

Like we said before, THC-O is not a naturally-occurring substance, so it has to be made in a lab by converting Delta-9 or Delta-8 THC.

First, producers use a chemical process to turn Delta-9 or Delta-8 THC into synthetic THC-O. To convert the cannabinoids, they must use acetic anhydride, which is an extremely toxic chemical compound. Besides being poisonous, acetic anhydride is also flammable and possibly explosive.

THC-O’s Legality in the US

Have you heard of the 2018 Farm Bill? It’s the legislation that led to the cannabinoids like CBD and Delta-8 THC revolutionizing the cannabis industry in the USA.

In 2018, former President Trump signed the Farm Bill, which allowed for the transportation of hemp-derived products across state lines, as long as the hemp contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC.

This legislation led to high demand for CBD and Delta-8 THC products across the country, especially in places where cannabis is medically and/or recreationally illegal.

Just like Delta-8 THC, which has psychoactive effects, THC-O is in a hazy legal situation. In fact, it might not be 100% legal. One thing is for sure: it is indeed a compound derived from the hemp plant, just like the Farm Bill requires.

The chemical process that creates THC-O through the synthetic conversion of Delta-9 or Delta-8 THC is contributing to its biggest legality issues. Unfortunately, because THC-O is an analog or isomer of Delta-9 THC, which is federally illegal, it will most likely be banned. Similarity to Delta-9 THC is one of the reasons Delta-8 THC is also facing legal issues across the United States and in other countries.

The UK has already introduced legislation banning THC-O. It is very likely that we will see other countries quickly follow in their footsteps.

But Is It Safe For Me to Try?

Since THC-O is in a legal gray area, you are probably concerned about its safety.

One thing to keep in mind is that THC-O is a brand new compound, meaning it has not been tested. With that being said, there is no way to know THC-O’s side effects or long-term effects.

Besides its very recent entrance to the cannabis industry, the process to make it is also of concern. In order to make THC-O, it must go through a chemical process using toxic, flammable chemicals.

Since there is little regulation, the companies selling THC-O are not required to include testing information or ingredients, so the quality of most THC-O products on the market is impossible to determine.

Since there is no way to tell if the THC-O products you want to purchase are devoid of toxic chemicals, be careful. You don’t want to endanger your welfare with unregulated, poisonous THC-O products when there are plenty of other pure and powerful cannabinoid products on the market.

The Takeaway

Now that you know all about THC-O, you may be interested in trying it. Maybe you are a cannabinoid connoisseur on a mission to try everything from Delta-9, Delta-8, Delta-10 to CBD, CBG, CBN, and now THC-O.

But before you try THC-O, please remember that it is intensely powerful.

We believe trying THC-O is not the risk. Don’t waste your money on unregulated THC-O products that could hurt your health.

We recommend sticking to tried-and-true Delta-8 THC products. Delta-8 THC gives you a focused, alert high. When using Delta-8 products, you won’t feel paranoid. Instead, you will feel in control and motivated. Delta-8 gives a powerful, enjoyable body high that will leave you feeling relaxed and at ease.

Our incredible Delta-8 THC products are safe and reliable. On top of that, they are the most delicious on the market.

Opt for Delta-8 over THC-O. You want to improve your health with cannabinoids, not endanger it.