What is THC O?

At Go Green Botanicals, we want you to be informed when you make decisions about your health and wellness. Many of our clients have been asking about the new THC on the block, THC O (or THCo). Known for a potent high, THC O was once studied in the 1940s by the U.S. Military… and now THC O acetate is making a comeback. 

The Basics of THC O

Without delving too far into chemistry, THC O is a synthetic version of THC created in a laboratory. After a series of extractions from low-THC hemp, acetic anhydride is added to the THC molecules, creating THC O Acetate. The process is extremely volatile, and thus should only be done by professionals. 

How Potent is THC O?

The acetate molecule that’s attached to the THC molecules is what makes it so potent; about three times as potent as your usual Delta 9 THC. And the high you get isn’t just three times stronger, it’s a different kind of high than you might be used to. Instead of getting giggly and relaxing with the munchies, potent THC O’s high is very psychoactive and has been described as being “heavy”. Others describe it like being high on mushrooms or LSD. With such intense effects, keep in mind that a little goes a long way. 

Unlike regular THC or even Delta 8, it has to be metabolized before you feel the effects when inhaled or eaten. This can take around thirty minutes, so be sure to wait before you take more. No one wants to have a bad psychedelic trip!

Is THC O Safe?

Like anything new and unregulated, it’s hard to know if THC O is safe for everyone to use. If you’ve used THC in the past with no issues, then THC O may be fine for you to use. That being said, we still aren’t sure how it interacts with your endocannabinoid system, or what potential side effects of this synthetic THC could be. 

Further safety concerns come with vaping or dabbing THC O. Remember when vitamin E acetate was used as an additive in vape pens, and people were getting very sick and even dying? With its own acetate group, there’s a possibility of it also reacting with the lungs. And until there are studies done, we just don’t know. Further, the unregulated production of vapes leaves the possibility for other toxic ingredients within the cartridges. Shopping from reputable companies who are knowledgeable about their products is highly recommended if you want to try THC O. 

Is it Legal?

If you’re wondering if THC O is legal, so are we. It really depends on who you ask and how they may benefit from the answer. It’s also going to vary on where in the world you are, and how quickly cannabis and drug laws may change. So while we can’t give you a definitive yes or no answer on the legality of it, we can give you some of the arguments. Then it’s up to you on what you want to do with that information. 

At the time of writing, it isn’t listed as a prohibited substance in North America nor most of the rest of the world. So is it legal by omission? In the United States, maybe not. You can thank the Federal Analogue Act. Passed in 1986, the act bans any analogs or synthesized versions of existing Schedule I substances — including THC. 

On the other hand, some people believe that since THC O is created from federally legal hemp (thank you, 2018 Farm Bill!), it should be legal as well. Clearly those producing and selling THC O products benefit from this perspective, but are walking a very vague and fine line between the Farm Bill and the Analogue Act. 

If THC O  acetate is being sold in government-approved CBD and cannabis shops, does that make it legal? Just because inspectors or legal authorities haven’t stopped the sale of THC O doesn’t make it legal, either. And with the sudden interest and increase in THC O availability — alongside Delta 8 and Delta 10 products — you can bet authorities are paying attention. But just what they decide to do about it is a whole other question. What you decide to do is another. 

Go Green Botanicals: Your CBD and THC Pros

If you have questions about how CBD and Cannabidiol can support your journey, we’re here for you! Pop into our boutique in New Braunfels, send us a message in our online shop, or give us a call. Our educated staff is happy to help you find the right products for you.