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.
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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.
