Although THC-O has only been gaining more popularity recently, it is definitely a cannabinoid that has an unprecedented market potential. Along with other revolutionizing cannabinoids that have been permeating the cannabis industry, THCO-O is gaining just as much recognition for various reasons.
What is THC-O?
THC-O acetate (tetrahydrocannabinol acetate), more commonly known as THC-O is a synthetic analog of the infamous THC, meaning it does not occur naturally in plants. THC-O is created through a chemical reaction called acetylation where a hydrogen group in the THC molecule is replaced with an acetyl group. Because THC-O is derived from THC extracted from hemp (plants containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC), it is federally legal and legal in 38 states.
How does THC-O differ from THC?
Despite being derived from THC, THC-O has significantly different properties that can really change the game for all consumers alike. THC-O is rumored to be 3 times stronger than delta-9 THC and 5 times stronger than delta-8 THC. Although not enough research has been conducted to explain this phenomenon with complete confidence, there are several possible causes involving the nature of THC-O and our body’s physiology. Compared to THC, THC-O has a higher fat solubility and membrane permeability, changing the way it is metabolized in the body and increasing the absorption as well.
Like THC, THC-O also has psychoactive effects. However, in addition to the regular high-inducing properties, THC-O is known to have psychedelic and hallucinogenic characteristics as well. Because of how much more potent THC-O is, a minimally small dose can bring the user a standard high but a moderate dose can take the effects to the next level and produce psychedelic effects. This is also why consumers should exercise caution when using THC-O. Due to how the body metabolizes this cannabinoid, it takes longer for THC-O to take effect, often causing users to mistake this lag as lack of effect. When consuming THC-O, users should be patient as too much at once can cause a bad trip or even loss of consciousness.
Why do these differences make THC-O beneficial?
Most people familiar with cannabis and hemp products know that THC provides a myriad of health benefits: pain relief, anti-anxiety, seizure treatments, and more. Being that THC-O is derived from THC, it essentially contains similar, if not the same medicinal properties. However, the fact that THC-O is multitudes stronger than THC allows for users to consume a smaller dosage for the same effect. This is extremely helpful for those who have either built up a tolerance for THC or whose symptoms are so severe that they cannot be relieved by THC alone.
In short, it is undeniable that the high potency of THC-O makes this newly popularized cannabinoid a force to be reckoned with. As always, users who are looking to try THC-O products should purchase from reputable brands and start with small doses to prevent a bad experience and possible dangerous effects.
