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THC-O acetate, more commonly known as THC-O, is a new cannabinoid derivative of THC that users claim is three times more potent than standard THC.
Its rise in popularity is due to the federal legalization of hemp, passed into law by the 2018 Farm Bill in the United States. For a while, Delta-8 and Delta-9 were the cannabinoids that held the top spot in the ever-growing market for alternatives to standard THC.
It wasn’t long before Delta-8 caught the attention of local governments and states began taking the steps to outlaw or strictly regulate the distribution of products containing Delta-8 THC. Although Delta-8 products containing less than 0.3 percent THC are still technically legal federally, your state’s local marijuana laws will still apply to you.
Delta-9 has been illegal since the 1970s when the government declared marijuana a Class 1 Drug. Delta-9 is the main compound in cannabis that is responsible for the sensation that most refer to as the “high”. Now that Delta-8 is seemingly going the way of its bigger brother Delta-9, users have turned to the new kid on the block, THC-O.
What Exactly is THC-O?
THC-O acetate, or simply THC-O, is a synthetic cannabinoid that requires a lab and specialized equipment to create a chemical twin of THC. THC-O might be a cannabinoid, but it does not occur naturally and can only be safely produced with the proper lab equipment and expertise.
The process involves a series of extractions, starting with CBD from hemp, then Delta 8 from the CBD, and finally, organic solvent acetic anhydride is added to produce the final product. The end product is a thick, flavorless oil that is primed for potency.
Is THC-O Safe?
THC-O is a new cannabinoid, and not much information has been confirmed regarding the clinical effects in humans. Extra caution should be exercised when using THC-O until more information comes to light as time goes on.
That being said, users report that the effects of THC-O are similar to that of standard Delta 9 THC, but intensified even further. This might make THC-O a poor choice for someone new to THC, or light users, as the rapid onset of the intense high might cause some unpleasantness if one is not prepared.
THC-O and What to Expect in The Future
THC-O is in its infancy and more studies and user experiences will surface as time carries on. The nature of unregulated cannabinoids calls for careful research and informed consideration to use safely and responsibly, so make use of any information that you can find.
THC-O is steadily growing in popularity, drawing more attention every day. As of now, it remains legal to purchase and produce, as dictated by the 2018 Farm Bill, but as the nature of law and regulation are ever-changing, be sure to stay updated and informed on any developments involving legality.
Conclusion
THC-O, the newest synthetic cannabinoid on the market, is making waves as it continues to grow in popularity and more is learned about it. If you are on the fence about trying THC-O, do your research and stay informed, and document your own experience as well.
Every bit of information that can be gathered will help build the foundation for the future of the cannabinoid. In the meantime, if you’re interested in trying THC-O, CannAid has a host of products to choose from!
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