Where does THC-O come from?

Where does THC-O come from?

Meet THC-O-acetate, pronounced “THC oh.” This substance is becoming increasingly popular among adult consumers because of its high potency. Here you can learn everything there is to know about this synthetic substance, including where it comes from and how it’s made.

A Powerful Psychedelic High

What is THC-O-acetate, exactly?

THC-O-acetate (or ATHC) is a semi-synthetic form of THC, considered a more potent version of Delta 9 THC. It is mostly derived from Delta 8 THC. This full-strength cannabinoid doesn’t occur in nature but is an analog of THC. Because THC-O is created from hemp-derived Delta 8 THC, it’s considered federally legal under the Farm Bill of 2018, but more on that later.

THC-O can provide a similar psychoactive effect with a longer onset time. Similar to other cannabinoids, THC-O-acetate reacts with cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) located throughout the human body. It’s this reaction that is responsible for specific therapeutic outcomes.

This compound has a long history. A surprising but true fact, THC-O-acetate was first used as a possible non-lethal incapacitating agent as part of the Edgewood Arsenal experiments between 1949 and 1975. D. Gold, the author of Cannabis Alchemy, provided the synthesis instructions for THC-O-acetate in 1974. Only now that hemp-derived products have become legal is it in the spotlight.

Are hemp-derived THC-O-acetate products federally legal?

It’s a gray area. Like many other THC derivatives, the legal status of THC-O is interpretive. Hemp-derived THC-O products could be legal under The 2018 Farm Bill, which allows the sale and consumption of products with a concentration of no more than 0.3% of THC. Unfortunately, there are limited resources available federally to regulate this particular market. Each state has its own laws regarding this man-made compound.

Where does THC-O-Acetate come from, and how is it made?

The synthetic formulation is derived from Delta 9 THC or Delta 8 THC, which are chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. THC-O is made in a laboratory through a series of extractions. First, acetic anhydride is combined with THC esters, and then Delta 8 THC molecules are added to create an oil-soluble formulation. This substance is then used to infuse products such as edibles and vapes.

We do not recommend making THC-O-acetate at home. This conversion process uses acetic anhydride, a highly flammable substance only suitable in a laboratory setting. 

Is it safe to consume? There are a few important factors to consider when determining the safety of a product like this. 

  • Because of the lack of regulation, there are questions regarding safety or quality control testing. Reputable producers and retailers will provide reports from certified cannabis testing labs online for consumers to access. The Certificate of Analysis (COA) will verify the product’s potency and ensure it’s free from harmful contaminants. If you don’t know how to read a COA, never fear, The Hemp Doctor has it covered. 
  • THC-O-acetate products are different from K2 or Spice, a dangerous form of cannabinoids. Spice is an inert herbal mixture that has been doused with a synthetic cannabinoid formulation. Although spice does provide a similar experience, it has a different chemical structure that is completely unrelated to THC. We do not sell or condone the use of K2 or Spice. 

How will THC-O-acetate make me feel? 

Each consumer reacts differently to cannabis, so it is hard to say exactly how you might feel. Consumers have reported this supercharged cannabinoid gives them a similar high to Delta 9 THC, just more intense. Some experts say the effects can be up to 3 times as strong because of its unique bioavailability. The overall effects are described as cerebral or head high.

Why do some people prefer THC that is synthesized?

There are a couple of reasons someone would prefer THC-O products over other natural derivatives of cannabis, like Delta 9 THC or full-spectrum CBD. For example, if you have a high tolerance or require maximum effectiveness, these synthetic products might be for you. Another factor driving sales is its legal status, as this product could be a substitute in states where Delta 9 THC isn’t available.

Where can I purchase THC-O products?

The easiest way to purchase THC-O-acetate products is through reputable retailers online. Don’t forget to check for third-party lab results before buying. 

The market in the U.S. for these types of products is growing, but the selection is limited. Formats could include vape cartridges, distillate, and some edibles like gummies. There is no standard dosing data available, but 2mg oral or 0.5mg inhaled is considered a minimum dose. Due to its potency, we recommend all consumers start low and go slow!

The Hemp Doctor Sells THC-O!

THC-O Vape Cart Oil is available in 1ml vape carts from your favorite retailer, The Hemp Doctor! 

This full-spectrum product is formulated using our Delta 8 THC compounds and is three times more potent than Delta 8 THC. This product currently comes in five cultivars, including Amnesia Haze (sativa), Train-wreck (sativa), Gorilla Glue (hybrid), Runtz (hybrid), and Skywalker OG (indica). Each vape costs $34.95. 

We recommend that people using our THC-O vape products for the first time take a puff and wait for twenty to thirty minutes before having another one. THC-O can sneak up on you surprisingly, and we want all of our consumers to have the best experience possible. Once you’ve used it slowly and tested your tolerance, use it as desired going forward!

THC-O Gummies are now available in fruit cocktail flavor at The Hemp Doctor! So skip the stress of vaping and dive in with these delicious edibles. Each piece contains 30mg of hemp-derived THC-O, and every jar contains 60 gummies! That means a single jar gives you 1800mg of THC-O for your enjoyment. 

This fruit cocktail includes flavors like watermelon, raspberry, tangerine, lemon, cherry, and strawberry, and like all of our gummies, are vegan-friendly, full-spectrum, and lab tested. So get into our gummies today!

Meet THC-O-acetate, pronounced “THC oh.” This substance is becoming increasingly popular among adult consumers because of its high potency.

Final thoughts regarding the highly intoxicating cannabinoid THC-O

There seem to be several advantages and disadvantages to consuming THC-O. Overall, cannabis has many obvious advantages. THC-O products have potential health benefits for medical users due to their potency. And like many other compounds in cannabis, further research is needed to increase consumer confidence. The uncertainty of its legal status can be both good and bad. When venturing into unknown territory, the best advice is to educate yourself about what you put into your body.

If you are looking for THC-O products that are safe and reliable, we’ve got it for you: purchase hemp-derived, federally legal products from The Hemp Doctor today.