THC-O vs. Delta 8: A Full Comparison

Since the passing of the Farm Bill, in 2018, which federally legalized all hemp-derived cannabinoids, millions of people have finally been able to enjoy legal delta 9 THC.

However, new options have also sprung up: delta 8 THC and THC-O. These two cannabinoids offer unique therapeutic and recreational benefits.

THC-O acetate, or THC-O, is a synthetic cannabinoid known for its powerful, borderline-psychedelic effects. Delta 8 THC, on the other hand, is naturally occurring in hemp. The primary difference between the two is strength: THC-O is roughly 6-8 times as strong as delta 8. 

But there are also other differences to consider when deciding which cannabinoid to choose. In this article, we’re going to give you a complete walkthrough of these two cannabinoids.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• THC-O and delta 8 are both hemp-derived cannabinoids that deliver psychoactive effects.
• THC-O is roughly 6-8 times as potent as delta 8, but this also depends on how large of a dosage you take.
• Whereas delta 8 delivers a less potent version of the classic “high” feeling, THC-O may create psychedelic effects.

What is THC-O & Where Does It Come From?

Tetrahydrocannabinol acetate ester, or THC-O, is a synthetically produced psychoactive cannabinoid.

THC-O has become popular because it’s roughly 3 times as strong as delta 9 THC, and it’s widely legal in the US. However, due to the lack of regulations around production, safe, high-quality THC-O products are difficult to find.

THC-O is made by extracting CBD from hemp, converting it into delta 8 THC, and then converting that delta 8 into THC-O.

What is Delta 8 & Where Does It Come From?

Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 8 THC or simply delta 8), is a naturally occurring psychoactive cannabinoid in the hemp plant.

Delta 8 has emerged as a popular choice for therapeutic purposes, because it gives users a high without many of the potential negative effects of delta 9, such as anxiety and paranoia.

Despite occurring naturally in hemp, delta 8 is made synthetically for use in products. Delta 8 only occurs in very small amounts, so it’s not economical to extract.

Instead, it’s made from CBD by adding an acid that rearranges CBD’s molecules into those of delta 8. The acid is then neutralized, and the resulting substance is further processed to ensure purity and safety.

The same process is also used to convert delta 8 into THC-O. Ever since scientists figured out the CBD-to-delta-8 conversion, THC-O has accordingly increased in use and popularity.

THC-O vs. Delta 8 Potency: How Does the High Feel?

THC-O is stronger than delta 8 — and not just by a little bit: THC-O is roughly 6-8 times as strong as delta 8.

To put this in perspective, THC-O is 3-4 times stronger than delta 9 THC, which is 2 times as strong as Delta 8.

THC-O and delta 8 are both psychoactive, meaning they give users a “high” feeling after being taken. But the high you’ll get from each cannabinoid is quite a bit different.

Delta 8 provides the feelings of euphoria and relaxation often associated with smoking weed — it’s essentially a weaker version of delta 9, the cannabinoid known as the active ingredient in marijuana.

For most people, THC-O provides similar effects to delta 8, but is noticeably stronger. However, some THC-O users also report feeling psychedelic effects, similar to those from psilocybin (mushrooms).

As with all cannabinoids, delta 8 and THC-O render different effects for different people.

Both THC-O and delta 8 have gradual onsets, unlike other varieties of THC. This makes them great for relaxation and sleep, as the effects won’t hit you all at once.

Benefits of THC-O

THC-O is great for more than just recreation — it can also provide therapeutic benefits.

THC-O may help with:

• Sleep — Delta 9 THC has shown benefits for supporting restful sleep, and since THC-O is much like a stronger version of delta 9, it’s very likely that it, too, can help you get to sleep more quickly and stay asleep for longer.
• Mental relaxation & mood boosting — Because of the psychoactive effects it provides, THC-O can promote mental relaxation and boost your mood.
• Pain and inflammation — Research suggests that delta 9 may be a promising therapeutic supplement for various types of pain, and as THC-O is stronger, it may also have these same benefits.
• Psychedelic effects — This can either be a benefit or a detriment, depending on your personal preference. Anecdotal evidence suggests that THC-O can provide a psychedelic experience similar to “magic mushrooms.”

IMPORTANT: Very little scientific research has been done on THC-O. These benefits are speculative and based on the benefits of related cannabinoids, as well as anecdotal evidence (firsthand experiences from THC-O users).

Still, anecdotal evidence suggests THC-O may be highly beneficial in a variety of areas.

Benefits of Delta 8

Delta 8 has a variety of potential therapeutic benefits:

• Sleep — Research suggests delta 8 can promote restful sleep due to its euphoric and relaxing effects. Additionally, delta 8 is less likely to cause anxiety and paranoia than delta 9 and THC-O, making it especially beneficial for sleep.
• Relaxation — Delta 8 offers feelings of euphoria and relaxation, and unlike THC-O, there isn’t a psychedelic component to the experience.
• Pain and inflammation — Research suggests delta 8 may have therapeutic benefits for pain and inflammation. Anecdotal evidence suggests delta 8’s effects are evenly spread across the mind and body, rather than concentrated in the head. Our customers often use delta 8 for comfort, mobility, and joint support.

Delta 8 is a favorite among our customers because it gives the therapeutic benefits that other psychoactive cannabinoids offer, but without as strong of a head high as some cannabinoids create. Many people don’t want to get as high — they just want the therapeutic benefits. Delta 8 is perfect for this.

How THC-O and Delta 8 Work In the Body

THC-O and delta 8 work by interacting with your endocannabinoid system (ECS), a transmitter system in your body responsible for regulating many vital functions, including sleep, mood, inflammatory response, and more.

Using cannabinoids from the outside can support your ECS and help it better perform its job during times of mental or physical distress.

The ECS has two main types of cannabinoid receptors:

• CB1 receptors — Located in the central nervous system and all throughout the body. CB1 receptors are responsible for regulating the effects cannabinoids have on your mind.
• CB2 receptors – Located all throughout the body, but not in the nervous system. CB2 receptors are responsible for regulating the effects cannabinoids have on your body.

Both THC-O and delta 8 interact mainly with the CB1 receptor, thereby altering your mind and creating psychoactive effects.

Side Effects & Drawbacks of THC-O vs. Delta 8

For all the benefits and positive effects that THC-O and delta 8 have, there are also downsides.

Side Effects of THC-O

Potential side effects of THC-O include:

• Dry mouth and eyes
• Low blood pressure
• Lightheadedness
• Sleepiness
• Disorientation
• Changes in perceived color and brightness

Side Effects of Delta 8

Side effects of using delta 8 may include:

• Hallucinations
• Vomiting
• Tremors
• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Confusion

To minimize the amount and intensity of side effects that you feel when using THC-O and delta 8, be mindful about how much you take (see the dosage section).

How to Use THC-O & Delta 8: Best Products

There are a variety of ways you can take THC-O and delta 8. Different consumption methods take varying amounts of time to begin working, so be sure to account for this in deciding when to take your daily dose.

Edibles

Starts working in: about 1 hour

Edibles are one of the best ways to take THC-O or delta 8 if you’re using it therapeutically. Edibles are fixed-dose, so if you need to take the same amount on a regular basis, they’re ideal.

Edibles also forego the risks of vaping or smoking THC-O. Some people report that THC-O is very harsh when inhaled and may cause throat discomfort; for this reason, you might find that edibles are a better option.

Vapes

Starts working in: 10-20 minutes

Vapes are a convenient way to take THC-O or delta 8. They’re ideal if you want to take small doses throughout the day, whether for therapeutic use or recreation — this flexibility is the main reason our customers opt for vapes over other uses.

Vapes aren’t the best consumption method for THC-O, which tends to be harsh on the throat.

Still, vapes are a good option if you need relaxation in micro-doses throughout the day, and are comfortable with the risks.

Flower

Starts working in: 20-30 minutes

Flower allows you to experiment with a broad range of different THC-O and delta 8 strains, and if you enjoy rolling your own joints, this method is right up your alley.

The downside to flower is that we don’t yet have a way to grow THC-O-dominant strains. Rather, THC-O flower is just regular hemp flower that’s been sprayed with THC distillate, so it won’t be as potent as other THC-O products.

Dabs

Starts working in: 10-20 minutes

THC-O and delta 8 can also be taken in the form of dabs.

A dab is a concentrated form of cannabis that is inhaled through a dab rig, a type of bong made for cannabis and hemp concentrates.

Dabbing THC-O and delta 8 will typically render stronger effects than other methods, because dabs are such concentrated products.

However, as with other methods that rely on inhalation, dabbing does pose health risks.

Oils

Starts working in: about 20-30 minutes

Oils offer a highly customizable way to take THC-O and delta 8, and they come without the health risks of vapes, flower, and dabs.

Using the metered dropper that comes with oil, you’re able to measure out very small or very precise doses of THC-O and delta 8, making this product ideal for beginners or therapeutic users.

The downside of oil is the taste: the flavor of hemp can take some getting used to.

THC-O vs. Delta 8: What’s the Best Dosage?

Starting out, we recommend using very small doses of THC-O and delta 8 — especially for therapeutic purposes. This will ensure you feel as few side effects as possible, and understand how your body reacts to these cannabinoids before going further.

You can use this formula to calculate your dose of THC-O and delta 8:

(0.05) x (your body weight in lbs.) = your daily THC-O or delta 8 dosage in mg.

Once you know how your body reacts to THC-O or delta 8, you can increase or decrease your dosage as needed.

For more on delta 8 dosage, click here for our guide, chart, and calculator. 

Can You Mix THC-O and Delta 8?

From a medical perspective, taking THC-O and delta 8 together is safe, assuming you aren’t taking too much and that the products you’re using are safe and high-quality in the first place.

However, we don’t see a good reason to mix these cannabinoids. Science has shown that CBD and delta 9 THC, for example, are most beneficial when used together, but similar findings around THC-O and delta 8 don’t exist.

THC-O vs. Delta 8: Legality

So, are THC-O and delta 8 legal?

It’s complicated.

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the production of hemp — and therefore, hemp-derived cannabinoids. State-by-state legality of these cannabinoids varies.

However, while delta 8 THC is currently federally legal, THC-O may not be.

THC-O May Not be Legal

According to a blog post published by cannabis attorney Rob Kight on February 13th, 2023, the DEA considers THC-O a controlled substance. This post was a result of email correspondence that Kight had with the DEA.

However, the DEA hasn’t taken action against our business or anyone else’s yet — at least, not that we know of. To be safe, we’ve temporarily suspended the sale of our THC-O products online, and you may see other companies doing the same.

The below legality information is based on the state of THC-O’s legality before the abovementioned occurrences.

States Where THC-O is Legal

• Alabama
• California
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

States Where THC-O is Illegal

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Mississippi
• Montana
• New York
• Rhode Island
• Utah
• Vermont

States Where Delta 8 is Legal

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Virginia
• Washington
• Washington DC
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

States Where Delta 8 is Illegal

• Alaska
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Montana
• New York
• Nevada
• North Dakota
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• South Carolina
• Utah
• Vermont

Conclusion: Two Very Powerful Cannabinoids

THC-O and delta 8 are two psychoactive cannabinoids that offer alternatives to the well-loved delta 9. However, before you begin exploring products, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• The production of THC-O and delta 8 isn’t heavily regulated. Because of this, many products on the market aren’t safe to use. The conversion process required to produce these cannabinoids involves dangerous chemicals such as acetic anhydride and sulfuric acid. To ensure the products you buy are safe, buy from a trusted supplier that provides 3rd-party lab reports.
• There is recent word that THC-O is illegal in the eyes of the DEA. Consequently, our company and others may stop selling it for good — but that’s what we have delta 8 and delta 9 for. Legality threats concerning delta 8 have also been made, but not on the scale as those about THC-O.

The future of THC-O and delta 8 is uncertain. Still, they offer many therapeutic benefits, and they’ve changed many of our customers’ lives for the better.

This article will be updated as we learn more about THC-O’s legal status.

THC-O vs. Delta 8: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions customers commonly ask us about deciding between THC-o and delta 8.

Will THC-O and delta 8 show up on drug tests?

Yes. Because THC-O and delta 8 are both forms of THC, they will be flagged by most standard 12-panel drug tests. If you have to undergo regular drug testing for work, consider opting for a broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate product, rather than using THC-based products.

Can delta 8 THC-O get you high?

Delta-8-THCO, a form of THC-O, will create a head high. Delta-8-THCO may create feelings of euphoria, and relaxation, as well as psychedelic-like effects.

What are the benefits of THC-O?

THC-O hasn’t been the subject of much scientific research, but anecdotal evidence suggests it may have therapeutic potential for relaxation, sleep, pain, inflammation, and anxiety.