If you’ve heard about THC-O, the newly popular, potentially psychedelic cannabinoid, and now you want to learn more about it, you’ve come to the right place.
THC-O is a synthetically-produced cannabinoid which anecdotal evidence suggests is 3x stronger than traditional THC. While safe to consume in edible form, it isn’t safe to vape or smoke, as doing so produces toxic byproducts.
In 2023, the DEA stated that THC-O is federally illegal in the US because it isn’t naturally occurring in the hemp plant, and therefore does not fall under the definition of hemp, which is federally legal in the US.
In this article, we’ll cover the science (and science fiction) behind THC-O and discuss its effects, risks, potential benefits, and legality.
What is THC-O & Where Does It Come From?
THC acetate ester (THC-O) is a synthetically produced cannabinoid.
To make it, CBD (cannabidiol, a naturally-occuring cannabinoid in the hemp plant) is first converted to delta 8 THC. Then, the delta 8 is converted to THC-O by combining it with acetic anhydride, a chemical compound.
By itself, acetic anhydride is a hazardous substance. However, THC-O, the resulting product, is safe to consume in edible form (it should not be inhaled, however).
Hemp-derived THC-O is made from delta 8 THC that’s been extracted from hemp, a variant of the cannabis sativa plant that’s been bred to contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
However, as of 2023, THC-O derived from either marijuana (illegal cannabis sativa) or hemp (legal cannabis sativa) is federally illegal.
Is THC-O Legal?
No, THC-O is not federally legal in the US.
Under the 2018 Farm Bill, cannabinoids derived from hemp are federally legal in the United States (although certain states have restricted their sale and use).
Hemp is a variant of the cannabis sativa plant that contains less than 0.3% THC. Cannabis sativa with more than 0.3% THC is known to the government as ‘marijuana.’
Since THC-O can be produced synthetically from hemp-derived cannabinoids, most companies, people, and even lawmakers assumed that THC-O was a derivative of hemp.
However, the DEA has since confirmed that THC-O is not a hemp derivative, since it doesn’t naturally occur in hemp, and is thus a controlled substance.
In February 2023, a prominent cannabis attorney, Rob Kight, published a blog post in which he showed correspondence with the DEA confirming that THC-O was indeed a controlled substance.
This means that THC-O is illegal on the federal level. THC-O might still be legal in states that have legalized marijuana (which is also federally illegal), however, its popularity has largely died down because most people prefer “the real thing” if they can get it legally.
For informational purposes, below are the states where THC-O was considered legal and illegal prior to the letter.
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
Is THC-O Actually Psychedelic?
One of the reasons THC-O has become popular is because of its purported psychedelic effects. Many people and companies compare its effects to those of psilocybin (mushrooms).
However, scientists have wondered if this is actually the case, or if marketing hype and the placebo effect are to blame. A study done in July 2023 suggests it may be hype (or at least, some of it).
Researchers with the University of Buffalo, in New York, conducted a survey of over 300 participants, all of whom had used THC-O. The researchers asked the participants to indicate the degree to which they felt various sensations when using THC-O, including altered sense of time and hallucinations.
Of those surveyed, 79% responded that THC-O is not psychedelic, or is only mildly so. This seems to indicate that for most people, THC-O will not render any sort of psychedelic effect.
Anecdotal reports of THC-O use are very mixed. Some users say that it is slightly similar to mushrooms, while others posit that it has no psychedelic effects at all.
Overall, it seems that THC-O will not render significantly psychedelic experiences for most people who use it – however, it may render these effects for some.
Interestingly, the survey also found that the most common sensations reported with THC-O were relaxation, euphoria, and pain relief. Based on this, it seems THC-O may have some benefits, even if not as a psychedelic substance.
THC-O Effects & Strength: What is a THC-O High Like?
Like many other forms of THC, THC-O is psychoactive and will get you high.
For most people, THC-O renders effects of euphoria and relaxation. It may also render psychedelic, mushroom-like effects for some users (although as we covered, these effects aren’t predictable).
The effects of THC-O are actually similar to those of delta 9 and delta 8 THC, but noticeably stronger. THC-O is roughly 3 times as strong as delta 9, and roughly six times as strong as delta 8.
Some users also report that THC-O has strongly sedative properties, and that after taking it, they feel like falling asleep.
How Long Does it Take for THC-O to Kick In?
The time it takes THC-O to kick in depends on how you take it:
- THC-O vapes, prerolls, or dabs kick in within 20 minutes*
- THC-O oils/tinctures kick in within 30 minutes
- THC-O edibles kick in within 1-2 hours
THC-O’s onset times are noticeably longer than most other cannabinoids, psychoactive and not – for example, you’ll feel delta 9 within 5-10 minutes of vaping or smoking it.
This is due to THC-O’s nature as a “prodrug” – a substance that doesn’t become active until it enters the body. Contrast this to delta 8 or delta 9 which, when heated (as in a vape or preroll), turn from their acidic forms into their active forms, which render the psychoactive and other effects.
Since THC-O has to be processed through the body before it becomes active, it takes longer to begin having an effect.
*We do not recommend inhaling THC-O in any form; see “How to Safely Use THC-O” for more
How Long Does the High from THC-O Last?
Although the duration of the THC-O high will vary based on the product you use and the dosage you take, a good benchmark is 3-8 hours.
How Long Does THC-O Stay in the System?
Your body needs quite a bit of time to metabolize THC-O, and it varies depending on how often you use it and how much you use.
If you’ve taken a single THC-O edible, it will pass through your system in about 2 weeks.
However, if you use THC-O regularly, it may take 30 days or longer for your body to clear it.
How Does THC-O Compare to Regular THC?
THC-O and delta 9 THC (the THC in weed) are fairly similar in the nature of the effects they have to offer. However, on average, THC-O is about 3 times more potent than delta 9.
THC-O also may render psychedelic effects (for some) that delta 9 won’t.
Risks & Side Effects of THC-O
Although THC-O can provide a powerful alternative to other psychoactive cannabinoids, it isn’t without its downsides. Here’s what you need to know.
Risks of Inhaling THC-O
Although THC-O isn’t generally harmful, it may be harmful if consumed through an inhalable method, such as vapes, flower, or dab rigs.
THC-O is the acetate ester form of THC. It’s created by combining THC (usually delta 8) with acetic anhydride.
Studies have shown that THC-O, when exposed to heat, can produce ketene, a toxic gas that can cause serious lung injury.
The same is true for any acetate ester form of a substance that’s exposed to heat – it’s not inherent to THC-O.
We urge you to exercise caution when buying and using inhalable THC-O products, or any other product made with an acetate form of a cannabinoid.
Side Effects of THC-O
If use THC-O, you may experience side effects, including:
- Dry mouth and eyes
- Low blood pressure
- Lightheadedness
- Sleepiness
- Disorientation
- Changes in perceived color and brightness
Potential Benefits of THC-O
THC-O’s effects make it beneficial for a handful for therapeutic uses, such as:
- Sleep — As delta 9 THC has shown benefits for sleep, and THC-O is stronger than delta 9, THC-O may promote restful sleep. Anecdotal evidence suggests that THC-O may help users sleep more quickly and stay asleep longer.
- Mental relaxation & mood boosting — THC-O’s psychoactive effects make it beneficial for promoting mental calm and relaxation.
- Pain and inflammation — Anecdotal evidence suggests THC-O may have therapeutic potential for various types of pain, and the survey that we discussed earlier found that many THC-O users reported this as a benefit.
- Psychedelic effects — This can either be a benefit or a detriment, depending on what you prefer. Anecdotal evidence suggests that for some people, THC-O may provide a psychedelic experience similar to “magic mushrooms.”
How to Safely Use THC-O: Best Products
If you want to use THC-O, but you’re uncertain about doing so due to the potential downsides that it has, we’re going to discuss how to use it safely – namely, which types of products may be unsafe.
Edibles
Edibles, such as gummies and candy, let you get the therapeutic benefits of THC-O without any potential risks to your lung health. Edibles also allow for predictable, consistent dosing, so you don’t have to worry about using the wrong amount or taking too much.
Oils
THC-O oil products combine THC-O “extract” (remember, THC-O can’t be directly extracted from hemp) with carrier oils.
THC-O oils are a good option if you need to take very precise dosages, as you can measure your dose down to the drop with the metered dropper.
Proceed with Caution if Using Vapes, Flower, or Dab Rigs
You can also inhale THC-O several different ways:
- Vaporizers (vapes) let you inhale THC-O in vapor form.
- THC-O flower is hemp flower sprayed with THC-O distillate that can be smoked as a joint.
- THC-O dabs are a type of concentrate that can be inhaled through a dab rig
These inhalation methods are viable options for smoking or vaping delta 9 THC and similar cannabinoids. However, we advise you to be very cautious when using them with THC-O, which is the acetate form of THC.
When exposed to heat, acetate forms of substances produce ketene, a chemical that can cause serious lung injury. For this reason, consider using an oil or edible product when taking THC-O.
THC-O Dosage: How Much Should You Take?
As THC-O is very powerful, we recommend starting with a very low dosage.
You can use this formula to calculate your dosage precisely:
(0.025) x (your body weight in lbs.) = your daily THC-O dosage in mg.
You’ll notice that this dosage formula will put out a very small amount. This is because THC-O is extremely potent (3x stronger than THC), so it’s important to start by taking very low doses.
As you go, you can gradually adjust your dosage up and down based on how you feel.
Will THC-O Show up on a Drug Test?
As THC-O is a THC analog, it will show up on a drug test.
Tests screen for THC due to its presence in marijuana, and drug tests can’t tell the difference between THC from a legal hemp product and THC from marijuana.
If you are regularly drug tested at work or for another reason, we suggest abstaining from THC-O and instead opting for a broad spectrum or isolate CBD product that doesn’t contain THC.
Cannabinoids Similar to THC-O
If on the off-chance that you’ve read this article and decided THC-O isn’t the way to go, here are other, similar cannabinoids you can try.
Delta 9 THC
Delta 9 THC is the cannabinoid that people are referring to when they say “THC” – it’s popular because it’s the psychoactive component in weed. However, it’s also popular in hemp-derived form.
Apart from being just one-third as potent, delta 9 has similar effects to THC-O, minus the potential psychedelic sensations.
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Delta 8 THC
Delta 8 THC, like delta 9, naturally occurs in hemp. However, it’s produced in a lab for use in products, because it only occurs in very small amounts.
Delta 8 offers effects of euphoria and relaxation as delta 9 does, although it’s only about half as strong (making it 6 times weaker than THC-O).
It’s ideal if you’re looking for therapeutic support. Because delta 8 renders a mild head high and is less likely than THC-O or delta 9 to cause anxiety, it’s frequently used for sleep and pain.
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THCp
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiphoral (THCp) is a naturally-occurring cannabinoid in the cannabis sativa plant.
It’s chemically very similar to delta 9 THC, but it’s found in much smaller amounts and is also far more potent: anecdotal evidence suggests THCp is up to 30 times as potent as delta 9, which makes it about 10 times as strong as THC-O.
HHC
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a cannabinoid that naturally occurs in hemp. It’s similar in effect to delta 8 THC, but it’s about 50% stronger (for reference, HHC is three-fourths as strong as delta 9, while delta 8 is half as strong as delta 9).
As with delta 8, many HHC users report that it’s less likely than delta 9 THC to cause anxiety or paranoia.
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Conclusion: A Powerful Cannabinoid
THC-O is still very new to the world of cannabis and hemp, and more research on it is needed to explore its effects and therapeutic potential. There are also major concerns about its safety when used in inhalable forms.
And as of February 2023, THC-O may be federally illegal in the US, making the purchase and use of it impossible, or at best, risky.
At the time of writing (September 2023), Congress is currently working on a revised farm bill – we can only wonder whether THC-O will be legal as a result. In the meantime, we have hemp-derived delta 8 and delta 9 to enjoy.
THC-O: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions customers frequently ask us about THC-O.
Is THC-O banned in the US?
Yes. In 2023, the DEA stated in a letter that since THC-O does not naturally occur in the hemp plant, it cannot be considered a hemp derivative and is therefore not federally legal under the Farm Bill.
Is 25mg of THC-O a lot?
A 25mg dose of THC-O is very high and will be too much for most people, given that THC-O is 3-4x as strong as delta 9 THC.
What is more potent, THC-O or HHC?
THC-O is about 4 times as potent as HHC.
Is THC-O safer than delta-8?
THC-O and delta 8 THC are both safe to consume in edible form and in small doses. However, THC-O is 6-8x as strong as delta 8 THC, so more care should be taken when consuming it.
Does THC-O get you high?
Yes, THC-O will create a strong head high with effects that are described as bordering on psychedelic.
What is a THC-O high like?
Most THC-O users describe the experience as a powerful high, with feelings of euphoria and relaxation. Some users also note that THC-O produces psychedelic-like, borderline hallucinogenic effects, similar to those of mushrooms (psilocybin).
How many mg of THC-O should I take?
Starting out, we recommend you take just 2-3mg of THC-O at a time, since it is 3x as strong as delta 9 THC.
How long does it take for THC-O edibles to kick in?
THC-O edibles kick in within 1-2 hours.
