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What Is THC-O? Uses, Effects, and Benefits

Hemp-derived cannabinoids are having their momentum right now – and it’s hard to deny it. Delta 8 THC, Delta 10 THC, THCP – and now, another cannabinoid can be added to the list.

It’s called THC-O.

This novel cannabinoid is 300% more potent than THC; it also offers some possible therapeutic qualities, but unlike THC, it’s a synthetic compound.

THC-O stands for THC-O acetate, which is an acetic cannabinoid achieved by converting hemp-derived CBD. In essence, CBD is first turned into delta 8 THC, but then manufacturers process it further by adding a chemical known as acetic anhydride. Once the conversion process is complete, the resulting product is THC-O acetate.

THC-O comes with similar euphoric effects to cannabinoids like delta 8 THC, although users report the experience to be more pronounced.

However, the effects of THC-O are going to vary between individuals.

THC-O Highlights

• Synthetic version of delta 9 THC
• Believed to be 300% more potent than delta 9
• Has a delay of around an hour
• Originally developed by US Army during drug warfare experiments
• Sold online as a “legal” alternative to delta 9 THC
• Safety and side effects aren’t researched yet.
• Only a few vendors offer THC-O products
• Most THC-O extracts aren’t of high quality due to the lack of competition
• It’s most likely a temporary trend than an evergreen compound like CBD or THC

The first mentions of THC-O reach back as far as the 1940s, even though some people are just hearing about it for the first time today. 1940 is the generally agreed date of THC-O’s isolation – but it wasn’t used until the 1970s, when the American military was searching for non-lethal ways to incapacitate enemies. Today, the renaissance of hemp-derived cannabinoids has sparked the interest in THC-O once again.

You can find it in disposable vape pens, edibles, and more.

THC-O is significantly different compared to THC when it comes to chemical structure. It also acts differently from regular THC. This cannabinoid only produces its effect after being metabolized by your liver since it belongs to a class of substances called ‘prodrugs.’ So, regardless of how you consume THC-O, you won’t feel anything for around an hour. This can be deceitful because THC-O is 3 times as potent once it eventually kicks in.

New users may feel the urge to take another dose shortly after consuming the first one but doing so can lead to unpleasant side effects, such as anxiety, paranoia, racing heart, and difficulty concentrating. People use THC-O for the same reason they use THC. These cannabinoids offer similar effects; THC-O just needs more time to kick in and is stronger than delta 9 THC. It also doesn’t have any special features that would make it superior to delta 9 for any specific application.