As more cannabinoids are introduced onto the market, hemp enthusiasts savor the opportunity to explore all kinds of unique effects that they have to offer.  This is especially the case with psychoactive hemp derivatives that offer a one-of-a-kind high.  Of all of the psychoactive cannabinoids that have made a splash in the last couple of years, tetrahydrocannabinol-O acetate (THC-O or THC-O-acetate) is up there.  This powerful compound is proving to be hugely successful with those who are more interested in the intoxicating side of the hemp plant’s chemical composition.

But, being a powerful compound, one needs to really be mindful of its potential before taking it.  Its high can be very strong, and so beginners need a good idea of what to expect from its effects so that they can take it in a way that will be the most compatible with their specific needs and tolerance.

What is THC-O?

THC-O-acetate is a cannabinoid that isn’t like any other that’s currently on the market.  Primarily, it’s a cannabinoid that was created, as it does not occur naturally in the hemp plant.  This explains the “acetate” at the end of its name, which results from combining THCA (pre-decarboxylated delta 9 THC) with acetic anhydride before heating it to an exact temperature to “activate” its psychoactive properties.

THC-O has actually been around for much longer than you may think.  It has only appeared on the market within the last year or so, but it was, in fact, invented during the mid-20th Century by the United States military.  The goal was to produce a cannabinoid more intoxicating than delta 9 THC which would cause physical incapacitation – basically, what we know as “couchlock”.

Is THC-O Psychoactive?

Yes, THC-O is psychoactive, as it will almost certainly get you high.  It’s reported to be about 3x as intoxicating as delta 9 THC, so that the high will actually be stronger than delta 9, which you may already be familiar with.  After all, it’s a compound that was designed to act as a potent psychoactive, and it lives up to the hype in that regard.

THC-O-acetate’s psychoactive effects are its main appeal to those who enjoy trying out different natural highs.  Not only is the high very potent, but its effects are quite distinctive.  Many people report feeling sublime euphoria and inner bliss, along with a very intense body high that can induce couchlock for quite a while.  What’s fascinating is that many report psychedelic effects once they surpass a certain threshold dosage, which can cause visual effects that are rarely associated with cannabinoids.

Overall, because it’s such a potent psychoactive, we do recommend caution when taking it for the first time.  For one thing, if you’ve never tried any psychoactive cannabinoid before, you may wish to start with something milder such as delta 8 THC.  While the high of THC-O is not considered to be dangerous, those with a low tolerance to THC in general may find themselves feeling uncomfortable with such strong effects.

Also, taking THC-O-acetate can lead to a failed drug test.  How?  Because this cannabinoid is processed by THC-COOH, the same enzyme that’s responsible for metabolizing marijuana.  The standard urine-based drug tests that many of us are given by our employers are looking for THC-COOH, rather than delta 9 THC, in a person’s urine, and so they are likely to detect your THC-O usage.

What are the Effects and Properties of THC-O?

THC-O has been around for decades, but sadly, there hasn’t been any research on its effects beyond its powerful intoxicating effects.  THC-O simply was not invented with benefits in mind, and so researchers have largely ignored it.  Only now are we starting to explore the cannabinoid outside of what it was initially created for.

What we do know is that even though THC-O-acetate is a synthetic cannabinoid unlike many others that we take on a regular basis, it is a cannabinoid at the end of the day, and therefore it does influence the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).  We know it works on CB1 receptors in the brain, which is why it causes a psychoactive response.  And we know that CB1 receptors are in charge of regulating all kinds of important nervous system functions, so there’s good reason to believe that THC-O can be useful beyond its psychoactive effects.

We don’t know what THC-O can offer for the time being, but we do hope that researchers begin exploring it in clinical settings in the coming months and years.  Given how strongly it intoxicates, it’s not unlikely that it offers other effects that are particularly potent.

Is THC-O Legal?

THC-O-acetate is a legal cannabinoid in the United States under federal law, as a result of the passing of the Farm Bill in 2018.  This legislation made the hemp plant legal, and all of its derivatives containing a maximum of 0.3% delta 9 THC.  Basically, despite being more intoxicating than delta 9, THC-O is considered a federally legal compound.

What makes things a bit more complicated is the fact that each state is free to ban certain hemp derivatives as they so choose.  And, while no state has specifically banned THC-O-acetate, we can assume that states that have banned delta 8 THC have also banned THC-O due to wording that likely applies to all intoxicating hemp compounds.

States in which THC-O is likely illegal are the following:

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

Where Can I Find THC-O?

THC-O-acetate is becoming widely available on the market, and ultimately, we do recommend that you buy it from an online retailer rather than one that carries THC-O in person.  Stores that do not specialize in hemp products are less likely to maintain strict quality standards that ensure exceptional formulas, and this is especially the case with THC-O, which is so new that the average person knows little about it.

THC-O can be found online, and it comes in many product forms including gummies, vape cartridges, etc. As is always the case with hemp products, you need to make sure that you’re only buying from a trusted, reputable retailer.

It’s important to buy from a company that makes third-party lab reports accessible, as this means that the manufacturer has their THC-O thoroughly tested by a state-authorized laboratory to ensure that the product contains the ideal purity levels and has the quality level that is going to lead to a positive experience.  It’s also helpful to read reviews in order to make sure that other customers are satisfied with the THC-O that’s provided.

  • For edibles, we recommend the THC-O Gummies from Hummingbird Extracts, which promise delicious gummy flavor and effects that can last for up to 8 hours.
  • For vapers, this THC-O Vape Cartridge from Buddy contains purest vape oil formula in two beloved strain options.

Allow THC-O to Be Part of Your Daily Routine Today!

THC-O-acetate is a cannabinoid that is thoroughly worth exploring, especially if you’re looking for something stronger than delta 8 and delta 10.  And, at Greenlife Remedies, we offer nothing but the purest, lab-tested THC-O, so that you can know that you’re getting phenomenal quality and highly effective THC-O products in various formulas and delivery methods for an awesome experience with this incredible cannabinoid.