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Wazzup Pilipinas!?
The legalization of hemp in the 2018 Farm Bill has given rise to several cannabis-based substances and their derivatives, which flood the market daily. Often referred to as cannabinoids, these compounds extracted from the legal plants offer various options and alternatives to smoking the dried hemp plant and still achieve a high.
The most common group of these compounds is the THC, which has variants like the delta 8 THC, delta 9 THC, and delta 10 THC. While most of these compounds occur naturally in cannabis, some newer variants have been synthesized from hemp through chemical processes.
One of such synthetic compounds is the THC-O, manufactured via a chemical process called esterification. Like its counterparts, THC-O has found its footing in the legal and semi-legal drug market, with growing demand as more people discover its uniqueness and numerous benefits.
This article looks into everything considered unique about THC-O, its benefits, and what makes it stand out from other forms of cannabinoids. Read further to discover what this synthetic cannabinoid is about.
What Is THC-O?
THC-O is a compound derived from the esterification of THC. As the acetate ester form of the cannabinoid, it sometimes goes by the name THC acetate ester or THCO-acetate. The abbreviation THC-O is a more common alternative to ATHC, and THC-Oa, which is often used scientifically. Some utilize the common name without the hyphen, further shortening it to THCO.
So what exactly is THC-O? Going by the chemical nomenclature O-acetyl-delta 9-THC is a stronger and more traditional weed variant somewhat identical to delta 9 in terms of its intoxicating effect. However, it has more bioavailability than delta 9 and its counterparts, making it easier for the body to absorb.
One should note that this cannabinoid is a prodrug and only becomes active after being metabolized by the body. Once effective, it hits harder and gives a more psychoactive effect than delta 9 and most other weed variants.
Some users have also reported experiencing immobilization upon usage, but its potency and speculated health benefits have somehow outweighed this questionable side effect.
Ways of Consuming THC-O
Although the THC O cartridge is the most common form of consumption available in the online market, THC-O comes in various other forms. Some other common products of THC-O include:
THC-O Vape Cartridge
THC-O cartridges also known as THC-O vape carts exist as vaping carts filled with THCO vape juice in various flavors and sizes. It is the most dangerous form of consuming THC-O as it involves heating the highly flammable chemicals in them to facilitate smoking from some kind of vape pen.
Aside from the risk of explosion, smoking THC-O poses health risks like cardiac arrests, lung diseases, and other diseases affecting the respiratory tract.
THC-O Gummies
THC-O gummies are also popular, like most other cannabinoids that exist as gummies. These gummies are essentially fruity candies infused with the right amount of THC-O to achieve the desired high.
THC-O Distillate
THC-O distillate or dabs is a rare variant of the cannabinoid. It is a black, resin-like substance with an oily appearance, which is sticky to touch.
THCO Tinctures
Arguably the most desired type of this synthetic cannabinoid, THC-O tinctures are about the safest means of enjoying the cannabis experience without potential health risks. It is a fat-soluble substance derived from a mixture of distillate and carrier oil and is easily absorbed by the body.
What Are the Effects Of THC-O? THCO Cartridges And Health
THC-O’s potency and ability to produce an amazing psychoactive effect are indisputable. This isn’t to say it has no downside. In fact, as many have reported positive reviews about this drug, many more have experienced undesirable side effects, some of which can be life-threatening.
Generally though, when consumed, THC-O produces an effect three times more potent than delta 9 and up to five times more potent than delta 8. This makes its effect commendable. Furthermore, users can experience any of the following effects:
● Euphoria
● Sedative effects
● Mild hallucinations and visuals
● Psychedelic experiences
● Increased Appetite
● Body High
● Buzz
● Consciousness Expansion
● Joy
● Relaxations
While users enjoy and even crave some of these effects, THC-O sometimes produces non-beneficial and potentially harmful effects. Vaping THC-O cartridges, for instance, may result in dire health conditions, as previously mentioned. Others include:
● Lethargy
● Immobilization
● Dizziness
● Grogginess
● Nausea
● Vomiting
● Seizures
THC-O Vs Other Common THC Compounds
THC-O
Delta 9
Delta 10
Source
Synthetic
Natural cannabinoid
Natural Cannabinoid
Availability
Available online, some vape shops, gas stations and convenience stores.
Difficult to obtain legally.
Offered by select brands
Psychoactive effect
Strong psychoactive effect
Very Psychoactive
Mild psychoactive effect
Benefits
● Euphoria
● Sedative effects
● Psychedelic experiences
● Increased Appetite
● Consciousness Expansion
● Joy
● Relaxation
●Sedative
● Relaxing
● Boosts creativity
●
Relaxation
● Reduces Anxiety
● Relieves stress
● Happiness
Side Effects
● Lethargy
● Immobilization
● Dizziness
● Grogginess
● Nausea
● Vomiting
● Seizures
● Mild Hallucinations
● Paranoia delusions
● Mental fog
● Increased anxiety
● Impaired motor skills
● Headache
● Grogginess
● Mouth Dryness
● Dry Eyes
● Undesirable Interactions with other drugs
Legality
Debated
Federally illegal
Federally legal, legal in 38 states of the U.S
Frequently Asked Questions About THC-O
Having discovered the pros and cons of this synthetic cannabinoid, let’s look into some frequently asked questions about THC-O that are yet unaddressed in this piece.
Is THC-O Safe?
The production process of THC-O is dangerous due to its Acetic anhydride content, a highly flammable substance. This factor alone makes THC-O a risky substance both while producing it and during usage. Hence, one must never attempt producing it at home or in substandard labs to avoid explosion.
Regarding its consumption, the lack of sufficient research on the drug and its effect on the body calls for concern. Like other unregulated substances without scientific or medical backing, many deem THC-O unsafe. This is especially true for variants like the THC-O vape cartridge.
Is THC-O Legal?
While the 2018 Farm Bill legalized cannabis and its derivatives, the legality of THC-based substances remains questionable. The Farm Bill only covers hemp products containing less than 0.3% delta 9. Hence, drugs like the delta 9 THC and hundreds of other THC-derived substances remain federally illegal Schedule 1 drug under the Federal Analogue Act.
The act also classifies all substances similar to a Schedule 1 drug as illegal, leading to a ban of delta 8, Delta 9, and many chemically-altered CBDs in most states. Furthermore, the DEA rules all synthetic THC products illegal, thereby making the synthetic cannabinoid, THC-O an illegal substance.
Does THC-O Show Up In Drug Tests
Yes, THC-O would likely be detectable in a drug test for cannabis usage, as with most cannabinoids and THC-based substances.
Does THC-O Have Healing Properties?
Hemp, in any form, has not been approved by the FDA for medical use. However, many users have credited cannabinoids with treating a variety of ailments, including epilepsy, chronic pain, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting associated with chemotherapy and multiple sclerosis.
However, research on the subject is still in its early stages. With little evidence linking THC-O use to these health benefits, it’s best to not bank on the healing properties of this synthetic cannabinoid.
To Conclude
THCO, or THC-O, is made by a chemical process called esterification. It is sometimes known as THC acetate ester or THCO-acetate because it is the acetate ester form of the cannabinoid. THCO for sale and its potency and ability to produce a psychoactive effect is undeniable. It is advised that you do your own research if you're interested in purchasing THCO.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
