THC-O is quickly gaining popularity in states where there is no legal access to cannabis, and for good reason. This fantastic cannabinoid is not only legal in much of the United States but is purported to be up to 3 times stronger than regular THC. So what is THC-O, and what effects does it have?
SO, WHAT IS THC-O?
The compound itself is officially known as THC acetate ester and is produced from hemp by first turning it into Delta 8 THC. The final product is a synthetic analog of THC that takes the form of a flavorless oil. The process to create THC-O is simple:
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- First, CBD is extracted from hemp containing less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC.
- Then, Delta 8 THC is extracted from the CBD.
- Organic solvents are used on the Delta 8 to eliminate all terpenes and flavonoids, leaving behind a THC isolate oil.
The resulting oil is up to 300% more potent than regular THC due mainly to the way the compound is metabolized. THC-O is more bioavailable than Delta 9 THC, meaning it absorbs well and circulates efficiently around the body.
WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THC-O?
While some cannabis-related products have humble or mundane origins, THC-O does not fit this mold. This compound was first studied as a part of a series of U.S. military research projects known as the Edgewood Arsenal experiments. The military was looking for a non-lethal way to incapacitate enemy combatants and looked to THC-O to produce reduced coordination of muscle movements.
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In fact, these experiments were the first signs that THC-O was a more potent compound, as it was able to reduce voluntary coordination at twice the capacity of THC. In the book Cannabis Alchemy: Art of Modern Hashmaking, author D. Gold noted the power of THC-O, saying it had a more “spiritual and psychedelic effect than that of the ordinary product.”
IS THC-O LEGAL?
Part of THC-O’s increase in popularity is due to its widespread legal status in the United States. With the introduction of the Federal Farm Bill of 2018, hemp and hemp-derived products were deemed legal for production and consumption. The only qualification required is that the hemp and hemp products contain less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.
That being said, there are some states with less than favorable laws related to hemp-derived products, and THC-O is prohibited.
Here is a list of the state’s where THC-O cannot be legally purchased:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- Utah
IS THC-O SAFE?
That depends on what source you get your THC-O from. When the process is conducted correctly, all solvents used during the extraction process will be gone from the final product. In this case, yes, THC-O is perfectly safe for consumption. You’ll want to go to a trustworthy THC-O provider, like Hi On Nature or DeltaVera. These companies lab-test all their products to make sure their customers can consume them safely.
WHERE CAN I GET THC-O?
You want to ensure you are getting your THC-O from a trusted source and only buy from companies that extensively test their products. Hi on Nature has a great collection of THC-O disposable vapes, coming in three different delicious flavors. Their carts are free from VG, PG, PEG, Vitamin E, and any other additives that may be deemed unsafe for consumption. Their current line includes:
- Forbidden Fruit
- Melon Haze
- Energy Drink
DeltaVera also provides safe and potent THC-O products with a similar natural extraction process. Their current featured THC-O item is their Blue Dream Vape, which uses the best vapor tech available, AVD.
Hi on Nature and DeltaVera also provide the best Delta 8, Delta 10, and HHC products online. Check out their stores, and you won’t be disappointed!