Every day, the field surrounding cannabis and cannabinoid compounds expands outwardly. What originally consisted of a few strains has become an entire industry where new, exciting discoveries are constantly around the corner.
The most substantial focus in cannabis research targets the THC family of cannabinoids. Both recreational use and medical applications are finding funding like never before. Research splits between naturally occurring compounds and those that take the form of usable quantities through human manipulation.
One of the hot topics right now in cannabis is a cannabinoid compound called THC-O. While many recreational users may not be familiar right off the bat with all the variations of THC on the market, THC-O has quickly started making a name for itself.
What is THC-O? From where does it originate, and how do people use it? Today we’ll take a more in-depth look at this cannabis compound. Let’s see what all about it makes THC-O so popular in the cannabis scene.
What is THC-O?
With cannabis products occupying a growing and ever-evolving niche, it’s hard to keep up with what’s being used and why. Cannabis plants have an array of chemical compounds. With over 400 identified, more than 60 of them are cannabinoids.
Some versions of THC occur in extremely small amounts. Others need to be synthesized in a lab setting to have a viable amount. THC-O falls in the latter category. THC-O acetate doesn’t form naturally within the cannabis plant even though it’s a hemp derivative.
The 2018 Farm Bill is the catalyst that has allowed things like THC-O to be developed in the first place. Most lab-assisted THC forms are derived from federally protected hemp and don’t fall into the same illegal category as traditional delta-9 THC.
How is the Cannabinoid Made?
As we covered earlier, not all THC analogs naturally occur inside cannabis. THC-O is a prime example of synthetic THC. To create THC-O, manufacturers have to convert naturally occurring delta-9 THC using an isomerization process.
Isomerization takes delta-9, alters its structure on the molecular level, and adds an acetate group to it. The result is THC-O. After the process is complete, the potency in the new compound far exceeds what the original delta-9 THC was capable of.
Is THC-O Legal?
Yes, THC-O is legal — thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill.
When it comes to legal status, THC always operates in a very strange and turbulent gray zone. The 2018 Farm bill made commercially grown hemp a legally protected crop. That protection relies on a few caveats, however. The main stipulation for hemp being protected is that each crop must contain less than 0.3% delta-9 THC.
Fortunately, THC-O is a different form of THC separated entirely from delta-9 THC. The result? A legal THC we can mail to you or you can pick up in person at one of our local dispensaries.
What does the High Feel Like?
Get ready for a high quite like nothing you’ve experienced yet. Users report that THC-O is about three times stronger than delta-9 THC. So, the THC in marijuana is a third as potent as THC-O. Strap into your seats and enjoy the ride as you indulge in blasts of euphoria and bliss. Relaxation is a strongly reported side effect, and so is a feeling of calmness.
In fact, you might feel a relaxation so deep it feels downright spiritual. Users tend to feel more effects of the spiritual nature. They also report finding relief from pain with the high. Likewise, a boost in appetite and a reduction in symptoms of anxiety have also been reported.
How to Use THC-O
The steps to use THC-O depend largely on the method you want to use. For example, our THC-O flower is a perfect way to get the psychoactive effects from the cannabinoid.
But how much THC-O should you take at one time?
We recommend the ‘slow and steady’ strategy. Grind up some of our flower, load a bowl, take a hit, and put the piece down. Spend some time deciding how strong it’s hitting you. Give it a few minutes to truly set in.
Then, hit it again. Enjoy!
Wrapping Up
As you can see, there’s a lot to love about THC-O. Now that you know what it is, we hope you give it a try. You never know if it’s going to become you’re next favorite type of hemp product! Plus, it’s allegedly three times strong than regular THC — are you ready to test that out?