Getting to Know THC-O: A Guide to Vapes & Gummies

THC-O Vapes • THC-O Gummies • THC-O Dabs

Cannabis has advanced in leaps and bounds since its flower-strewn heyday in the 1960s. While iconic strains like Acapulco Gold, Maui Wowie, and Northern Lights are still well known and loved, new products like THC-O have revolutionized marijuana consumption and created quite the buzz. For starters, it’s around three times more potent that Delta 9 THC. It’s also known for its psychedelic properties, with the potential to take you beyond a traditional “high” and into the realm of substances like magic mushrooms. 

If you’re curious about what this acronym is all about, read on for our complete guide to THC-O and why it’s making waves on the botanicals scene. 

What Exactly is THC-O?

Classed as a synthetic cannabinoid, THC-O is a psychoactive synthetic of THC, aka the naturally-occurring psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. It’s one of many synthetic “agonist” cannabinoids designed to replicate the mood-enhancing effects of THC and shares the same basic structure as its naturally-occurring counterpart. For this reason, it’s classed as a “classical” cannabinoid that binds to the body’s endocannabinoid receptors. The main difference is the addition of a synthetically-created functional acetate group. Adding this acetate group makes it easier for THC-O to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid receptors to elicit a much stronger response. 

It’s worth making a quick mention of “non-classical” cannabinoids out there, which also interact with the body’s endocannabinoid receptors but don’t have the same structures as naturally-occurring cannabinoids like THC. This makes “non-classical” cannabinoids a higher risk substance with more unpredictable results. 

Manufacturing THC-O

Manufacturing THC-O isn’t rocket science, but it is a little more complicated than nurturing a cannabis plant in your yard. The synthetic cannabinoid is derived from Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that’s decarboxylated by the cannabis plant to produce THC. Chemists create synthetic THC-O by combining THCA with chemicals called chemicals acetic anhydride and sulfuric acid, then applying heat to trigger a chemical reaction. This modifies the molecular structure of THCA and transforms it into THC-O. 

How THC-O Gets You High

THC-O is a prodrug, meaning it doesn’t kick in until it’s metabolized by the liver. Once the liver has worked its metabolic magic, THC-O is essentially transformed into regular THC. During this process the liver removes the acetate group and allows your body to feel the therapeutic effects of THC. While this results in a stronger high, it also means you’ll need to wait a little longer before you start to feel the effects of THC-O. Wait times can be up to an hour when popping THC-O gummies or around 20 minutes when vaping or smoking THC-O. It’s worth the wait, with the highs hitting you hard and fast when they arrive. 

Like we mentioned above, THC-O is up to three times stronger than Delta 9 THC and can be intense at first. Patience is key, so take things slow and adjust your dosage as you start to gain experience with vaping THC-O or enjoying gummies. 

Power, Potency, and Dosages 

If you’re looking for a product that’ll get you sky high, THC-O packs a serious punch. It’s three times more potent than Delta 9 THC and five times stronger than Delta 8 THC, meaning there’s a bit of strategy involved with THC-O dosage. 

In low doses, THC-O creates a similar effect to Delta 9 THC. Moderate to high doses trigger a completely different experience, with cannabis connoisseurs describing the high as “psychedelic”. This has earned THC-O a nickname as the “spiritual cannabinoid”, with users chasing intense visuals, heightened senses, and an altered mindset. It’s also a physical sedater and can leave you feeling blissfully relaxed when enjoyed at the right dose. 

As THC-O can take longer to kick in than regular cannabis, it’s important to always remember the golden rule – BE PATIENT. Wait at least 20 minutes to feel the effects of vaping or smoking and at least an hour after eating a THC-O gummy. The last thing you want to do is double up, then have both doses hit you at the same time. 

Calculating THCo Dosage

If you’re used to regular THC, there can be a bit of a learning curve when transitioning to THC-O. As a general rule, THC-O is around three times stronger than Delta 9 which means you can cut your dosage down by one third. Most people need to inhale at least 0.5mg or consume at least 2mg of THC-O for significant psychoactive effects to kick in. Of course, this can vary enormously depending on the person and the quality of the THC-O being consumed. 

For psychedelic effects, you’re looking at doses of 10mg or more for gummies and 5mg or more for vaping. Of course, chasing this kind of high should only ever be attempted by experienced cannabis users. Before upping your dose it’s important to familiarize yourself with the effects of THC-O and gain confidence with the product. 

Is THC-O Legal in the USA?

Because it’s an analogue substance, the legal implications surrounding THC-O are a little murky. In the USA, the Federal Analogue Act bans analogues of Schedule I substances, with Delta 9 THC falling into this category. As THC-O is an analogue of Delta 9 THC it’s technically federally illegal, unless you live in a state that’s legalized recreational marijuana use. These golden pockets of the USA include California, Arizona, Colorado, New York, Washington, Oregon and Virginia. 

Where to Buy THC-O

THC-O is still very new and not readily available in the same way Delta 8 gummies and CBG hemp flower products are. At CannEssentials, we’re always on the search for game-changing new products and will definitely be exploring THC-O as a potential addition to our curated cannabis menu. As always, quality, safety, and customer satisfaction are key so watch this space while we work hard to bring you the best THC-O vape and gummy products. In the meantime, we have some seriously tasty Delta 8 gummies and dry flower products available to purchase now. If you’re looking for something a little stronger, try lifting off with our hand rolled and dipped Moon Rocks

THC-O - FAQ

Cannabis has advanced in leaps and bounds since its flower-strewn heyday in the 1960s. While iconic strains like Acapulco Gold, Maui Wowie, and Northern Lights are still well known and loved, new products like THC-O have revolutionized marijuana consumption and created quite the buzz. For starters, it’s around three times more potent that Delta 9 THC. It’s also known for its psychedelic properties, with the potential to take you beyond a traditional “high” and into the realm of substances like magic mushrooms. 

Read more…

Classed as a synthetic cannabinoid, THC-O is a psychoactive synthetic of THC, aka the naturally-occurring psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. It’s one of many synthetic “agonist” cannabinoids designed to replicate the mood-enhancing effects of THC and shares the same basic structure as its naturally-occurring counterpart. For this reason, it’s classed as a “classical” cannabinoid that binds to the body’s endocannabinoid receptors. The main difference is the addition of a synthetically-created functional acetate group. Adding this acetate group makes it easier for THC-O to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid receptors to elicit a much stronger response. 

Read more…

Manufacturing THC-O isn’t rocket science, but it is a little more complicated than nurturing a cannabis plant in your yard. The synthetic cannabinoid is derived from Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that’s decarboxylated by the cannabis plant to produce THC. Chemists create synthetic THC-O by combining THCA with chemicals called chemicals acetic anhydride and sulfuric acid, then applying heat to trigger a chemical reaction. This modifies the molecular structure of THCA and transforms it into THC-O. 

Read more…

THC-O is a prodrug, meaning it doesn’t kick in until it’s metabolized by the liver. Once the liver has worked its metabolic magic, THC-O is essentially transformed into regular THC. During this process the liver removes the acetate group and allows your body to feel the therapeutic effects of THC. While this results in a stronger high, it also means you’ll need to wait a little longer before you start to feel the effects of THC-O. Wait times can be up to an hour when popping THC-O gummies or around 20 minutes when vaping or smoking THC-O. It’s worth the wait, with the highs hitting you hard and fast when they arrive. 

Read more…

If you’re looking for a product that’ll get you sky high, THC-O packs a serious punch. It’s three times more potent than Delta 9 THC and five times stronger than Delta 8 THC, meaning there’s a bit of strategy involved with THC-O dosage. 

In low doses, THC-O creates a similar effect to Delta 9 THC. Moderate to high doses trigger a completely different experience, with cannabis connoisseurs describing the high as “psychedelic”. This has earned THC-O a nickname as the “spiritual cannabinoid”, with users chasing intense visuals, heightened senses, and an altered mindset. It’s also a physical sedater and can leave you feeling blissfully relaxed when enjoyed at the right dose. 

Read more…

If you’re used to regular THC, there can be a bit of a learning curve when transitioning to THC-O. As a general rule, THC-O is around three times stronger than Delta 9 which means you can cut your dosage down by one third. Most people need to inhale at least 0.5mg or consume at least 2mg of THC-O for significant psychoactive effects to kick in. Of course, this can vary enormously depending on the person and the quality of the THC-O being consumed. 

Read more…

Because it’s an analogue substance, the legal implications surrounding THC-O are a little murky. In the USA, the Federal Analogue Act bans analogues of Schedule I substances, with Delta 9 THC falling into this category. As THC-O is an analogue of Delta 9 THC it’s technically federally illegal, unless you live in a state that’s legalized recreational marijuana use. These golden pockets of the USA include California, Arizona, Colorado, New York, Washington, Oregon and Virginia. 

Read more…

THC-O is still very new and not readily available in the same way Delta 8 gummies and CBG hemp flower products are. At CannEssentials, we’re always on the search for game-changing new products and will definitely be exploring THC-O as a potential addition to our curated cannabis menu. As always, quality, safety, and customer satisfaction are key so watch this space while we work hard to bring you the best THC-O vape and gummy products. In the meantime, we have some seriously tasty Delta 8 gummies and dry flower products available to purchase now. If you’re looking for something a little stronger, try lifting off with our hand rolled and dipped Moon Rocks

Read more…

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