Cannabis products are a new day mystery added to the herbal regime. Numerous pieces of research bring to light the growing interest of people in incorporating these herbs in several forms into their daily diet. However, customer tastes led manufacturers to come up with various alternatives to attract a customer base. Though the initial strategies were to produce by-products of Marijuana Sativa, the concern of the manufacturers these days is to bring to the surface newer strains, either by reaching botanical details or by adopting hybridization techniques.

You may ask whether such a new addition to the Cannabis list has gained similar popularity as that of the earlier inventions. The answer is yes. Whether a hybridized strain or a naturally-derived one, the same craze grasps the by-products. This prospect brings us to a discussion of THC-O. Though it was not a traditional discovery, modern technologies initiated its entry into the platter of humans. However, whether it has a legal tag or is partially legal remains a gray area. The ongoing craze relates to its high potency levels. You may ask how it appears more potent. The answer lies in its chemical composition. Let us take you first to the detailed study of its structure.

Understanding THC-O-Acetate 

This product owes its familiarity with multiple names. The first and the most popular of all is THC-O  or ATHC. The warning is not to confuse ATHC with THCA because THCA is the Tetrahydrocannabinol acid. Although the term THC-O  appears new in this industry, the truth is different. Surveys claim that the study on this product began as early as the 1940s. With time, THC-O  Acetate has entered the licensed domain. However, they have not become popular as products of topical application like CBD oil or THC oil.

While THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in Cannabis, THC-O  has its birth in a chemistry lab. Though the initial concept remains the same as that of Tetrahydrocannabinol, known for alleviating stress, reducing pain, and inducing drowsiness, the point of difference is in its origin. Do not feel stressed if you don’t want to bother yourself with too much chemistry. We will try to touch upon its chemical composition without diving deeper into the chemical theories. 

The chemically manufacturing process involves converting Delta-9 using sulfuric acid and acetic anhydride by taking recourse to isomerization and distillation. In the initial stage, this lab-derived compound is a brown thick-textured concentrate as heavy as engine oil. Treating in the lab leaves the residue of THC isolate free of flavonoids and terpenes. As the product derived is free of terpenes and flavonoids, there is no trace of aroma or flavor.

The concern for this product is that there is less information about its beneficial impact on health. The only thing known is that it may generate high euphoria. Researchers suppose these products may also have mood-enhancing properties, pain-reducing attributes, and stress alleviating properties. Though researches are not conclusive, they are available as a product for sale in a few companies.

5 Facts To Know About THC-O 

The five facts that one should be aware of THC-O  are:

1. The Psychedelic Cannabinoid

The popularity of THC-O  among Americans is on the rise as an alternative to chemical-based products. Interestingly, this product is a hemp-derived synthetic compound. According to research, HHC causes more euphoria than many other marijuana-based products. This feature draws its name as a psychedelic cannabinoid. However, it may cause intense hallucinations if not consumed carefully.

2. THC-O Is Insoluble In Water But Fat Soluble

We know that CBD and THC oil are open to topical applications, for they dissolve in essential or edible oil without effort. But, interestingly, this product may get stored in the fat cells causing an alteration in metabolic rate.

3. High Potency

High on potency, this product may not be a suitable option for beginners. Once it gets into your bloodstream, it starts its influence gradually, but once it hits the euphoric note, it may get addictive. In addition, it may cause hallucinations and long-stretched drowsiness. A fact is that the compound may get detected in the drug test, and some studies indicate that the onset time may range between 20 to 30 minutes. Therefore, it makes it critical to ration your dose carefully.

4. Do They Have Legal Status?

There are differing opinions among experts. However, a section of researchers opines that they are legal as per the Farm Bill 2018. The reason for such a claim is that they are hemp-driven and have legal status as they contain less than 0. 3 percent of THC.

But some believe that they do not have legal status. They prefer to draw the reference to the Federal Analogue Act, 1986. They claim this compound to be a schedule 1 drug. But neither of the arguments seems justified because no conclusive statements are available on their legal usage.

5. Is It A Safe Option?

As they are synthetic cannabinoids, outrightly considering them a safe option may not be apt. However, research results may provide us with more insights in the future. Interestingly, though they may help an individual with body pain or euphoric relaxation, experts consider they can turn harmful to smoking. The possible use can be in helping patients with chronic diseases. Though this product may not be a wise choice for a beginner, patients not a novice to tetrahydrocannabinol consumption may try out its usage. But do not forget to look for its legal status before trying THC-O -infused gummies, tinctures, chocolates, etc. A patient suffering from post-therapeutic syndromes or chemotherapy side effects may get few benefits from this product. The advice is to consult an expert to get rid of harmful results. 

Conclusion 

The world that we are witnessing surprises us with day-to-day inventions. Whether the innovation belongs to the herbal industry or chemical, the utility of a product decides its marketability and legal status. However, prior research makes it fruitful to choose the appropriate one depending on the needs. THC Acetate happens to be such an addition. The noteworthy point is that people have assigned a new name to this product- the spiritual cannabinoid. The only challenge to its economic growth is the claims about whether they are safe to use. Experts are busy inventing their knowledge to find out the truth. Let us satisfy ourselves with hemp-derived natural alternatives until the right time comes. The hope remains intact: they may contribute to our lifestyles like CBD, THC, or Delta-8. This product may come from its marginalized status and take its place in the human diet.