Tetrahydrocannabinol acetate, or THC-O for short, is not a cannabinoid that is found naturally in the hemp plant. Rather, it is an analog that has been manufactured from THC, thus making it a “synthetic” cannabinoid. Much like Delta-8 THC, THC-O is legal as long as it is derived from federally legal hemp and contains 0.3% THC (as required by the 2018 Farm Bill). THC-O is reported to be three times as strong as traditional marijuana and is wildly popular with cannabinoid users throughout the country. THC-O comes  in many familiar products as Delta-8 THC including vape cartridges, disposables, and edibles. 

THC-O has a nearly identical chemical structure as Delta-9 THC. This unique synthetic cannabinoid is created by extracting CBD from hemp, converting the CBD to Delta-8 THC, and finally combining acetic anhydride (an organic solvent) to create THC-O. Since THC-O is an analog of THC rather than simply being a manufactured compound, it is vastly different from other infamous (and toxic) cannabinoids like K2 and Spice. THC-O works naturally with your body’s endocannabinoid system to create a smooth and gradual high. As with any THC cannabinoid, It is recommended to start off slowly with doses. The effects typically begin between 15-30 minutes and will progressively increase.