The Cannigma reports
THC-O-acetate (THC-O or tetrahydrocannabinol acetate) is a synthetic cannabinoid said to be more potent and have longer-lasting effects than regular THC. Some people even claim it gives you a spiritual high! While this all sounds great, unfortunately there’s little scientific evidence to back any of it up.
This trending cannabinoid was first created sometime between 1955-1975 during the Edgewood military experiments. Although officials knew of its existence and high potency, it was never officially added to the controlled substances list, making it less clear where THC-O belongs in today’s cannabis legislation. As a result, many cannabis businesses are eagerly jumping on this new opportunity and selling it as the new big thing, similar to how delta-8-THC and delta-10-THC were marketed.
How is THC-O-Acetate made?
If THC is heated and mixed with a compound known as acetic anhydride, a chemical reaction takes place and creates a new and more potent chemical compound – THC-O-acetate.
In the case of the THC-O-acetate that is currently available and being sold online and in smoke shops, THC-O-acetate is more likely to technically be delta-8-THC-acetate. The reason is, due to the way the 2018 Farm Bill was written, products that are derived from CBD fall into a legal grey area including d8-THC-O. Sellers are capitalizing on this opportunity while the US regulators have so far been unable to adapt to a rapidly changing market.
The chemical synthesis is somewhat dangerous and should only ever be done by a qualified chemist, as it uses flammable and corrosive substances that could contaminate the end product if not done properly.
It’s important to note that THC-O is not a natural, or naturally-derived cannabinoid. You won’t find any THC-O in botanical cannabis products. THC-O is a synthetic cannabinoid obtained from a process that is comparable to making heroin out of morphine.1
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