THC-O, or tetrahydrocannabinol-O-acetate, is a fully synthetic compound that does not occur naturally in cannabis. It is chemically produced in a laboratory by modifying delta-9 THC with acetic anhydride and sulfuric acid, rather than being harvested from the plant. Typically derived from delta-9 or delta-8 THC, this process results in a structurally altered compound that, once metabolized, produces the same metabolite as THC, known as THC-COOH.

THC-O’s most distinguishing feature is its potency, delivering effects about three times stronger than delta-9 THC. As a pro-drug, it only becomes active after being metabolized by the body, leading to a delayed but significantly more powerful experience compared to other cannabinoids.

As of 2024, THC-O remains a controversial and increasingly popular cannabinoid due to its potency, but it is also raising serious health and legal concerns. Reports indicate that THC-O, which is significantly stronger than regular THC, has been linked to dangerous side effects, including lung injury and potential long-term psychological harm.

Its synthesis involves dangerous chemicals like acetic anhydride, similar to the Vitamin-E acetate implicated in the 2019 vaping crisis (NORML). Additionally, the rise in popularity has led to a growing number of unregulated products entering the market, making it important to understand the risks involved.

THC-O Effects

Vivid hallucinations: Some individuals report experiencing intense and vivid hallucinations after consuming THC-O.
Increased anxiety: Particularly in individuals with underlying mental health issues, THC-O can lead to heightened feelings of anxiety.
Dizziness and potential loss of balance: THC-O has the potential to cause severe dizziness, potentially resulting in falling or passing out.
Paranoia: Users may experience heightened paranoia after consuming THC-O.
Relaxation and tiredness: Some people report feeling deeply relaxed and fatigued following THC-O consumption.
Nausea and vomiting: These side effects are relatively common when using THC-O.
Seizures: In rare cases, THC-O may trigger seizures.

Health Risks of THC-O

Lung Injury and Safety Concerns: A study published in 2023 highlighted concerns about inhaling THC-O due to its structural similarity to Vitamin-E acetate, which was linked to the 2019 outbreak of vaping-associated lung injuries (EVALI). The FDA previously warned about the risks of synthetic cannabinoids in vaping products, and THC-O falls into this category. This makes vaping THC-O particularly risky, and experts suggest that users avoid inhalation-based consumption.

Mental Health and Cognitive Impact of THC-O: The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has raised concerns about high-THC cannabinoids like THC-O, especially in adolescents and individuals with a history of mental health issues. NIDA notes that exposure to high doses of THC may increase the risk of anxiety, paranoia, and cognitive impairment (NIDA).

Legal Ambiguities around THC-O Products

Despite being derived from hemp, THC-O exists in a legal gray area. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived cannabinoids like delta-8 THC are legal at the federal level if their THC concentration remains below 0.3%. However, synthetic cannabinoids like THC-O could potentially fall under the Federal Analogue Act, which treats chemically similar substances to Schedule I drugs as illegal (NuggMD).

THC-O vs. Delta-8 THC

While both THC-O and delta-8 THC are psychoactive, THC-O is significantly more potent. Delta-8 is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in hemp, but THC-O is a synthetic compound that does not naturally occur in cannabis plants. According to anecdotal reports, THC-O may be up to three times more potent than delta-8 (CannaMD).

THC-O vs THC

Is THC-O stronger than THC? Yes, THC-O at high levels might cause hallucinations, resulting in a heightened emotional state and a profound spiritual experience. Therefore, it is not recommended for beginner use.

Vaping and Edibles: Potentially Dangerous Products

Many THC-O products are sold in the form of edibles and vape cartridges. However, given the concerns surrounding vaping THC-O due to the potential for lung injury, experts recommend that consumers stick to non-inhalation products like edibles. Without FDA regulation, it remains difficult to ensure product safety, leading to an increased risk of contamination and dangerous side effects (NORML).

THC-O Edibles Gummies and Overdose Risks

THC-O gummies pose a significant risk of overdose, particularly due to their high potency and the delayed onset of effects.

Kids & THC Edibles / Gummies

Even a small amount of THC can lead to dangerous symptoms such as vomiting, difficulty breathing, seizures, and in extreme cases, coma.

According to Pediatic’s study; There were 7043 exposures reported during 2017–2021. In 2017, there were 207 reported cases, and in 2021 there were 3054 cases, an increase of 1375.0%. Most exposures (97.7%) occurred in a residential setting. Seventy percent of cases followed to a known outcome were reported to have central nervous system depression. Of all reported cases, 22.7% of patients were admitted to the hospital.

For adults, overconsumption of THC-O gummies can lead to extreme anxiety, paranoia, and impaired motor function. Unlike inhaling cannabis, where effects are felt immediately, edibles take longer to metabolize, which often causes users to consume more while waiting for the initial effects. This delay increases the chance of an overdose, with symptoms ranging from extreme discomfort to psychosis(Smithsonian Magazine).

How long do edibles stay in urine?

According to research from sources like the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and other studies, THC from edibles can generally be detected in your urine for 1 to 3 days if you’re an occasional user. However, regular or heavy users may test positive for 7 to 21 days, and chronic users could still have detectable THC for 30 days or more.

Do edibles stay in urine longer? Yes, edibles stay longer in urine compared to other methods like smoking or vaping. This is because edibles are processed differently in the body. When you consume an edible, THC is metabolized in the liver into a more potent form, 11-hydroxy-THC, which stays in your system for a longer period.

How Long Does THC-O Stay in Your System?

THC-O, like other cannabinoids, is metabolized into THC-COOH, a common metabolite of THC, which can remain in your system for days to weeks depending on usage patterns, metabolism, and dosage. For casual users, THC-O may be detectable for about 1-3 days, while for regular or heavy users, detection windows may extend up to 30 days or more. Since THC-O is more potent than delta-9 THC, its metabolites could remain in the system for a similar or slightly longer duration than regular THC (NIDA).

Will THC-O Show Up on Drug Tests?

Yes, THC-O is likely to show up on standard drug tests. Most drug tests are designed to detect THC metabolites, and since THC-O is metabolized into similar compounds as delta-9 THC, it will likely trigger a positive result. This applies to urine, blood, and hair tests:

Urine tests: The most common form of drug testing can detect THC metabolites for days to weeks.
Blood tests: THC-O may be detectable in the blood for 1-2 days after use.
Hair tests: These tests have the longest detection window, up to 90 days, making it possible for THC-O to show up in hair samples from frequent users (NIDA).

Recent News on THC-O

Recent reports highlight growing concerns over the safety of synthetic cannabinoids like THC-O. The FDA and CNN have issued warnings to companies selling unregulated THC products, particularly delta-8 and THC-O, due to cases of accidental ingestion and adverse effects, including hallucinations, vomiting, and hospitalizations. Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Medical Toxicology has raised alarms about the potential for lung injury from vaping THC-O, likening it to the 2019 EVALI crisis caused by vitamin E acetate in vaping products.

11-year-old takes THC gummies to North Ogden school, shares with classmates, May 21, 2024

The parents of an 11-year-old student at a North Ogden elementary school may face charges after the child brought THC-infused gummy worms to school and distributed them to classmates.

Believing they were regular candy, the student took the gummy worms from home and brought them to Green Acres Elementary School on March 26.
Read more at FOX13’s News Coverage

Authorities: 2 children at Port Reading school become sickened after ingesting marijuana gummies

Two children became ill after ingesting cannabis gummies, according to officials. This time it’s a student from Port Reading School 9 who was given the gummy by a classmate at school. The New Jersey Poison Center says it dealt with 140 cases of kids eating marijuana-infused gummies in 2023.

Seeking Help for THC-O Abuse

As THC-O becomes more accessible, some individuals are developing problematic usage patterns. At Still Detox Luxury Rehab in Boca Raton, we provide specialized treatment for those struggling with dependency or addiction to synthetic cannabinoids like THC-O. Our facility offers tailored care to help individuals regain control and overcome the challenges associated with synthetic cannabinoid use.

What is THC-O?