THC – O – The Psychedelic of Cannabinoids

Known to be stronger than Delta 9 THC, THC-O has been named the psychedelic of cannabinoids 

Photo Credit: CBD Testers

THC, such a masterful cannabinoid. So dense and so powerful that there are multiple forms of it. THC is a major cannabinoid: found as delta versions 8, 9, and 10, in acids like THCV and THCA, and now we are discovering that THC is also THC-O.

THC- O Defined

THC-O is a synthesized cannabinoid, it cannot be extracted from the plant. It is described by Honest Marijuana Co. as:

“First and foremost, THC-O is a cannabinoid just like THC, CBD, CBG, and CBN. At their most basic, cannabinoids are chemical compounds that act on the cannabinoid receptors in your brain.”

THC-O isn’t a natural cannabinoid, it’s one that is created using volatile chemistry. Unlike THC and CBD which are produced naturally from cannabinoid acids, THC-Is created by stripping away beneficial compounds like terpenes and flavonoids.

THC- O, Delta 8 THC, and Delta 9 THC

THC- O is the precursor to Delta 8 THC. This means that without THC-O, Delta 8 THC can’t be born. It is said, though there isn’t enough information on THC- O yet, that THC-O is stronger than Delta 9 THC:

“But, while delta 8 and delta 10 are known for being milder than delta 9, THC-O is anything but.  This cannabinoid is striking in terms of its potency, which is about 3 times as psychoactive as delta-9.”

Is THC- O Legal

THC-O has not been classified as illegal because it can be synthesized from legal hemp. Interestingly enough, the potency of THC-O has received attention. So much so that THC-O is considered the “psychedelic” cannabinoid. Daily CBD says: 

“THC-O has psychedelic effects — altering our perception of time & sensory information. THC-O produces a similar high to other forms of THC — only much more psychedelic.Low doses feel virtually identical to delta 9 THC, moderate doses are nearly psychedelic in terms of the more intense visuals and altered headspace it creates. Psychedelic doses usually start around the 15 mg mark, but you should only ever attempt doses this high after you’re familiar with the effects of THC-O at lower doses.”

A Google search for “buying THC-O”, provides a list of sites that sell forms of THC-O, however, like all cannabis products, a review of the certificate of analysis is a good idea. Safety is key. It’s also a good idea to research dosing recommendations for THC-O. Because it is said to be the psychedelic of cannabinoids, cautionary consumption is recommended. Daily CBD recommends the following for dosing THC-O:

• The threshold dose for THC-O (the minimum dose needed to produce noticeable psychoactive effects) is roughly 2 mg oral or 0.5 mg inhaled.
• The standard psychoactive dose range is between 1 and 5 mg when smoking, and 3 and 10 mg if taking it orally as a tincture or gummy.
• Threshold dose — 3 mg oral or 0.5 mg smoked/vaped.
• Standard Psychoactive Dose — 3–10 mg oral or 1–3 mg smoked/vaped.
• Psychedelic Dose — 10 mg or more oral or 5 mg or more smoked.

In Closing

THC-O is still new with little research, though gaining popularity. Some coverage deems it bad, others deem it good. What do you think? 

Written by: Veronica Castillo and originally submitted to the Plain Jane blog.