THC acetate has quite a history, most of which people choose to forget about. Most recently, the substance started gathering some buzz in the industry, and expectedly, it comes with a lot of mixed feelings.
Now, Oklahoma state authorities have found traces ofTHC O acetate in some medical cannabis products after testing.
Let’s explore what that means and the implications it has on the cannabis industry.
What Does This Mean?
For the medical marijuana community, this is a cause for concern because medical marijuana products should not be overly psychoactive while providing relief from ailments.
And products especially shouldn’t reach the point of being about 300% more psychoactive than regular THC.
Yes, you read right: THC-O-acetate is three times more psychoactive than conventional delta-9 THC.
For the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA), finding this compound in cannabis flower was a huge red flag. Aside from the legal debates surrounding the compound, there are the issues of the potential side effects it could have on patients who consume it unknowingly.
Some of the side effects include vomiting, seizures, and difficulty speaking.
What is THC Acetate?
THC Acetate is a semi-synthetic derivative of delta-9 THC (the compound most commonly referred to as THC) that doesn’t occur naturally in cannabis.
A lot of chemistry is involved in its extraction and production. Hence, only knowledgeable laboratory scientists can produce it.
It is not like CBD oil or THC oil that you can DIY and produce in your kitchen using a few things.
In the cannabis industry, consumers and dispensaries refer to THC-O-Acetate as THC-O, O acetate, THC Acetate, and ATHC (different from THCA).
The defining term for this compound is ‘acetate,’ which clarifies that it is a derivative.
How is THC-O Produced?
The science behind the production of THC-O is a bit tricky.
To put it plainly, THC Acetate is derived from THC using the same chemical process used in deriving heroin from morphine. The chemical process involves using a strong chemical called acetic anhydride – also used in heroin production.
Essentially, manufacturers take legal hemp plants and isolate CBD from them. Then, they take that CBD and extract delta-8 THC. It’s at this point where they add the acetic anhydride.
This chemical replaces some THC molecules with acetic molecules, leading to an end product over three times stronger than the regular THC.
The Potency and Effects of THC-O Acetate
Being over 300% stronger, THC-O is undoubtedly more potent than THC. Its potency is remarkable and well-defined in how it interacts with the body.
THC and CBD’s effects don’t always set in immediately for patients using cannabis products because the compounds are fat-soluble. If they were water-soluble, then it would be easy for the bloodstream to assimilate them.
Consequently, they take time to reach the endocannabinoid system, which receives chemicals like THC and converts them into psychedelic, pain-relieving, or anti-inflammatory substances.
But the time it takes for this conversion to happen often means that most THC gets lost along the way. Hence, the effects may be stronger than they ought to be if all the THC gets into the system.
THC O acetate is also fat-soluble and doesn’t integrate easily with the bloodstream – as with THC. However, there is a catch: THC-O’s extreme potency.
Despite parts of what’s been consumed getting lost along the way, one gram of the compound would act in the capacity of 3+ grams of THC.
As a result, the potency of THC acetate means the consumer’s body gets three times more psychedelic, anti-inflammatory, or pain-relieving effects.
It is also important to note that THC acetate’s effects take longer to kick in. You can expect about a 30-minute delay.
THC Acetate in Oklahoma: What Happened?
So, if THC-O acetate is harmful, how did it end up in medical marijuana products?
Following a patient’s complaint after using a medical marijuana product, the OMMA investigated what prompted the bad experience.
An extensive investigation led the agency to find some O acetate in a few medical marijuana products. Before now, the governing body has not had to test for THCO acetate in MMJ.
Until recent events, it’s not one of the compounds required by standard industry procedures to be tested for in medical cannabis products.
At the moment, the OMMA is not sure how a company gets THC-o in its products. However, following investigations, an OMMA affiliate lab has confirmed the presence of THC O acetate in Platinum OG Sugar, a cannabis concentrate.
Although the results of this investigation have been made public, there is still no concrete pointer on how this chemical compound got into medical marijuana products.
More investigations are still underway to get more facts on the origin — and ensure this doesn’t happen again.
In the interim, the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority has issued a patient advisory informing consumers to report any bad experience with any medical marijuana product.
Also, always request to see and examine the Certificates of Analysis (COAs) of any MMJ product you are purchasing from a licensed dispensary.
Is THC O Acetate Legal?
Regarding legality, this is going to depend on where you live in the United States.
Note that since they extract their O acetate products from hemp, then it is legal. While this argument seems to hold strong, there are lots of gray areas to explore.
However, not all THC acetate products are derived from industrial hemp, which is federally legal. Some are from marijuana, which is still classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act.
Because of this, THC-o is illegal in the following states:
Getting it Right With Elevate Holistics
The world of cannabis is an exciting one, but there could be slips that could make the experience uncomfortable.
While recreational users may not mind the fun of the intense potency and high of THC acetate, it could cause concern for patients and the future of the cannabis industry.
Elevate Holistics sees and understands the need for patients to have the correct information and the right products that fit their conditions.
That’s why Elevate Holistics offers virtual appointments with certified medical marijuana doctors. Our experts are highly knowledgeable on various qualifying conditions and the right MMJ that could alleviate them.
Need a medical marijuana card? No worries! With us, you can get one within the next 24 to 48 hours at the cheapest rate while in the comfort of your home.
Stay out of harm’s way, book an appointment today, and get tailored MMJ recommendations to help you manage your conditions.
