The New World of THC-O Acetate

(Ad) There’s a new hemp-based cannabinoid gaining popularity with cannabis lovers in states where cannabis is legal (and in states where it isn’t) thanks to its potent effects. THC-O acetate, known simply as THC-O considered to potentially be more potent than THC. But what is it, and how does it fit into our lives?

To answer the question, first we need to go back to 2018. That’s the year the federal Farm Bill was passed nationwide, and with it, hemp became legal. That was an important first step leading up to where we are today.

According to the farm bill, hemp is defined as a cannabis plant that contains 0.3 percent or less of THC—not enough to cause any psychoactive effects if smoked. Luckily for us, there are creative problem-solvers in labs finding ways to extract cannabinoids out of hemp that can be turned into various products such as delta-8, delta-9, and THC-O.

Through some ingenious extraction methods, THC-O is formed when CBD is extracted from the hemp plant. Then delta-8 THC is extracted from the CBD. Finally, acetic anhydride is combined with THC esters and then added to delta-8 THC molecules to make THC-O acetate. Or at least, that’s how most companies make it.

Small Batch Collectible THC-O

Oregon-based Joyride Hemp has created a proprietary formula for its THC-O that utilizes food-grade materials such as apple cider vinegar and components of the hemp plant to create a small batch of “THC-O Deluxe.” Think of it as a reserve wine. There’s the everyday drinking stuff, and then there’s the next step up on the quality scale.

Joyride says the result is a legal, hemp-based product that can be more potent than THC. Some call it the “psychedelic cannabinoid” as it not only packs a punch, it also provides a little extra sensation similar to a low dose of psilocybin.

With its unique recipe, Joyride has opened up a whole new lifestyle for cannabis lovers. 

“The most important step for us is ensuring that every single drop of our THC-O is high quality. We send every batch to a third-party lab for testing and post the test results on our website,” says the Joyride team.

Joyride approaches every batch as a small, unique creation with its own personality. One batch may feature Gelato traits whereas another might be more like Grand Daddy Purp depending on terpene profile. The company packages each batch with its own unique packaging and branding, make each batch collectible.

Is THC-O Legal?

The farm bill legally defines hemp as all parts of cannabis plants (that contain less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC), including isomers and derivatives. THC-O acetate is not an isomer but is legally protected because it is, in fact, a derivative of the delta-8 isomer, as defined by the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1964.
 
Joyride’s THC-O-acetate is 100% derived from federally legal hemp and does not contain more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Local laws and regulations may deem this product illegal in any particular state or territory. Before consuming it, you should check and follow local and state laws.

Not to be Confused with Vitamin E Acetate

A few years ago, vitamin E acetate received national attention as an additive in vape pens. It was used to improve the viscosity of vape oil. When heated, vitamin E acetate created a series of harsh byproducts that damaged the lungs of a small group of people. The result was severe lung damage in some users. 

Aside from having “acetate” in its name, THC-O is nothing like vitamin E. While vitamin E was used as a solid thinning (or thickening) agent, the acetate in THC-O is a gas, and parts of the gas are burned off, leaving a food-grade addition.

How Do I Consume It?

THC-O packs a punch and can more potent than THC in flower form. It takes approximately half an hour to kick in because it needs to metabolize before it becomes active. This is important to know so that you don’t assume it’s not working if you don’t feel anything right away. Be sure to allow a full half hour before you expect to notice a difference.

Joyride advises that anyone trying THC-O for the first time start with a small dose (3 mg in a gummy) to get a feel for it. Once that reference point is established, a medium dose (approximately 5–10 mg in a gummy ) can start to deliver minor psychoactive effects. Use THC-O at your own leisure, as it may show up on a drug test. Of course, you should check with your doctor about possible interactions with any prescriptions you take, and to check with your doctor about dosing in general. 

 

*This article is provided by an advertiser. Statements made are not meant to offer medical advice nor to diagnose any condition. Any studies cited here may be preliminary, and may or may not be peer reviewed, and may or may not have sufficient participants to be statistically relevant. Anecdotal accounts should not be taken as scientific results. Products discussed in this article are not designed to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. The FDA does not evaluate dietary supplements. Consult your doctor about possible interactions, allergies, and if you are considering using a natural and/or dietary supplements for any condition. Individual results will vary.