THC-O (also known as THC-0-Acetate) is the latest cannabinoid to hit the scene, this potent compound stands out from the crowd with an incredibly smooth smoking experience that has been reported to create psychedelic-like visuals as well as psychoactive effects.

What’s the difference between a THC compound, like Delta 8, and THC-O? The compound THC-O has an added acetate, which functions as a VIP pass through the body and into the cannabinoid receptors of the brain.

Why is THC-O More Potent?

When consumed, THC enters the bloodstream through the lungs, travels to the brain and must cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) where it binds with the cannabinoid receptors to produce the desired effects.

THC-O is more efficient at getting THC into the bloodstream than Delta 8. The acetate in THC-0-Acetate molecule has a negative charge that sticks out from the bulky part of the allowing the molecule to pass more easily through the lungs to the blood stream. Charged molecules are attracted to the charged lipid membrane and can pass through more easily than uncharged molecules.

Adding an acetate is like dressing up to get into an exclusive nightclub

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Why is THC-O Known as the Psychedelic Cannabinoid?

THC-O is 3x stronger than THC and 5x stronger than delta-8 THC.

Low doses of THC-O mimic a toke of THC, while moderate doses create a substantially altered mental state and visuals.

Some people who partake in larger doses express seeing fluid patterns similar to smaller doses of psilocybin.

What is THC-O and where does it come from?

The lifecycle of THC-O starts with hemp legally grown in the United States. CBD is removed from hemp to produce delta-8 THC. THC-O is then made by a simple acetylation of the hemp-derived delta-8 THC. The same process is used in Aspirin, where an acetyl group is added to salicylic acid from willow tree bark.

THC-0-acetate, known as THC-O, is essentially THC with an acetate added to the hydroxyl group in a basic process known as acetylation. An acetate is a small, charged compound with 1 oxygen attached to 2 carbon and 3 hydrogen molecules. Adding an acetate effectively extends a negative charge further away from the bulky THC, allowing the molecule to more efficiently cross the lung/ bloodstream barrier

Is THC-O Safe?

THC-O has been produced and used recreationally since the 70’s, yet due to the de facto federal ban on research into THC, there hasn’t been much academic interest in studying it. Biochemically speaking THC-O and THC is processed by our bodies using the same metabolic pathways.

THC-O is only active after being processed by the liver, where it’s converted into the same metabolites as THC plus acetate. Acetate is an alternative energy source used by the body and is naturally produced in the liver. This means the effects from THC-O are from the exact same biochemical process as regular THC.

What Does THC-O Taste Like?

Most flavor from hemp flower comes from terpenes, high purity compounds like THC-O and Delta 8 alone have no noticeable flavor or aroma. Unfortunately, terpenes don’t survive the process of turning hemp into THC-O, but a separate process allows for terpenes to be distilled from curated cannabis plants. Fragrant hemp strains have been bred over time selecting for more and more flavorful plants. Whereas hemp high in CBD often sacrifice terpene concentration. This combination of different hemps brings together the best of both worlds

A surprising benefit of THC-O is a smoother smoking experience. With less THC left behind in the lungs, terpenes flourish in flavor and intensity.

Terpenes are the rich seasonings of aromatic molecules that define and differentiate strains. Terpenes also influence the altered state produced by cannabinoids. Limonene, featured in the Lemon Jack strain, is used to reduce anxiety and aid digestion, whereas the beta-caryophyllene found in Girl Scout Cookies can help insomnia and reduce pain. Each strain has a different combination of terpenes and a unique effect on the mind.

Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet and tropical Maui Wowie or the earthy spice of Northern Lights, 520 Hemp offers different strains to appease any desire. Explore the effects of different terpenes profiles to find the effects you're looking for. Try a 520 Hemp THC-O cart today!