THC-O and Delta-8 are cannabinoids derived from hemp. They produce similar effects, providing a range of recreational and medical uses, but they have a few key differences that set them apart.
The main difference between THC-O and Delta-8 is their legal status. THC-O is completely legal in most states, while Delta-8 is illegal or in the process of being passed into law in most states.
Is THC-O stronger than Delta-8?
Hemp-derived CBD is an emerging market. The first few years introduced consumers to CBD oil tinctures, softgels, gummies, topicals, infused foods, and infused skincare products. Now, the next generation of products is here. A few of the new products are extracts and isolates, including THC-O, Delta-8, and Delta-9. And yes, what you’ve heard is true—these new products deliver an intoxicating effect.
Let’s dive in and look at the difference between these extracts and isolates, including why Holmes Organics only sells Delta-9.
What is THC-O?
To answer this question, we must first look at a few other cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are the active compounds in marijuana and hemp. More than 700 strains of the cannabis plant contain over 100 cannabinoids. Different strains of plants contain different compositions of cannabinoids. For example, the hemp strain is naturally low in THC, which is why CBD products are legal in all 50 states following the passage of the Farm Act of 2018.
The majority of the studies to date focus on THC and CBD. As the industry evolves, more studies are being performed to determine how cannabinoids work together to deliver wellness benefits.
THC-O, Delta-8 and Delta-9 are obtained from hemp, but unlike CBD, they give an intoxicating effect. For this reason, their use and legality differ from CBD, which we will explore in more detail later in this article.
THC is a shorthand term for the intoxicating compound found in marijuana known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. All strains of cannabis that have a dry weight above 0.3% THC are considered marijuana. Marijuana also contains CBD. CBD and THC are known as “major” cannabinoids as they are found in higher concentration than the “minor” cannabinoids in the cannabis plant.
CBD – While cannabidiol (CBD) is found in marijuana, CBD most commonly refers to hemp-derived cannabis that has a dry weight below 0.3% THC. CBD does not lift your spirits and is responsible for the main medicinal properties of marijuana. However, it works synergistically with other cannabinoids.
THCa – Have you ever wondered why marijuana is always dried first? Or why is CBD extracted into oil? This is because cannabis plants offer no health benefits when raw. The plant must be heated to activate THC, CBD and other key cannabinoids. In its raw form, the cannabinoid THC is known as THCa. THCa has no health benefits and won’t get you high.
Delta-9 THC – While technically the same as THC, Delta-9 is often used to describe the new hemp-derived Delta-9. In order to transform a cannabis plant (marijuana or hemp), the decarboxylation process must be completed. It does this by heating or drying the flowers, leaves, and stems. This process converts THCa to Delta-9 and activates CBD and other cannabinoids. Delta-9 THC, derived from CBD, is milder than marijuana. As a “primary” cannabinoid, it is easy to extract.
Delta-8 THC – Delta-8 is a “minor” cannabinoid. It occurs naturally in both marijuana and CBD, but its minor composition makes it difficult and expensive to extract. So, synthetic solvents are used to synthesize Delta-8 to create an alternative to the extract. Delta-8 gives a milder effect, but many people worry about the possible side effects of synthetic solvents.
THC-O Acetate – THC-O is a fully synthetic product created after the extraction of Delta-8. Delta-8 is further processed by adding a chemical compound known as acetic anhydride. Its intoxicating effect is described as psychedelic as it is about 3 times stronger than Delta-9 THC. This feeling is often described as spiritual, euphoric, and borderline hallucinogenic. Because it is a highly processed product, there are also concerns about possible side effects.
There are several other major and minor cannabinoids that are currently being researched. These are the ones that will help you understand what THC-O is.
Is THC-O stronger than Delta-8?
Short answer: yes, the effects of THC-O are stronger than all THC extracts available. It is about 3 times stronger than Delta-9 derived from marijuana or hemp. Because Delta-8 provides a softer buzz, THC-O can be up to 4 times stronger. However, the effects of each product vary from one person to another. Whether they are derived from marijuana or hemp, all THC products should be handled responsibly as each one has an intoxicating effect.
THC-O’s history is quite interesting. While it’s a seemingly new product, it was developed by the US military in the 1940s. It was used in military experiments as a non-lethal way to incapacitate enemies.
The 1940s experiments inspired the current range of products, including THC-O gummies, oil, vapes, edibles, and more.
Is THC-O more potent?
Many Delta-9 products specify how many milligrams of THC they contain per serving and how many milligrams of CBD they contain per serving. This allows for a wider range of health benefits. However, Delta-8 and THC-O products are usually an isolate containing no CBD or other cannabinoids.
While more research is focused on the individual benefits of key cannabinoids, full and broad spectrum products provide a synergistic effect.
What is THC-O good for?
Please Note—CBD companies cannot provide medical advice and we cannot guarantee that CBD will effectively soothe your mind or body. The data we provide is for informational purposes. Consult with your physician for guidance on all dietary supplements.
The psychedelic experience of THC-O is most inspiring to try it. The goal is often to enjoy a spiritual and euphoric journey. While there is little evidence or research, some adults who have compared different cannabis products say that THC-O is better at soothing physical pain, stress, nausea, and depression.
What are THC-O’s side effects?
There simply aren’t enough studies to evaluate the side effects or safety of THC-O. There is much more research on pure strains of marijuana and CBD. In addition to the psychedelic effects of THC-O, there are concerns about its synthetic ingredients and chemical processing.
As with all cannabis products, it’s important to keep the dosage in mind. This is especially true for edible products that taste more like candy. Be sure to keep intoxicating foods out of the reach of children. Especially foods that kids can easily mistake for candy.
Summary
As it turns out, THC-O products have the potential to have similar therapeutic effects to other THC products; however, it is most commonly used for recreational purposes. THC-O may be more potent than THC and is said to have mild hallucinogenic or psychedelic effects on the user.
Some users report that the powerful effects of THC-O increased their spiritual and mental awareness and gave them mild visual effects similar to those found with other psychedelic substances.
Therefore, before use, do not be too lazy to consult a doctor on this topic, it can be both positive and detrimental to your health.
