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Recently, the cannabis market has been buzzing with new THC cannabinoids that everyone is talking about. THC-O and Delta-8 THC are two of the latest stars on the scene.
So, what’s the deal with these two? Both come from the same cannabinoid family but vary in effects greatly. In this blog, we’ll explore where THC-o and Delta-8 come from, what they do, and their potential benefits.
THC-o, or THC-o acetate, is like the wild, adventurous cousin of regular THC. It’s a powerful psychoactive compound. But don’t expect to find it in your usual joint or edible. THC-o is a bit more mysterious because, unlike other cannabinoids, it’s actually man-made. Instead of being directly extracted from the cannabis plant, THC-o is synthesized in a lab through a special process. This gives it a unique edge and makes it stand out from other cannabinoids.
But, before you start imagining Breaking Bad-style labs in someone’s garage, let’s clarify: making THC-o isn’t a walk in the park. This process demands serious chemistry skills and specialized equipment. This isn’t your average DIY project.
Delta-8 THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in cannabis plants. Think of it as a sibling to the more famous Delta-9 THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. While they share a lot of similarities, Delta-8 THC has some unique qualities that make it stand out. First off, Delta-8 THC appears in much smaller quantities in the cannabis plant compared to Delta-9 THC. It may come in tiny amounts, but it packs a punch with its own set of effects.
Delta-8 has about half of the psychoactive effects of Delta-9. This means it offers a smoother, clearer-headed high, which can be a big plus for those who find traditional THC a bit too intense.
All cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a big role in keeping everything in balance, from sleep and mood to how we handle inflammation.
When you take THC-o or Delta-8, they support your ECS, especially when you’re feeling stressed out mentally or physically.
The ECS has two famous receptors, through which, cannabinoids can do their thing:
CB1 Receptors: These are found in your brain and throughout your body. They help manage how cannabinoids affect your mind.
CB2 Receptors: These are spread all over your body, except in the nervous system. They help control how cannabinoids affect your physical state.
Both THC-o and Delta-8 mainly bind and activate the CB1 receptors by different degrees. This interaction is what gives you that psychoactive experience. So, even though they come from the same plant, THC-o, and Delta-8 can make you feel quite different!
When it comes to comparing THC-o and Delta-8 THC, it’s like comparing two siblings with different personalities! Let’s break it down…
Let’s start with where they come from. THC-o is man-made, a synthetic cannabinoid cooked up in a lab using a chemical called acetic anhydride, CBD, and either Delta-9 THC or Delta-8 THC. On the other hand, Delta-8 THC is semi-synthetic, occurring naturally in the hemp plant, but in small amounts. So labs extract it from CBD to make it more readily available.
Though it may sound the same, but labs don’t use the same process for both cannabinoids.
THC-o sure knows how to pack a punch! Its potency can deliver some seriously intense effects, possibly even 3X stronger than Delta-9 THC, making it the second strongest after THCp. Users often talk about experiencing psychedelic effects, especially when comparing it to the usual THC high. And you know what’s behind THC-o’s powerful kick? It’s the high bioavailability, meaning it gets absorbed into your bloodstream like a champ, giving it that extra oomph.
You can hear the community comparing THC-o to mushrooms, but, not everyone’s on the same page. Researchers at the University of Buffalo decided to survey over 300 THC-o users about their experiences, from altered time perception to trippy hallucinations. The results came in with 79% of them saying they didn’t really find THC-o to be all that psychedelic, or if it was, it was just a tiny bit. Some might feel those mushroom vibes, while others might not feel the psychedelic trip at all. Each body’s chemistry is different, and we all experience cannabinoids in our unique way. But hey, whether you’re feeling the psychedelics or not, THC-o still knows how to make you feel good with those classic sensations of relaxation, euphoria, and easing discomfort.
On the flip side, Delta-8 THC is like the chilled-out sibling in the THC family. It brings that calm vibe without overwhelming your senses, while still giving you that sweet euphoric body high. Unlike its stronger siblings, Delta-8 THC doesn’t hit as hard, but that’s what makes it special. Users often describe it as hitting just the right level of chill, bringing feelings of relaxation and a gentle euphoria without the mental fog. It helps you relax to the point of drifting to dreamland if that’s what you’re after. Plus, it’s less likely to make you feel anxious or paranoid compared to Delta-9 THC, making it the go-to choice for a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
So, under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived products with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC are federally legal, which means Delta-8 is cool with the feds. However, each state can have its own say within its state lines.
Now, with the same logic, you’d think that THC-o gets the federal ok as well. Nope! The DEA came in saying that THC-o isn’t a hemp derivative, rather, it’s a controlled substance, because it doesn’t occur naturally in hemp.
While we’re still not sure, we got some further confirmation through Rob Kight, the cannabis attorney. He published a blog post in February 2023, spilling the tea on his correspondence with the DEA. THC-o is firmly in the “controlled substance” camp.
Remember, every state is the master of its own destiny when it comes to laws. So, while the feds might be giving THC-o the stink-eye and embracing Delta-8 with open arms, some states might think differently.
Besides the spiritual-like uplifting effects, THC-o also comes with some other benefits. Of course, your experience greatly depends on the concentration of THC-o products you take and various biological factors. However, some benefits continue to pop up as people discuss their experiences.
Sleep: Studies show that Delta-9 helps with a more restful sleep, and since THC-o is like a stronger version of Delta-9, it’s very likely that it, too, can help you get to sleep more quickly and stay asleep for longer.
Mental relaxation & mood boosting: Because of the psychoactive effects it provides, THC-o can help relax your mind and boost your mood.
Pain and inflammation: Research suggests that Delta-9 can help with pain management, and as THC-o is stronger, it may also have these same benefits.
Psychedelic effects: This can either be a benefit or a side effect, depending on your personal preference. Anecdotal evidence suggests that THC-o can provide a psychedelic experience similar to “magic mushrooms” for some.
On the other hand, Delta-8 has been around for a while and won the hearts of many with its relaxing effects and health benefits:
Sleep: Research suggests Delta-8 can promote restful sleep due to its sedative-like effects. Additionally, Delta-8 is less likely to cause anxiety and paranoia than Delta-9 and THC-O, making it especially beneficial for sleep.
Relaxation: Delta-8 offers feelings of body euphoria and relaxation while keeping your mind out of the fog. And unlike THC-O, there isn’t a psychedelic component to the experience.
Anxiety: According to recent research, it looks like Delta-8 has a knack for flipping the switch on the brain’s fear and threat response. Basically, it hits pause on your fight or flight mode. It could also help boost dopamine levels in the brain.
Aches and inflammation: Research suggests Delta-8 may have therapeutic benefits for pain and inflammation. Anecdotal evidence suggests Delta-8’s effects are evenly spread across the mind and body, rather than concentrated in the head. Our customers often use Delta-8 for comfort, mobility, and joint support.
Delta-8 is a favorite among our customers because it gives the therapeutic benefits that other psychoactive cannabinoids offer but without as strong of a head high as some cannabinoids create.
It’s important to remember that while these claims come from studies and user reports, they still don’t have the FDA’s seal of approval.
For all the benefits and positive effects that THC-O and Delta-8 have, there are also downsides.
Potential Side Effects of Delta-8:
Possible Side Effects of THC-o:
Another risk factor comes from the manufacturing process. Both cannabinoids hit the market after a lab extraction process that involves harsh chemicals. If your product doesn’t come from a brand that knows what it’s doing, you could end up with harmful chemicals or heavy metals in your product. Always check for lab reports.
Pro-tip: Before taking THC-o, Delta-8, or other hemp-derived cannabinoids, it’s always wise to chat with your doctor before trying either of them.
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We’ve got an exciting array of superior products, carefully curated to suit the varied needs of our diverse clientele. Whether it’s THC-o or Delta-8 THC, each product comes from the finest organic hemp. This guarantees you absolute purity and strength.
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Looking for quick effects? Try our Delta-8 vape pens or pre-rolls. Trying to satisfy your sweet tooth? Our potent Delta-8 cookies will not disappoint. Need something more versatile without any THC? Try our Broad-spectrum CBD oils and edibles, they’ll treat you just right.
In conclusion, THC-O and Delta-8 are two psychoactive cannabinoids that offer alternatives to the well-known Delta-9. Each brings its own unique experiences and potential benefits to the table. But remember, the best choice between these two depends on your personal needs and tolerance levels.
Currently, the production of THC-O and Delta-8 isn’t heavily regulated. That means there are some products out there that might not be safe to use. The process of making these cannabinoids involves some risky chemicals like acetic anhydride and sulfuric acid. So, if you want to make sure what you’re getting is safe, stick to trusted suppliers who provide third-party lab reports.
Oh, and while THC-O might not be on the DEA’s good side, Delta-8 and Delta-9 are still around, so you’ve got options!
Legal Disclaimer:
By reading this information presented, you agree to release the author of any liability that comes from using this data. This post contains no legal advice. Claims about cannabinoids have not yet been approved by the FDA. Read the full legal disclaimer here.
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References:
We’re unsure of the long-term cognitive impacts of THC-o and Delta-8 THC. Due to limited research on these compounds, it’s difficult to predict their lasting effects.
Potentially, they could enhance each other’s effects. However, it is best to experiment with low doses first.
Early findings suggest potential benefits for pain, anxiety, and insomnia, but we need more comprehensive studies to confirm these effects. However, the FDA is yet to approve these findings.
Individual tolerance and body chemistry greatly influence one’s experience with THC-O versus Delta-8 THC. These factors determine how intensely one feels the effects, underscoring the need for personalized dosing and usage guidelines.
