The passage of the 2018 Farm Bill created an explosion of new products created from hemp.  Hemp is defined in the legislation as the cannabis plant.  This is the same plant that produces marijuana.  The law restricts the amount of THC to no more than .3 percent.  However, this has not stymied the creation of a series of products that are psychoactive and create a serious sensation of “being high” in the user.  

The latest incarnation from this legislation is THC O. THC O acetate, commonly referred to as THC O, is a synthetic chemical twin of THC that is created through a chemical process that must be handled in a safe, laboratory environment (do NOT try this at home).  

Industry experts claim that THC O is three times as strong as delta 9 THC (old school “weed”).  There is little scientific data to corroborate why THC O is so much stronger but it appears to boil down to bio-availability. This means this version of THC is easily absorbed and circulates well in the body. 

The benefits to THC O are wide and varied, including:

  • Pain relief;
  • Anxiety and stress reduction;
  • Sleep relief;
  • Boost appetite;
  • Mood-enhancing euphoria;
  • Psychedelic and spiritual experiences

THC O’s safety is not known as there are no scientific studies to confirm that fact. However, there are no reports of overdose or death from consuming this cannabinoid.  Beginners ought to tread carefully and start with low doses.  Anecdotal evidence indicates that users may experience a significant level of introspection that some characterize as spiritual. 

In the words of William James, American philosopher, psychologist and historian of the late 19th and early 20th century, “Our normal, waking consciousness is but one special type of consciousness, whilst all about it, parted from it by the filmiest of screens, there may lay other types of consciousness. We might spend out entire life without knowing their existence, but apply the requisite stimulus and there they are in their completeness.”

Some would say THC O may provide that “requisite stimulus.”  Though always tread carefully, start slowly and vet the vendor to ensure quality.