The cannabinoid market or industry has evolved a lot over the years. You can find so many different types of cannabinoids in the market along with their products, and there are more being discovered and introduced in the market every other day. However, many people are curious to know how these cannabinoids are obtained and what their extraction methods are.

In today’s blog, we’re going to discuss about a relatively new cannabinoid called THC-O. With the help of our blog, you can find out how this cannabinoid works, the ways to consume it, and what its effects feel like. You can also find out how THC-O is extracted or obtained.

What Is THC-O & How Does It Work?

THC-O also known as THC-O Acetate, is a cannabinoid that was discovered by the US military in 1944, and was further studied. This cannabinoid was then later on rediscovered by the DEA inside a lab in Florida, in 1978. The lab was trying to combine cannabinoid extracts with acetic anhydride illegally.

The THC-O cannabinoid can create very strong psychoactive and intoxicating effects which are considered to have a higher potency than the Delta 8 cannabinoid. The effects produced by this cannabinoid are also considered to be three times as potent as the effects produced by the Delta 9 cannabinoid. You can find this cannabinoid present in various products such as:

• Tinctures
• Distillates
• Vape Carts
• Gummies
• Candies
• Flower
• Blunts
• Joints

How To Extract THC-O?

Since the THC-O cannabinoid doesn’t naturally occur in hemp plants like other cannabinoids, it’s obtained through other extraction methods. One of those extraction methods involves the process of extracting the CBD cannabinoid from hemp and removing the THC cannabinoid or the Delta 8 cannabinoid from it.

Then you can add a highly flammable chemical called acetic anhydride to the Delta 8 or THC cannabinoid, which will help convert the cannabinoid into THC-O. However, you should keep in mind that this extraction method should only be performed in a scientific lab by trained professionals who know what they’re dealing with. Since acetic anhydride is a flammable chemical, it’s easy for accidents to happen when dealing with it, so that’s why it’s best to leave it to the professionals.

What Are The Ways To Consume THC-O?

You’ll be pleased to know that there are many different and easy ways to consume the THC-O cannabinoid in the form of various products such as:

• Gummies

THC-O gummies are the most popular and commonly used THC-O products in the market today. They’re easy to consume and taste great. However, they take at least an hour for the effects of the cannabinoid to kick in. This is because when you eat a THC-O gummy, it gets digested in your stomach and then the THC-O cannabinoid activates it by traveling to your brain after entering your bloodstream.

• Tinctures

Another common THC-O product is tinctures. They have a relatively easy consumption method, which involves placing a few drops of the tincture in your mouth. After that, you hold them under your tongue for a few seconds or half a minute before swallowing. This allows the mucous membranes in your tongue to absorb the drops and let the THC-O cannabinoid enter your bloodstream and activate its effects which will last for at least 4 hours. This process is also referred to as sublingual absorption.

• Vapes

The third most common way to consume THC-O is by vaping it. You can feel its effects within 5-10 minutes, which is the shortest amount of time as compared to other consumption methods. This is because the process of vaping involves inhaling the vapors of the THC-O concentrate, which allows the THC-O cannabinoid to enter your bloodstream immediately, and the best part is that it doesn’t have to go through the process of digestion. However, the effects of this method only last for about 3-4 hours depending on the amount that you vape.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How Long Does THC-O Stay In Your System?

The THC-O cannabinoid can be easily detected in your system for up to 90 days. However, it depends on how often you consume this cannabinoid and the amount that you consume. It’s more likely to stay in your system for at least a month if you consume THC-O on a daily basis, but if you only consume it once in a while in small dosages, then it can stay in your system for less than a day or two. 

• Can You Heat Up THC-O Distillates With A Blow Dryer?

There are several easy ways that you can heat your THC-O distillate. One of them includes using a blow dryer. All you have to do is hold the dryer in one hand and your distillate dripper in the other hand. Point the dryer to one end of the syringe where the liquid is, which will allow it to heat up easily. With the help of this method, your distillate can heat up within a few minutes. 

• How Should You Store THC-O Tinctures?

If you want to make sure that your THC-O tinctures remain in good condition, then it’s important that you store them in the right way. By storing them properly you can help preserve the shelf life of your THC-O tinctures. When you’re storing your tinctures, you should store them in dark and cool places that don’t allow your tinctures to be exposed to heat or light.

You should also make sure to store them inside air-tight containers, to prevent any leakage and also stop germs and bacteria from crawling inside and spoiling the tinctures. 

• Can You Test Positive On Drug Test After Consuming THC-O?

Since THC-O is a form of THC, then it’s very likely that you can test positive on a drug test after consuming a THC-O product. This is also because drug tests are able to pick up traces of THC in our bodies, so it’s best to wait until the cannabinoid leaves your system before you take a drug test. 

• What Is The Shelf Life Of THC-O Gummies?

The shelf life of THC-O gummies is about 1-2 years, depending on how well you store them in the right place at the right temperature. Their shelf life can also decrease if you’re unable to store them properly.

The Final Verdict – Is THC-O Suitable For You?

Although this cannabinoid isn’t extracted directly from hemp plants, the that it produces are promising. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these effects are highly potent and can easily overwhelm you if not consumed with care. That’s why it’s been recommended that you start consuming this cannabinoid in small dosages in order even if you have high tolerance levels.