Since industrial hemp cultivation and processing was legalized in 2018, the number of cannabis derivatives that can be found for sale is getting tougher to keep up with. CBD was the popular hemp extraction until recently; but processors have found a way to synthetically create THC from hemp, and these new derivatives seem to be all the rage.
Besides understanding what these products even are, the biggest question on the minds of consumers is, “Are products like THC-O safe and effective?” Unfortunately, the answer is not entirely straightforward. However, in this post, we’ll provide you with the available information so that you can make the choice about these products for yourself.
Before we dig in, remember that the medical marijuana program in Ohio is safe, regulated and legal. With a list of 25 qualifying conditions including chronic pain and PTSD, it’s simple to qualify for treatment with medical marijuana, and cannabis dispensaries in the state offer a wide variety of products featuring THC, CBD and other beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes.
Move Over Delta-8 THC, THC-O is the New Kid in Town
It’s not confusing enough to have one form of THC created in a lab for sale in your local Circle K (delta-8 THC). Now we’ve got another brand new format, known at THC-O. Research on this product is limited, but that hasn’t stopped consumers from giving it a try.
Does THC-O Have Medicinal Benefits?
While there’s still much to learn about THC-O, medical marijuana on the other hand has helped tens of thousands of Ohioans over the years for numerous health conditions. It still remains to be seen whether or not THC-O can have the same impact.
Current conversations about THC-O aren’t limited to the potential medicinal qualities it may possess. More questions and facts to keep in mind about THC-O usage include:
How is THC-O Different From Regular THC?
The main difference between THC and THC-O is that THC is a natural occurrence, while THC-O is derived synthetically. THC-O is made with tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), which converts to THC after being heated by vaporization or by combustion.
In order to create THC-O, the THCA must be combined with sulfuric acid and acetic anhydride. This is a process that entails dangerous, flammable chemicals, so it should never be attempted at home.
Additionally, it is of utmost importance that these solvents are thoroughly removed from the finished product. If you choose to use THC-O, you need to make sure it comes from a company you trust in order to assure that you are not getting exposed to traces of dangerous chemicals.
Where is THC-O Sold?
People hoping to buy THC-O in person are most likely to find it in vape shops and liquor stores. Otherwise it can be found by specialty retailers online. As is the case with most cannabis-related products, the availability of THC-O is likely to vary from state-to-state.
Is it Legal to Sell and Use THC-O?
THC-O became federally legal with the passage of the 2018 farm bill which legalized hemp, hemp produced products. Since THC-O is produced with hemp plants, it basically gets the same treatment as Delta-8 or CBD products. One of the reasons delta-8 products have been so successful from a sales perspective is because of the fact that the federal government has signaled that it’s legal on a federal level. Although THC-O is federally legalized, states are still free to ban the substance if they see fit. States where THC-O is currently banned include California, Colorado, Delaware, Montana, Nevada, Utah and a few others.
What are the Effects of THC-O?
One of the reasons that states have made the decision to ban the use and sales of THC-O products is because there is still so much to be learned about how it makes people feel. Most reports about the effects of THC-O claim that its potency is up to 300% stronger than that of regular THC. People who have used THC-O also report that it’s more psychedelic than THC.
Are There Health Risks Associated with THC-O Use?
Since research about THC-O is scarce, there’s no straightforward answer to questions regarding health risks associated with it. What people who use THC-O products should keep in mind is that there is a wide variance in the quality of ingredients used to make the THC-O products that are for sale.
People who are concerned about the health risks associated with THC-O should also remember that anywhere from 10-15% of the materials included in THC-O products are virtually unknown, so there’s no telling how those affect people’s health.
Additionally, the solvents used to make THC-O must be carefully removed once the product has been processed. Since THC-O is not regulated, companies looking to save money may be careless about their solvent-removal process, exposing consumers to dangerous chemical traces.
Does THC-O Have Medicinal Qualities?
Since the THC-O became widely available for purchase, it’s fair to wonder whether or not it has the same medicinal properties as medical marijuana. Without sufficient research about the effects it has on people who use it, researchers are not sure if it could be used for therapeutic purposes at this point.
Taking that into consideration, Ohioans hoping to shop for medical marijuana products to overcome their ailments should obtain their medical marijuana card. That is still the only way to legally purchase and use marijuana products that are tested and proven to provide the pain relief patients crave.
THC-O Is No Replacement for Medical Marijuana
The idea of being able to purchase reliable marijuana products at the neighborhood liquor store or vape shop seems appealing, but we aren’t there quite yet. While the therapeutic properties of THC-O may be intriguing, there is still no substitution for medical marijuana products.
Ohioans who obtain their medical marijuana card have access to a wide variety of products that are thoroughly tested for safety before being placed on shelves. The process for obtaining a medical marijuana card in Ohio is simple, too.
For people who have questions about obtaining their medical marijuana card, representatives at Ohio Marijuana Card are available six days a week to talk. Same-day appointments are available, too. Medical marijuana has helped thousands of Ohioans since its introduction, so there’s no reason you can’t be the next.
For more details about how medical marijuana can help you overcome medical ailments in ways delta-8 or THC-O cannot, make an appointment with a medical marijuana physician today.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
Here at Ohio Marijuana Card, our goal is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at (866) 457-5559, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out Ohio Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in Ohio.