What is THC-O & is it safe?

THE WORLD OF CANNABINOIDS AND TERPENES

Written by Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, Ph.D., CTC, CNHP, NHC

THC-O acetate is a cannabinoid obtained from the hemp plant. In a really inexpensive way. It's synthesized to change its chemical structure which alters its effect on the body. Our endocannabinoid system is not meant to have this one cannabinol alone. This means that unlike other cannabinoids like cannabinol (CBD) THC-O can not be extracted from hemp. It has to be altered in order to be created. Which is bad news from a health perspective.

The isolates are not as good as the whole plant, THC-O is so far removed from its natural state. It all starts from tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA), which is the raw precursor to THC. THC that hasn't been decarboxylated, or "activated", by heat is referred to as THCA. To convert THCA to THCO, it is mixed with sulfuric acid and acetic anhydride, then heated in a regulated manner to significantly modify the cannabinoid's molecular makeup, resulting in THC-O.

THC-O is not just psychoactive, but it's also a psychedelic cannabinoid. We do not know much about the results of inhaling or consuming this cannabinoid. Because it is new to the market and may not have the chance to learn as it will very quickly be pulled from the shelves. According to cannabis users & what lab results we could find, THC-O can be 300 percent stronger than regular THC and last 30 times longer. Yes, you read that correctly, it lasts up to 30 times longer. That may sound nice to a few of you but the larger problem here is that a possible result, it has the ability to trigger cannabinoid receptors in the brain in a way that conventional THC cannot.

We need to think of “oversaturation” as in over saturating the CB1 & CB2 receptor cells. As many of you know (CHS) Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome is a set of symptoms caused by chronic and heavy cannabis use.

It is characterized by cyclic episodes of nausea and vomiting. While these episodes generally last 24-48 hours, the symptoms tend to be very severe and can lead to dehydration. I personally believe users who over saturate their system can have these effects which means we could see more people with these issues when using the wrong products, isolated, high amounts of concentrates that the body doesn't fully understand.

The reason I was prompted to inform readersabout the dangers of THC-O not only came fromhours of research, listening to speakers on thesubject over these last few weeks but also thelatest email sent out to all the OMMA Patients.This advisory should be a warning. In no way do Isuggest anyone try these products. They may beextremely dangerous. Always use organicflowers, real, raw, and go slow. Whole plantsonly. Skip the synthetic isolated compounds.

Patient Advisory

We are starting to see a rise in the number of medical marijuana products that contain THC analogs, including THC-O-acetate. This manufactured THC compound is NOT a medical marijuana product and has been shown to be very harmful when added to other THC-containing products, causing side effects such as seizures, difficulty speaking, and vomiting.

Reports of these dangerous side effects are increasing, which is why our QA lab, Metis, is diligently monitoring this substance and other THC analogs. Metis has confirmed the presence of this chemical compound in a concentrate by the name of Platinum OG Sugar (BA#-POG-062421).

If you’ve had negative health outcomes after using a medical marijuana product purchased from a licensed dispensary, please immediately contact a medical provider or the Oklahoma Center for Poison and Drug Control (800-222-1222).

When purchasing a medical marijuana product from a licensed dispensary, we strongly encourage you to always ask to see the Certificates of Analysis (COAs) and examine the lab test results so you can ensure you’re taking a safe product home. If the dispensary refuses to show you the product’s COAs, we suggest you purchase a product from another dispensary that will. In the event, a dispensary refuses to provide you with a product’s COAs, please contact the OMMA Call Center (405-522-6662) or email OMMACompliance@ok.gov

Not all cannabis cultivars are alike, and as organic farmers continue to breed their specific genetics, users need to know what the cannabinoid profile is. Knowing the flower they are testing can bring positive experiences, the best experience and outcome, and an educated decision on what will be best for their medical issue and or aliment. Please check with your cannabis therapy consultant for more guidance.