The cannabis plant contains hundreds of naturally occurring cannabinoids, giving its pharmacological properties. Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are weed’s two most popular and abundant cannabinoids.
Like all phytocannabinoids in the cannabis plant, cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol offer several health benefits. However, THC is also famous for its psychotropic effects.
In addition to its therapeutic and psychotropic properties, another interesting fact about tetrahydrocannabinol is that it occurs in isomers. The term “isomer” refers to two or more compounds with identical chemical formulas but different chemical structures.
Common tetrahydrocannabinol isomers include delta-9 THC, delta-10 THC, delta-8 THC, and a lesser-known isomer known as THC-O. This post shall offer a side-by-side comparison between delta 8 THC and THC-O. Photo Credit: Pixabay.com
What Is THC-O?
THC O is a tetrahydrocannabinol isomer whose full name is THC O acetate. The compound is also simply known as delta O tetrahydrocannabinol.
THC-O Origin
The first time THC O acetate made international news was during the 1940s, when American military agents conducted a string of animal experiments investigating the compound’s incapacitating abilities.
In the end, it emerged that THC O could induce a significant reduction in motor function control among the tested subjects.
THC-O Extraction
THC O acetate is generally obtained from hemp. Hemp is a cannabis variant noted for its relatively low concentrations of delta 9 THC and high concentrations of cannabidiol.
The extraction process typically starts by isolating cannabidiol from raw hemp extracts. Manufacturers then convert the isolated CBD into delta 8 or a similar THC isomer. Lastly, they add acetic anhydride to the mix to convert it from a regular cannabinoid to an acetate.
How Safe Is THC-O Extraction Methods?
The extraction of THC O using acetic anhydride presents several public health and safety concerns. That’s because acetic anhydride is highly flammable.
But despite the public health and safety issues, THC O products obtained using acetic anhydride are usually very potent.
What Is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol is a THC isomer that’s nearly as famous as delta-10. The compound is less popular than delta-9 but more famous than the lesser-known delta-0 THC.
Why Is It Called Delta-8?
Isomers are generally named depending on the location of their carbon-carbon double bonds.
Delta 8 THC has its double covalent bond located in the eighth atom of the carbon chain.
Extracting Delta-8 THC From Cannabis Plants
The extraction process for delta 8 THC is nearly similar to THC-O. However, this procedure uses a safer organic solvent than the potentially hazardous acetic anhydride.
The process starts by harvesting raw cannabis extracts and then isolating cannabidiol from the plant compounds. The last and most crucial step involves converting CBD into THC-0. Photo Credit: Pixabay.com
Delta-8 THC vs. THC-O: Key Differences
Here’s a side-by-side delta 0 vs. delta 8 comparison;
The potency
Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol is associated with a less intense high than delta 9 THC. Many users report relaxing and mildly-sedating effects from dosing on delta 8 THC products. That makes such products particularly suitable for consumption in the evening. According to Leafly, delta-O THC can be up to three times stronger than its mainstream cousin – delta-9. That means the compound is even more potent than other cannabinoids, including its weaker Delta 8 THC. On the other hand, THC O acetate is associated with a much stronger uplifting – depending on strain type effect.
Dose for dose, THC-O may be up to six times more potent than delta 8 THC. THC-O effects range from energizing and uplifting at relatively smaller doses.
Dosage
Potency is a crucial factor determining the number of phytocannabinoids to consume in one sitting. All other factors held constant, more potent compounds should translate to lower doses.
Based on this logic and considering the relative potency of delta-O against delta 8 THC, it’s evident that you may require up to 6 milligrams of delta 8 to produce the same amount of therapeutic or recreational effects as 1 milligram of delta-O.
However, it’s worth noting that several other factors affect cannabis dosing besides potency. They include;
Age and body weight
Gender
Tolerance or sensitivity to weed
Delivery method
The severity of the ailment you’re trying to treat
Cost
The average cost of tetrahydrocannabinol edibles is 20 cents per milligram. This price generally applies to the more regular THC isomer – delta-9.
Taking potency as the reference point, it’s safe to conclude that the cost of THC O might be up to six times higher than that of delta 8 THC.
But as you might expect, the total cost of THC O and delta 8 THC (or any other THC products) depends on several factors. Examples include the specific formulation of the THC product you’re seeking to buy and the overall tetrahydrocannabinol potency in the product.
Generally, cannabis-based products that take longer to manufacture may attract heftier price tags. These include cosmetic products, oral tinctures, and edibles like gummies and candies.
Similarly, the potency of tetrahydrocannabinol in a product would influence its cost. A product containing 100 milligrams of THC will definitely cost more than one formulated with 10-mg of the compound. That’s regardless of whether both products have the same overall mass or volume. Photo Credit: Pixabay.com
Effect Profile
We’ve already examined the potential health benefits of delta 8 THC and delta O THC. Ideally, both compounds will produce the same therapeutic effects as any other tetrahydrocannabinol-based product.
Research shows that THC is generally prescribed for chronic pain relief. In addition to pain relief, other medical conditions THC products may help treat include anxiety, insomnia, nausea, seizures, inflammation, and appetite loss.
Both delta 8 and delta-O will provide these benefits. But the health benefits of THC O will likely be more intense.
The comparative effects of delta 8 and delta O tetrahydrocannabinol are also evident when using these compounds for recreational purposes. As we already indicated, most users will report mental relaxation and mild sedation from using delta 8 THC. On the other hand, delta-O is associated with more intense psychedelic effects.
The legality of Delta O and Delta 8 THC At Federal Law
The enactment into law of the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived products for medical and recreational use. There’s only one rider – such products are only deemed federally legal if they contain a maximum delta-9 concentration of 0.3%.
Both delta O and delta 8 THC are hemp-derived. Therefore, these compounds are legal by federal law. Not only are delta O and delta 8 THC products federally legal. A dozen states have also passed regulations legalizing such products.
However, there are three things to bear in mind regarding the legality of delta O and delta 8 THC products. First, these products are only legal to the extent that each product qualifies as a natural cannabinoid. In other words, the law doesn’t necessarily apply to synthetic versions of either compound. It also doesn’t apply to delta O or delta 8 THC products containing significant levels of delta-9 (which is often the case).
Secondly, cannabis laws vary worldwide. The fact that weed is generally legal for medical and recreational use in the United States doesn’t necessarily make it legal elsewhere. So, always check your local laws before purchasing any cannabis products.
Lastly, many jurisdictions impose age restrictions in terms of who can legally access weed. In the United States, you can only obtain federally legal hemp upon providing proof of being 21 years or older.
Availability
Delta 0 shares one basic trait with delta 8 THC – they’re all cannabis by-products. And although their chemical structure may differ, these cannabinoids contain tetrahydrocannabinol’s fundamental features. Besides, THC O and delta 8 THC products can be purchased from several outlets. Examples include convenience stores and gas stations.
However, all THC isomers differ significantly in their availability. The fact that delta O and delta 8 THC are both by-products of hemp doesn’t mean they exist in the same amounts. According to Way of Leaf, delta 8 THC is highly abundant in dry cannabis flowers. However, this naturally occurring cannabinoid only exists in trace amounts.
THC O acetate is less abundant than delta 8. Naturally-obtained delta O is even less abundant. Unlike other cannabinoids that occur in fairly decent amounts in cannabis plants, delta O exists in very small percentages. Photo Credit: Pixabay.com
Types of THC 0 Products
The hemp industry teems with all manner of cannabis-infused goods. Like all hemp products, THC 0 comes in numerous formulations.
The following are some of the options available to consumers;
Delta O Vape Carts
Vaping remains the most common way cannabis users prefer consuming delta O and other THC-based products. That’s because vaping offers numerous health benefits over traditional cannabis consumption methods, such as smoking.
However, research indicates that vape cartridges come in all shapes and sizes. Therefore, it’s important to conduct your due diligence while shopping for the best delta O vape carts for you.
You’d also want to establish the vaping laws in your location before going for these products. The good news is that most states in the US have since legalized vaping. You can actually vape THC products like THC O and delta 8, provided they contain legally accepted levels of delta-9 THC.
THC O Gummies
THC O gummies are similar to regular gummy bears. The main difference is that these products come with additional potential benefits of THC O.
Discretion is the main reason most weed consumers prefer gummies to other common delivery methods. Gummies come with predetermined doses of cannabinoids and any other active ingredient in the product.
The fact that THC O gummies come with predetermined servings of the cannabinoid also makes these products incredibly easy to consume.
And needless to say, users still get to enjoy the health benefits of THC O or any other dominant cannabinoids in the product.
Delta O Chocolates
One thing that makes THC O chocolates worth trying is that they blend the health benefits of chocolate with those of tetrahydrocannabinol. Research has shown that chocolate may improve your heart’s health while reducing the risks of certain chronic diseases, such as diabetes.
Besides its health and therapeutic benefits, delta O chocolates are incredibly tasty. The delectable taste of chocolate in cannabis-infused chocolate goods helps counter the bitter taste of hemp-derived cannabis products.
Pre-rolls
Pre-rolls are an iconic way to consume delta O and delta 8 THC products, or any other cannabinoid for that matter.
Like other tetrahydrocannabinol products, pre-rolls come with certain advantages.
Most notably, these products are small and portable, allowing cannabis consumers to administer their regular doses of THC O whenever the opportunity calls for it. Plus, they offer all the benefits of marijuana.
Will Delta 8 THC and THC O Products Make You Fail A Drug Test?
Most marijuana consumers prefer delta 8 THC products because these products are legal at the federal level. And although delta 8 THC products induce psychoactive effects like any other THC products, research has shown that these side effects tend to be less intoxicating than those of delta 9 THC.
Delta O is also legal for medical use. That even though this isomer produces more intense effects than delta 8 THC.
How Will Delta 8 And THC-O Perform In A Drug Test
Both delta 0 and delta 8 THC products are legal doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t show up on drug tests. You’ll still test positive for any of these THC products. So, if you have a test coming up, the only way to pass the test is by abstaining from THC-O and delta 8 THC.
Why Is Abstinence Encouraged?
The main logic behind full abstinence is that, although they come from hemp as opposed to the activity where one does plant cannabis Sativa, delta 8 THC, and THC O might still contain significant traces of delta 9 THC.
There are various aspects to consider in determining the effectiveness of hemp-derived compounds. The key consideration is the intensity of the product’s medicinal and recreational benefits.
THC O is way more potent than delta 8 THC products, measured by dry weight basis. That consequently makes delta-0 THC more effective.
Although more research is required, the existing research suggests THC O is up to 6 times more effective than delta 8 THC.
Adverse Effects
On the flip side, THC O’s more potent effects mean it can also trigger worse negative effects on most users. Users report side effects ranging from bloodshot eyes to ataxia and hallucinations.
But like any medication, the overall health benefits and mind-altering effects of THC O and delta 8 THC mainly depend on the doses consumed.
Delta 8 vs. THC 0 – Which One Is Better?
Choosing between THC O and delta 8 THC products requires analyzing these products against several parameters. The main ones include the pharmacological benefits and side effects of these hemp extracts.
Although we’ve already mentioned it several times, it’s worth repeating that such products are more potent than delta 8 THC and even delta 9 THC. That includes THC O vape carts, pre-rolls, gummies, chocolates, and all seeds thereof.
You might consider THC O if looking for faster recovery from conditions whose treatments require cannabis use. On the flip side, products labeled THC O would leave you nursing more severe side effects than those containing delta 8 THC as the primary dietary ingredient.
Photo Credit: Pixabay.com
Photo Credit: Pixabay.com
Photo Credit: Pixabay.com
Photo Credit: Pixabay.com
