What Are THC-O Gummies, and Do They Have Medical Benefits?
THC-O products are all the rage, and gummies are among the most popular options. They provide a convenient and tasty way of consuming the cannabinoid, with various flavors on offer.
They are also potent, providing users with a potentially psychedelic high. But do THC-O gummies have any medical benefits? Let’s take a look.
What Is THC-O?
THC-O, or THC-O acetate, is a cannabinoid with a similar structure to delta-9 THC, the primary intoxicating chemical in weed. However, it has an additional acetate group that enables it to cross the blood-brain barrier readily and cause a powerful high.
It is estimated that THC-O is 2–3 times stronger than delta-9 and could produce psychedelic effects. For this reason, some have nicknamed it “the spiritual cannabinoid.”
It is not possible to extract THC-O from cannabis, and most companies produce it from industrial hemp using a process called cannabinoid conversion. It involves using a chemical reaction to convert CBD to THC and then to THC-O. The process yields a brown, oily liquid ideal for making products like vapes and gummies.
THC-O gummies are popular among recreational users, and many people are also interested in their therapeutic potential. But is there any evidence of their medical benefits?
Do THC-O Gummies Have Medical Benefits?
There is no clinical research on THC-O at present. Therefore, it is impossible to claim that it can treat any specific symptoms or conditions. Consumers should steer clear of any companies making such claims about their products.
However, since THC-O has a similar chemical structure to delta-9 THC, we can surmise that it will offer many of the same benefits. Anecdotal reports suggest that it could alleviate symptoms such as:
- Pain
- Muscle tension
- Nausea
- Appetite loss
- Low mood
- Difficulty sleeping
Moreover, due to its extreme potency, users may find some relief using relatively low doses of THC-O. That said, it is necessary to approach this cannabinoid with caution due to the increased risk of side effects.
When using THC-O gummies for the first time, it might be wise to cut one in half or even smaller rather than using a whole one right away. Then wait a couple of hours to gauge the effects before deciding whether to take more.
THC-O Gummies Safety and Side Effects
THC-O’s effects could be too intense for many people, and it is only recommended for experienced cannabis users with a high THC tolerance. Overconsuming could result in unpleasant or frightening side effects, including:
- Hallucinations
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Sedation
- Nausea and vomiting
Furthermore, little is known about the long-term effects of THC-O due to the lack of research. There are questions surrounding the safety of the cannabinoid conversion process, as it utilizes toxic chemicals and must be performed properly to ensure they are purged from the final product.
Anyone interested in trying THC-O gummies should purchase them from a trustworthy brand that is transparent about its manufacturing techniques and ingredients. They should also provide up-to-date third-party lab reports to confirm each batch’s potency and purity. In an unregulated market, there are too many low-quality products that could potentially put customers’ health at risk.
Are THC-O Gummies Legal?
Since most companies manufacture THC-O from industrial hemp, they claim it is legal thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. This legislation ensured that it is legal to grow and process industrial hemp, providing it contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. The Farm Bill facilitated the rapid growth of the CBD market, and other hemp-derived cannabinoids have rapidly followed suit.
However, the “legal” status of THC-O contradicts the Federal Analog Act introduced in 1986. This law states that any analog of THC is federally illegal, and THC-O is a prime example of a THC analog. It is a confusing situation for consumers, but many brands are taking advantage of the lack of clarity with THC-O products flying off the shelves.
Without a clear ruling one way or the other, THC-O currently exists in a legal gray area. However, many states have already banned the cannabinoid, citing concerns over its safety and the lack of research. Therefore, while many brands ship products like THC-O gummies throughout the USA, prospective buyers should check the laws in their area before making a purchase.
