Other forms of Cannabinoids have made their entrance – and with that, a slough of information that needs to be properly presented with full transparency.
THC-O Acetate is the newest and hottest “Cannabinoid” that has hit the market deemed to be up to 3x’s as potent as traditional Marijuana (Delta-9 THC)! At THE Dispensary we have considered carrying this product, which led us to dig deeper into this form of THC.
What is THC-O?
Let’s make this clear…You can find the Naturally Occurring Cannabinoids Delta-8 THC, Delta-10 THC, and CBD in the plant. Simply, they occur in Cannabis, whether in small percentages or not – THEY ARE NATURAL.
This does not hold true with THC-O. THC-O Acetate is initially made by going through a similar process when converting CBD to Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC. It is then followed by adding a non-natural compound called Acetic Anhydride. The addition of this chemical would, by definition, make THC-O a synthetic compound.
Companies that are transparent with their customers and are aiming to provide a clean and safe product should understand how detrimental THC-O can be to the industry; as well as potential harm that can come from ingesting unregulated chemical compounds such as Acetic Anhydride.
Ways THC-O can be Harmful
Harmful to Cannabis Industry
As Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC have made their appearance; we have been given a blessing in disguise – We can bring Cannabis products to States early! In this situation, it is extremely important to not overstep boundaries that are already in a “gray area”. The biggest argument to why we are allowed to do this is because Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC naturally occur in Cannabis. This is a classic “give an inch, take a mile” situation. By overstepping and “creating” a product by adding an Acetate can easily give politicians/states/government the ammo they need to shut-down the blessing we were given.
Potential Harm to Consumers
It is no secret that these products are not yet being extensively regulated. This allows anybody to produce/buy product, slap a label on it, and call it what they want, without much oversight. Acetic Anhydride is a flammable, corrosive, and irritant acid in its pure form. There are not enough studies to verify exactly what side-effects can occur but can say that the inhalation or ingestion of a flammable, corrosive, or irritant product cannot be good for the body – especially after prolonged use.
It is important to note that because of Heroin, “the United Nations has encouraged nations to control acetic anhydride, an essential ("precursor") chemical typically necessary to the drug's production.” (Pub Chem Link).
Conclusion
For the Cannabis Industry to progress, it is important for everyone to be cautious and be mindful about what we are doing for the industry. By going above and beyond to create “the strongest high possible”, we should not be adding unnatural chemicals to the plant we all want to see flourish. Let’s keep GROWING!
Dislaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.