THC has reached exponential fame on the worldwide market, and it’s the main reason many people have been smoking cannabis for years.
This psychoactive cannabinoid is widely known for its positive effects. Because of that, people have been looking for different ways of consuming it. Although still illegal in most parts of the globe, cannabis has become legal in many US states a couple of years back, with different laws and regulations concerning recreational or medicinal use.
A THC derivative that’s relatively new to the market is THC-O. It’s a synthetic twin of THC and a potentially more potent compound.
Are you planning to take one of these substances on an upcoming trip but can’t decide which one is better? Here we will define their roles in detail and help you decide which one’s best for traveling.
What is THC?
THC is short for tetrahydrocannabinol, and it’s one of the main active compounds from the cannabis plant. It has a molecular structure that consists of two oxygen atoms, 21 carbon atoms, and 30 hydrogen atoms. Another name for THC is Delta-9 THC, but there’s also Delta-8, which is presumably milder.
When you consume THC, it flows through the bloodstream and goes to the brain. When it reaches the brain, it affects the release of neurotransmitters. After that, THC triggers its psychoactive effects. That means it can give you feelings of happiness, euphoria, relaxation, or a better sense of creativity.
What is THC-O?
THC-O is an acetate ester of THC, available due to a complex hemp extraction process. It starts with a CBD (cannabidiol) extraction from hemp that contains below 0.3% THC. The process involves extracting Delta-8 THC from the CBD compound before adding organic acetic anhydride to the Delta-8 THC molecules to remove all terpenes. The result is THC-O acetate.
After the process, this acetate becomes about three times stronger than Delta-9 THC, let alone Delta-8. Therefore, it’s three times more effective in every aspect. That potency can give you the experience of smoking about three THC joints.
THC-O takes a little time to metabolize in the body before activating. When it does, its effects last a long time. You can feel a sense of joy, relax more, and be overall happier.
Just like THC, THC-O can help you relieve stress and pain and sleep better. Some people use it to reduce the symptoms of various mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
Nowadays, THC-O has become a part of many different products like oil, distillates, pre-rolled joints, tinctures, capsules, and edibles like gummies. You can also find THC-O cartridges in different doses for various vaping devices.
Which one is best for traveling?
Many people wonder if it’s a good idea to bring THC or THC-O on a trip because of the legal issues.
THC has become legal for the most part in the USA. It’s legal if it comes from industrial hemp and contains no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Products with more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC are in the Schedule 1 drug category.
Some states are still debating whether to ban Delta-8 or Delta-10 THC (a synthetic isomer of THC less intense than Delta-9 and Delta-8).
When traveling, THC-O might be the best choice. Since it originates from hemp and has a legal concentration of THC, THC-O is permitted in the US.
So, if you’re traveling inside the US borders, you won’t have any troubles. If you’re traveling outside the US, check the legal status of this compound in your destination country.
Although the THC-O derivatives are completely legal on the FDA level, the DEA laws are still changing over time. So, be on the lookout for that as well.
Also, mind how you transport your THC or THC-O products. You’d have to follow specific guidelines for every state or country you visit. Generally, if you’re traveling by plane, you’re more likely to be safe with transporting derivatives. If you’re traveling by car, you won’t have any issues either, but make sure you’re not the driver if you consume THC-O during the trip.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking about which substance to take on a trip, choose THC-O. If you’re traveling to a different US state, you won’t face legal issues. However, since the law varies in other countries, be sure to check the legal status before traveling. You’ll more likely face legal problems while taking regular Delta-9 THC across the border.
THC-O is a derivative that is both effective and legal. Therefore, it’s a winning combination, whether in the comfort of your home or while traveling.