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THCO: the mythical power
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4 min
THC acetate ester (THC-O or THCOA) is a synthetic cannabinoid that has been known for several decades. It gained considerable attention in the 1970s for its "spiritual and psychedelic" potential. Following this surge in popularity, it was banned in many countries.
But in recent years, with the relaxation of various laws on hemp, cannabis and derivatives in Europe and around the world, THC-o has been making headlines again.
What is this cannabinoid and is its reputation justified? Stay tuned, we'll tell you right away, but before that, if you're looking for a legal and potent cannabinoid, we recommend 10-OH-HHC !
THC-O: The Story of a Myth
Unlike many recently discovered CBD and THC derivatives such as CBDP, THCO has been known for a long time. It has a rich and fascinating history that continues to fuel many fantasies.
The first mentions of THCO appeared directly after studies conducted on cannabinoids at the beginning of the 20th century. These studies allowed us to learn more about THC and to discover a large number of minor cannabinoids, as well as to synthesize new forms.
Following World War II, THC-O was used by the US military in classified research. The objective of this research was to assess the impact and risks of chemical warfare in checkout to prepare a defense arsenal capable of countering it.
Alongside LSD, benzodiazepines, and many other more or less harmful substances, cannabinoid derivatives, and THCO in particular, were tested for their potential as non-lethal incapacitating agents. These tests measured their ability to produce ataxia, a decrease in voluntary coordination.
In other words, the US military evaluated the paralyzing power of THCO. This study ended in 1975 without the results being published.
At the same time, David Gold, a chemist about whom little is known today, published a study on THCO in 1975. In it, the chemist describes the effects of the molecule, writing:
“The effect of acetate (THCO) is more spiritual and psychedelic than that of the regular product (THC). The most unique property of this material is that there is a delay of about thirty minutes before its effects are felt.”
Although it is now completely forgotten, this text established the reputation of THC-O. Over the years, it was synthesized and marketed more or less legally in several countries around the world and was immediately banned because of its "psychedelic" properties.
Beyond reputation: recent research
Past experiences with THC-O have left many traces. Even today, one can read on various websites that it is a "cannabinoid with strong incapacitating properties," or "the most psychedelic of cannabinoids."
But with the renewed attention being paid to minor cannabinoids and derivatives, THC-O has of course been the focus of researchers' attention and the results are not up to its reputation.
No, THC-O is not a psychedelic cannabinoid
In 2023, a group of researchers from the University of Michigan attempted to clarify the question of the compound's psychedelic properties using the well-known MEQ (Mystical Experience Questionnaire). The results of the compiled data were unequivocal: 79% of participants did not find THC-O to be particularly psychedelic. [1]
No, THCO is not particularly disabling
Although THC-O, delta-9-THC, and many others were used in the American tests we discussed, they do not appear to be particularly incapacitating. In fact, cannabinoids in general can indeed alter coordination, but without causing impairment.
On the contrary, a number of more or less anecdotal studies[2] have shown that "Sativex"[3] delays the onset of ataxia symptoms: "THC, like CBD, could have real utility in the treatment of discheckouts of voluntary movement coordination without muscle weakness."
Legality of THC-o
With such a dubious reputation, THCO is logically illegal in France and most European countries.
It was also illegal in the United States until 2018 and the famous Farm Bill, which decriminalized cannabinoids. Today, it is available in some states, but it remains regulated or even prohibited in most.
Discover our legal CBD derivatives
After the misconceptions, let's talk about the real effects of THC-O
Due to its highly regulated legal status, few people have tried THC-O, and we are obviously not among them.
Nevertheless, what we can say is that while the acetylated version of THC doesn't seem to have any truly psychedelic effects, it does appear to possess definite psychoactive effects.
As you know, there are several cannabinoids in acetylated form, including HHCPO and THCPO; these forms are known to be more potent than their base form.
This rule doesn't seem to hold true for THC-O. In his book "Marijuana Potency," published in 1977, chemist Michael Starks describes its effects as 300% greater than THC. It would therefore be three times stronger than THC.
Acetylation undoubtedly increases the potency of this cannabinoid tenfold, but do its effects remain exactly the same? Unfortunately, with our current knowledge, we cannot provide a definitive answer to this question.
In conclusion
THC-o is definitely not a cannabinoid like any other; it's one of those 420 products that continues to cultivate an aura of mystery. It has a history as rich as it is fascinating, one that continues to fuel its mythology decades later.
Nevertheless, recent research, such as that conducted on its psychedelic aspects, is gradually helping us to better understand cannabinoids and thus to deconstruct the myths surrounding them.
Perhaps we will soon be able to describe more accurately the effect of cannabinoids on endocannabinoid receptors and on our bodies, but that's not for the immediate future.
In the meantime, stay up-to-date with the latest news and developments in the world of CBD on our blog !
Sources
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- [2]
- [3]
