February 18, 2022 5 min read

THC-O is making a name for itself in the hemp industry, likely because it promises potent psychoactive effects that are three times stronger than traditional THC products. But some consumers want to know if that’s really a good thing? Do stronger effects translate to a riskier side effect profile? In general, is THC-O safe to consume?

All in all, there’s not a lot of research regarding THC-O, but the risks may not be much different from the mild risks associated with Delta-9-THC products. Here’s what we know for now:

Table of Contents
THC-O Safety Research
What are THC-O Side Effects?
Side Effects From Taking Too Much THC-O
Poor Quality is the Real Risk
Are THC-O Vapes Safe?
Conclusion: Is THC-O Safe?

Key Takeaways

  • THC-O is a hemp-derived cannabinoid that’s thought to be safe when used responsibly.
  • THC-O is more potent than Delta-9-THC, but is overall thought to have similar risks.
  • Because THC-O’s effects are stronger than Delta-9s, it’s crucial to pay attention to your dosage.
  • Ensuring that your THC-O products are well-made from high-quality ingredients is the best way to lower the risk of adverse effects.

THC-O Safety Research

A model showing the molecular structure of THC-O and the raw hemp material its made from

Unfortunately, we don't have a lot of research regarding THC-O’s side effects or safety profile. The information surrounding THC-O is generally limited, in fact, and mostly includes research regarding its potency and molecular structure.

Because THC-O is becoming more popular, more research is expected in the coming years. For now, we have to rely on anecdotal reports and THC-O’s molecular similarities to Delta-9-THC give us some insight into its effects and potential drawbacks.

What are THC-O Side Effects?

Like we said earlier, there’s not a lot of information out there regarding THC-O’s side effects, but anecdotal reports often relate it to traditional THC products. Of course, THC-O is much more potent and takes longer to take effects, which can be a risky formula for adverse effects if consumers don’t pay close attention to their THC-O dosage.

In the case of misuse, THC-sensitivity, or general adverse reactions, the most common side effects associated with THC include:

  • increased heart rate
  • coordination problems
  • dry mouth and increased thirst
  • red, dry eyes
  • slower reaction times
  • memory loss
  • anxiety
  • paranoia

Of course, adverse effects are not incredibly common, especially when using THC-O at correct doses. Most people experience a pleasant euphoria, mild visuals, and a general sense of relaxation after taking THC-O.

Side Effects from Taking Too Much

Taking too much THC-O is the most common reason that someone may experience an adverse reaction. The same is true for traditional THC products. At increased doses, Delta-9-THC is known to cause paranoia, anxiety, and increased heart rate.

THC-O could be even more likely to produce these side effects because it is much more potent. That means that smaller doses of THC-O are needed, even for experienced THC consumers. In some cases, consumers may only need to take between 1-5 mg of THC-O to experience a pleasant, potent high.

Read our THC-O User Guide to learn more about safe THC-O dosage.

Poor Quality is the Real Risk

There is, perhaps, one very real, severe risk of using THC-O, and that is the poor regulation and oversight within the hemp industry. Some states have some regulations in place to help protect consumers, but the overall hemp market is a bit of a free for all.

Luckily, not all hope is lost. As a consumer, you can do a small bit of digging before purchasing THC-O to verify the quality and safety of the products you choose. It can be a little overwhelming to new hemp consumers that aren’t familiar with the terminology, but there’s actually only a few important details you need to pay attention to.

If you’re looking for THC-O products that are high-quality and effective, look for:

Raw hemp flower, the material necessary to create THC-O distillate

U.S. Grown Hemp

In general, U.S. grown hemp is of higher quality than hemp sourced from foreign soil. Our THC-O oil is derived from USDA Certified Hemp that is cGMP compliant and grown right here in the U.S.

cGMP Compliant Manufacturing Facilities

Because THC-O is trickier to produce than CBD or Delta-8, an experienced manufacturer is a must. We use a solvent-free extraction and superior isomerization process to ensure that our Delta-8 extract is clean, potent, and provides an unmatched, elevated experience.

Careful Refinement and Testing

THC-O is made by introducing Delta-8 to a specific acid, which means that the acid and any other chemicals used for extraction need to be removed in the final refinement step.

Our Delta-8 is converted to THC-O and carefully refined to create a pure, potent extract. Then, we pair it with the perfect amount of Delta-8 to create our disposable vape formula.

Safe Ingredients

This varies for everyone, but just generally ensure that the ingredients work for you. For instance, if you are allergic to tree nuts, you’ll want to ensure that the product doesn’t use tree nut oil as a carrier oil.

Are THC-O Vapes Safe?

In addition to questioning the generally safety of THC-O formulas, people often wonder if THC-O vaporizers pose any extra threat. It’s a fair consideration since smoking or vaping anything poses some level of risk to your lungs compared to oral ingestion methods, like THC edibles.

Of course, vaping may not carry a considerably increased risk when a high-quality vape product is used. Some vaporizers on the market (THC-O or otherwise) contain ingredients that are potentially harmful and should be avoided.

For instance, some vapes contain propylene glycol, which is thought to convert to formaldehyde at high temperatures. Some may be made with cheap materials, like plastics and poor quality metals that may not sustain heat exposure.

Choosing a high-quality vaporizer is essential to a safe experience. You can learn more by reading our Delta-8 Vape Buying Guide.

Consumers often question whether THC-O is safe in different forms, such as this THC-O vape method.

Conclusion: Is THC-O Safe?

Generally speaking, most people have a pleasant experience with THC-O, especially when using a high-quality product at responsible dosages. As with all THC products, side effects are still possible. The most common side effects associated with THC are red eyes, dry mouth, and increased heart rate.

The most important step you can take towards a safe THC-O experience is buying it from an experienced, high-quality hemp brand. The way that THC-O is made directly affects its quality and safety, so buying a well-made product is crucial. We also recommend that new users take dosing slowly until they understand how THC-O will affect them.

Vida Optima THC-O Vape

Our Disposable THC-O + Delta-8-THC vape combines highly potent THC-O with a milder Delta-8 formula to offer more balanced effects. It’s a perfect option for consumers with a lower THC tolerance, or those looking for a fast acting, balanced, relaxing euphoria.

Looking for legal THC with milder effects?Check out our Elev8 Collection of Delta-8 edibles, tinctures, flower, and more. Our premium Delta-8 formulas will have you on a (safe) smooth lift through time and space in no time at all. Read about Delta-8 effects and potential risks to learn more.


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