THC-O Effects: What to Expect + How to Dose

by Kat Austin June 13, 2022 7 min read

THC-O Effects: What to Expect + How to Dose - VO Inc

THC-O, often called the "spiritual cannabinoid," is known for its powerful effects that some say "unlock a new consciousness." But what are THC-O effects, exactly? Described as up to three times more potent than Delta-9 THC, its effects are sometimes even labeled as "psychedelic."

It's intriguing to think about—a federally legal, hemp-derived cannabinoid with such intense effects. So, what’s the reality? Let’s explore the truth about THC-O effects, what to expect, and how it’s used.

Table of Contents
THC-O Basics
What are the effects of THC-O?
Will THC-O Make You Hallucinate?
How long do THC-O effects take to kick in?
How long do THC-O effects last?

Key Takeaways

  • THC-O is a legal psychoactive cannabinoid that may be accessible across the U.S.
  • THC-O’s are more potent and much different than traditional THC products.
  • You can find THC-O in different forms, like vaporizers and edibles, an each has a different onset time and duration.
  • Starting with small doses and working your way up to larger doses is the best way to understand your personal dosing threshold and enjoy THC-O’s effects.

THC-O Basics

Before we dive deep into THC-O's effects let's cover some basics. For instance, what is THC-O, where does it come from, and exactly how potent is it?

 

Raw hemp material grown indoors to use for THC-O manufacturing
THC-O, or THC-O acetate, has a molecular structure that is almost identical to Delta-9-THC. Because it's a THC analogue that's made from legal hemp material (but contains less than the legally specified amount of Delta-9-THC, which is 0.3%), THC-O is federally legal and much more accessible than traditional THC products.

 

In fact, THC-O is made by exposing Delta-8-THC, another legal hemp-derived cannabinoid, to acetic anhydride. Then, the solution is refined to remove any unwanted materials or leftover chemicals. After a proper refinement period, the result is a potent THC-O that usually contains no Delta-9-THC at all.

Thanks to its structural similarities to traditional THC, however, it's actually able to interact with the body's endocannabinoid system in a similar fashion, inducing psychoactive effects that impact both the body and mind.

The endocannabinoid system is a neuromodulatory system that's responsible for maintaining homeostasis and regulating many important bodily functions. That means that THC-O, like traditional THC and even CBD, may have some potential health benefits. More research is needed to understand how THC-O may impact general wellness, but researchers have every reason to believe that it could have some therapeutic potential of its own.

With that said, let's discuss what we do know about THC-O effects and what you should expect from your first THC-O experience:

 

What Are THC-O Effects?

THC-O, derived from legal hemp, is far more potent than other hemp-derived cannabinoids like CBD or even Delta-8. Research suggests that THC-O may be up to three times stronger than Delta-9 THC, which is well-known for its significant psychoactive effects.

In addition to its potency, the high from THC-O is often described as uplifting and energizing, similar to strong sativa-dominant cannabis strains. Some users even report that THC-O's effects can be "psychedelic," though this may vary depending on the dosage.

Here’s a breakdown of the potential effects:

  • Euphoric High: Intense feelings of euphoria, stronger than traditional THC.
  • Uplifting Sensation: A more energizing high, often less sedating.
  • Borderline Hallucinogenic: At higher doses, some may experience effects close to mild hallucinations.
  • Delayed Coordination: Slower reaction times, making it unsafe to drive or operate machinery.
  • Mild to Moderate Experience: In smaller doses, THC-O can provide a manageable, mild high without overwhelming effects.

Overall, THC-O offers a unique and powerful experience, but it's important to approach it with caution, especially for those new to THC products.

Will THC-O Make You Hallucinate?

Again, THC-O is sometimes described as “borderline hallucinogenic,” but it shouldn’t have substantial hallucinogenic effects.

Some people do report visual disturbances or enhancements, but the effects aren’t comparable to true hallucinogens, like psilocybin mushrooms. The visual effects of THC-O may be due to the increased dilation of the eye, which causes you to be more sensitive to light, color, and movement.

Read "Is THC-O Psychedelic?" to learn more. 

Raw hemp material and a THC-O vape, two different ways to experience THC-O effects

Why is THC-O Nicknamed the “Spiritual Cannabinoid”?

It’s not surprising that this extremely potent cannabinoid has gained a reputation for enhancing the “spiritual connection between body and mind.” In fact, cannabis has a history of “enhancing spiritual enlightenment” and is often used as a tool during certain spiritual practices, like meditation.

Generally speaking, though, this nickname simply comes from the fact that THC-O is so potent, much more so than other THC products on the market.

How long do THC-O effects take to kick in?

The amount of time that THC-O's effects will take to kick in varies greatly depending on the delivery method. While other methods do exist, THC-O dosing methods are still pretty limited, so we'll cover the three most common products available: vaporizers, tinctures, and other edibles.

In general, many sources report that THC-O takes slightly longer to take effect than it's analogues, like Delta-8 and Delta-9. Currently, there's no scientific evidence available to help us understand why this may be the case or how different the onset and duration may be.

For now, the following are estimates of how long you should expect to wait to feel THC-O effects, but keep in mind that they may vary slightly for every person:

Vida Optima Elev8 Delta-8 + THC-O Cart

THC-O Vapes

THC-O vaporizers are an instant delivery method, which means the effects should begin to creep on only minutes after each dose. You should feel the full effects of your dose after approximately 20 minutes.

Because this method allows a "low and slow" approach to dosing, it's often preferable to those looking to gradually experience the effects of THC-O.

Our THC-O + Delta-8 Vape Cart is an expertly balanced formula that makes it simple to stack doses until you reach the perfect lift level.

THC-O Edibles

THC-O edibles, such as gummies, can have a distinct experience compared to other consumption methods. THC-O gummies effects are influenced by the digestive process, which means they typically take longer to kick in—usually around 1-3 hours. This delayed onset is due to the time it takes for the body to process the edibles through digestion.

Some edibles, like hard candies and chews, are designed for sublingual absorption, which allows the THC-O effects to begin more quickly, often within 45 minutes. However, the onset time for different THC-O products can vary greatly depending on individual factors such as weight and metabolism.

If you’re new to edibles, it’s wise to start with small doses and gradually adjust to better understand how your body responds to THC-O effects.

 

THC-O Tinctures

Tinctures are a liquid form of THC-O meant to be dropped under the tongue where they can be absorbed through the mouth’s mucous membranes. This delivery method, called sublingual absorption, bypasses the digestive process and carried THC-O directly to the blood stream. THC-O tinctures may kick in after 30-45 minutes.

How long do THC-O effects last?

As with all forms of THC, the amount of time that a THC-O high lasts mainly depends on body weight and dosing method. Your metabolism affects how long certain substances stay in the body, and different forms of THC-O are metabolized at different rates.

For digestible forms of THC-O, you can expect the effects to last around 4-6 hours, while faster-acting methods (like tinctures and vapes) may offer effects that last 2-4 hours. Keep in mind that THC-O, although not active, may stay in your system for even longer. 

Your tolerance, activity levels, diet, and other unique factors can impact the duration of THC-O’s effects, so its important to allow plenty of time to enjoy the full THC-O experience. The first time you try THC-O, make sure your schedule is cleared for at least 8 hours, ideally for the day, so that you don’t have to worry if the effects last a bit longer than you expected.

How is THC-O Used? (Dosage + Beginner Guidelines)

THC-O is typically used in forms like vape cartridges, tinctures, and edibles. Due to its potency, it's crucial for beginners to start with a low dose—usually around 1-2 mg of THC-O—to gauge their tolerance. The effects can take up to 30 minutes to an hour to kick in, so it's important not to rush into taking more.

For beginners, it's recommended to start with the lowest possible dose and gradually increase as needed, allowing plenty of time between doses to assess the effects. Always use THC-O in a safe environment, especially for first-time users, as its effects can be significantly stronger and more intense than other cannabinoids.

Buy Safe THC-O Online

Thanks to its natural hemp source, THC-O is federally legal and legal in many U.S. states, which means it's far more accessible than traditional cannabis products.

It's important that you source from trustworthy hemp manufacturers that provide third-party lab tests for every batch. If you're interested in trying THC-O, we also recommend that you take dosing slowly and feel out the effects of this highly potent THC product in order to ensure a safe, positive experience.

Looking for THC-O products you can buy online? Check out our  Delta-8 + THC-O Vape Cart.

THC-O Effects FAQ

What does a THC-O high feel like?

A THC-O high is reported to be more intense and psychedelic compared to other cannabinoids. Users often describe it as having stronger euphoric effects, with an increased sense of mental and physical relaxation. The high may also include heightened sensory perception and a more profound impact on cognition and mood.

Is THC-O stronger than Delta 9?

Yes, THC-O is generally considered to be more potent than Delta 9 THC. THC-O can be up to three times stronger than Delta 9, producing more intense effects. However, individual experiences can vary based on tolerance and sensitivity.

How long does THC-O last?

The effects of THC-O can last between 4 to 8 hours, depending on the dosage, method of consumption, and individual metabolism. The high can be longer-lasting compared to other cannabinoids, with some residual effects potentially lasting up to 12 hours.

What are the effects of THC-O vs Delta 8?

THC-O typically produces a more intense and psychedelic high compared to Delta 8 THC, which is known for its milder, more relaxing effects. Delta 8 is often described as having a smoother, less anxiety-inducing high, while THC-O can induce more pronounced cognitive and sensory alterations.

Is Delta 11 stronger than THC-O?

Delta 11 is less well-known and less studied compared to THC-O, so direct comparisons can be difficult. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that Delta 11 may be stronger or produce different effects compared to THC-O. More research is needed to fully understand the potency and effects of Delta 11.

What is the difference between THC-O and THCA?

THC-O (tetrahydrocannabinol-O-acetate) is a synthetic cannabinoid known for its potent effects and higher psychoactivity. THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), on the other hand, is a non-psychoactive precursor to THC found in raw cannabis. THCA converts to THC through decarboxylation when heated, whereas THC-O is synthesized chemically and does not occur naturally in cannabis.


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