September 20, 2022 5 min read

From sublingual CBD candies to Delta-8 tinctures, the innovations of the hemp market are seemingly limitless. Still, new cannabinoid formulations are emerging every day and one question we’re seeing regularly is “What is a THC-O vape?”

THC-O vaporizers are a psychoactive powerhouse offering fast-acting effects that are up to three times stronger than you’d get from traditional THC. Want to know more? Let’s dig in:

Table of Contents

What is THC-O?
Why THC-O Vapes?
THC-O Vape Effects
THC-O Vapes Have Added Terpenes
Benefits of THC-O Vapes
The Drawback of THC-O Vapes
How are THC-O Vapes Made?
Best THC-O Vape Pens to Buy Online

Key Takeaways

  • THC-O is a potent, hemp-derived THC that’s usually used recreationally.
  • A vape offers fast-acting, hard-hitting effects.
  • THC-O vapes may offer a dosing style that’s easier to gauge for new consumers.
  • The addition of terpenes helps to create THC-O vapes with unique effects perfect for a person or time of day.

What is THC-O?

Two varieties of disposable THC-O vape pens that can be used to enjoy a range of different effects

THC-O, otherwise known as THC-O acetate, is a THC analog, meaning it has a structure that is almost identical to traditional THC products. Just like traditional THC, it has potent psychoactive effects, but it can be found in and made from legal hemp material, which means it's legal in many U.S. states.

Just like other phytocannabinoids, THC-O can interact with the endocannabinoid system, a neuromodulatory system that's responsible for maintaining homeostasis and regulating many important bodily functions. The way that phytocannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system is the reason that certain cannabinoids, like CBD and THC, are well known for having potential health benefits. Of course, more THC-O research is needed to understand its therapeutic potential.

Usually, THC-O is found in distillate form, and THC-O distillate is added to a wide range of products to create different dosing styles. THC-O vapes, in particular, have a few benefits that may make them the perfect recreational or therapeutic dose.

Read about “What is THC-O?” to learn more.

Why THC-O Vapes?

Vaping is a popular dosing style for all hemp and cannabis products because they offer fast-acting, easy-to-control doses. Plus, they can be used discreetly and are often more easily available than flowers. Let’s break down everything you need to know about THC-O vapes so you can more easily decide if they are right for you:

THC-O Vape Effects

As we mentioned, THC-O’s effects are quite a bit more potent than traditional THC products and are especially more potent than other hemp-derived THC products, like Delta-8 and Delta-10. In fact, research has found THC-O to be about three times more potent than traditional THC products.

When you vape THC-O, you experience these effects almost instantly. It can take around 5 minutes for the effects to peak, and the effects may last a couple of hours.

In general, THC-O is uplifting and energizing. It promotes a buzzy head high that can be incredibly intoxicating at high doses.

THC-O Vapes Have Added Terpenes

Another benefit to THC-O vapes is that they often contain terpenes that alter their effects, so you can choose from a variety of different formulas to meet your needs. This method, known as “strain profiling” lends THC-O distillate the unique properties of different cannabis strains.

Our THC-O vaporizer, for instance, is available in three varieties–Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid. Sativa strains are known for being more uplifting, while Indica strains may be more relaxing in nature. Hybrids, however, fall somewhere in the middle and may be a great place for beginners to start.

A rainbow-colored selection of THC-O vaporizers

Benefits of THC-O Vapes

We mentioned that vaping THC-O has benefits compared to other dosing styles, including:

  • Fast-acting effects that kick in after only a couple of minutes
  • Ability to stack small doses every few minutes until the desired effects are reached
  • Portability (no measuring required)s
  • Milder smell than cannabis flower/more discreet
  • Possibly easier on the lungs than traditional smoking
  • Wide range of formulas with equally potent effects thanks to strain profiling

The Drawback of THC-O Vapes

While there are many benefits of vaping THC-O compared to other consumption methods, there are also some drawbacks:

  • Vaping isn’t appropriate for all situations, like when indoors.
  • Some formulas may be harsh on the throat or lungs
  • You need to pay attention to the vape battery (most are rechargeable).

How are THC-O Vapes Made?

The way that THC-O is made sets it apart from most cannabinoids derived from hemp. THC-O is synthesized from organic hemp material through a process called “isomerization,” or the process of switching one molecule into its isomer. Isomers are molecules that have all of the same components, just arranged in a different order.

To make THC-O, manufacturers must first make Delta-8-THC from hemp-derived CBD extract through this isomerization process. Then, Delta-8 can be transformed into THC-O by introducing acetic anhydride.

Afterward, the solution is refined to remove any unwanted materials or leftover chemicals. After a proper refinement period, the result is a potent THC-O extract that's clean and safe to consume.

This extract is then paired with various terpenes, flavors, sweeteners, and other ingredients in order to create a THC-O vape oil. Then, the oil is machine-loaded into vape carts that are ready to use. These carts are usually made of glass, and stainless steel, and include a wick that helps carry the oil to the heat source. The quality of the materials used to make a THC-O vape pen matters, so be wary of vape carts made with low-quality materials. Read about vape cart materials to learn more.

Best THC-O Vape Pens to Buy Online

You can find many different THC-O vape pens on the market today–they are quickly becoming one of the most popular psychoactive hemp products! Unfortunately, you can’t trust the quality of all hemp manufacturers because federal and state regulations are still inconsistent and unreliable.

At Vida Optima, we have a small selection of potent, powerful THC-O vapes that we believe to be some of the best quality THC-O vapes on the market. Here’s why:

  • Our original hemp material is USDA Certified hemp that is grown in the U.S. in the states with the most developed hemp programs.
  • Hemp is lab tested and free of contaminants before production begins.
  • Products are tested throughout manufacturing to ensure that no contaminants are added along the way.
  • Extraction and isomerization process is carried out by a cGMP-compliant manufacturing facility with decades of experience in cannabis extractions.
  • Final products are third-party batch tested to ensure that our premium-quality promise trickles all the way down to the consumer.

We offer three different THC-O Vape formulas to choose from:

Vida Optima Elev8 THC-O Vape

The Sativa THC-O Vape blend contains a total of 1,000 mg of Delta-8-THC and THC-O combined with a hand-chosen, sativa-leaning terpene blend designed to stimulate cognitive energy, boost creativity, and lift your spirits.

The Indica THC-O Vape blend also contains 1,000 mg of hemp-derived THC, but this terpene profile is designed to mellow you out, help you unwind, and provide a more body-centric relaxation experience.

The Hybrid THC-O Vape blend falls somewhere in the middle, offering a balanced, mellow buzz that’s still functional and uplifting.

Looking for something else? Check out our Elev8 Collection for a variety of hemp-derived THC edibles, oils, and more.

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