THC-O is one of the newest cannabinoids. It follows in the commercial footsteps of Delta 8 THC and other “new” cannabinoids. Some of these compounds occur naturally in cannabis plants in very small amounts; Others do not. But all of them have found a presence in the legal (or semi-legal) market because manufacturers have discovered how to produce them in large quantities by processing them from legal hemp plants. What is the snack? THC-O is currently largely legal in most of the United States, but there`s a good chance THC-O will become illegal as it comes under increased scrutiny from the DEA and state lawmakers. Now that THC-O and HHC have graced the stage, it`s time to update our legality list. Our previous analysis explained where delta-8 THC is legal in states and where it is not. As with products containing delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC, products containing THC-O exist in the marginal jurisdiction between hemp (which is legal nationally) and cannabis (which is not legal). State regulators and lawmakers are currently toying with the growing number of hemp-derived compounds, banning new compounds only to see new derivatives take their place. Although THC-O products such as vape carts and tinctures are available online, their legal status and safety remain to be proven. Although still not a common cannabinoid, THC-O is becoming increasingly popular among cannabis users. In particular, these types of cannabinoids are attracting interest from consumers living in U.S.
states where recreational cannabis is still illegal. Finally, you need to be careful to use THC-O responsibly. Even though it may be legal in your state, law enforcement can be confused as to what it is and decide you`re using an illegal substance. While they may technically be wrong, it`s not worth having to explain. What`s more, many law enforcement officials don`t even know what THC-O is, so they may not believe you when you explain that it`s a federally legal substance. Because the products contain only THC-O, which is made from 100% hemp extract, companies can manufacture, distribute, and sell to consumers in the United States. Thanks to H.R.2 – Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, ratified and enacted in December 2018, cannabis containing less than 0.3% delta 9-THC is legally classified as hemp and is therefore legal under federal law in all respects. Let`s also not forget that THC itself is not illegal nationwide, but specifically Delta 9-THC.
One of these new compounds is THC-O-acetate acetate (or ATHC), an unnatural cannabinoid that is attracting interest from many cannabis users, but also some concerns about its legality and health safety. For years, the only cannabinoid everyone seemed to care about was delta-9 THC. Cannabinoids are compounds found in cannabis or derived from cannabis (or, in some cases, other organic matter). Delta-9 is the component of marijuana that makes users high. However, it is not the only compound in the cannabis plant. In 2016, CBD became an extremely popular non-psychoactive cannabinoid that could be derived from hemp, i.e. cannabis containing less than 0.3% delta-9-THC on a dry weight basis. Then came delta-8 THC, which exploded as the next big thing in cannabis. With this in mind, the Green Light Law Blog wants to inform our readers about other emerging cannabinoids. Today we will focus on the legality of THC-O and more.
THC-O is a new hemp-derived cannabinoid that stands out from the crowd for its very powerful psychoactive effects. In fact, experts have found that THC-O is about three times more potent than traditional THC products, and cannabis users feel a mixture of excitement and curiosity as they prepare to try it. An important question arises between each user and their first dose of THC-O – Where is THC-O legal? Many experts believe that although THC-O is different from the more common THC products made from hemp, it can still turn into 11-hydroxy-THC in the body. Most common drug tests do not look for THC itself, but for this metabolite of THC. This means that although THC-O is technically legal, it will likely trigger the same positive drug test result as other THC products. In other words, while THC-O may be legal in your area, it will show up on a drug test, just like conventional THC products, and it can be difficult to prove what form of THC you consumed. You can find THC-O in many of the same places we saw delta-8-THC a year ago. The legal gray area surrounding delta-8 THC is brightening, making THC-O poised to take its place in the hemp by-product market. Since THC-O is not naturally present in hemp, its legality is highly questionable given the DEA`s position on synthesized cannabinoids and the law on analogues. The sale of THC-O exposes everyone involved to criminal risks associated with drug trafficking.