It’s hard to keep all the new cannabinoids straight these days. There are so many variations and so much confusing terminology surrounding them. Lately, THC-O and Delta-8 have been taking center stage for users of cannabinoids. The new attention has sparked a rousing debate about the two compounds and their similarities.
So, are THC-O and Delta-8-THC the same thing, and what is the main difference between THC-O versus Delta-8? We have all the information you need so you can figure out which of these cannabinoids fits your needs and what makes each unique. With this information, you’ll be able to make an informed decision
Key Takeaways
What’s the Difference Between THC-O and Delta-8?
Let’s look at the similarities and differences between these two cannabinoids.
What Is THC-O?
THC-O is officially known as THC-O acetate. Though it is a new kid on the block in the world of hemp cannabinoids, scientists have studied it since the 1940s during military tests in America. To understand THC-O, we need to understand similar cannabinoids as well.
Cannabinoids come from hemp products and marijuana. The most well-known cannabinoids are CBD and THC. These two strains are the most studied, with academic institutions publishing numerous studies detailing their effects on humans. We harvest these cannabinoids from hemp plants.
Cannabinoids such as CBD and THC occur naturally, and harvesters obtain them directly from the plant. On the other hand, scientists must synthesize THC-O in a lab, as it does not naturally occur.
So how is THC-O synthesized?
To begin, someone converts CBD into Delta-8-THC. Then the scientist in the lab introduces acetic anhydride to the Delta-8 to create THC-O. While this might sound like a simple process, it is anything but, and only experts with specialized labs equipped to handle the task should attempt to synthesize it.
Because of the somewhat dangerous creation process, you should only buy THC-O from reputable sources. Try to find a manufacturer with experience under their belts, lest you end up with a bad batch.
At this moment, there is not much information published about THC-O, as it is new in the burgeoning vape market. Aside from being found in vapes, THC-O is also available as a tincture or edible.
What Is Delta-8?
Delta-8 is another cannabinoid that comes from the hemp plant. It is technically naturally occurring in hemp-like CBD, though scientists often synthesize it as it is difficult to extract.
Delta-8 is in the same family as Delta-9, and they are the psychoactive compound of marijuana. In essence, Delta-8 is what gets you high when you ingest a marijuana product. Delta-8 provides a milder high, according to anecdotal reports, but it will still alter the chemical makeup of your brain.
Some health professionals worry about the potential dangers of Delta-8, as the synthetic products used to make it potentially carry side effects. Delta-8 also differs from its brother of Delta-9 in that the latter is much easier for harvesters to extract than the former.
Are Delta-8 and THC-O the Same?
You might think that because we derive THC-O from Delta-8, they are the same thing. Well, the short answer to that is that they are not. The transformation into THC-O from Delta-8 leaves you with a significantly different product that affects the body differently.
THC-O Vs. Delta-8: What Are the Similarities?
THC-O and Delta-8 share some similarities, which makes sense given that scientists synthesize THC-O from Delta-8.
Both of these products will produce an intoxicating effect in the user, though the intensity of that effect depends on which one you ingest. Most users partake of these cannabinoids recreationally.
Though their effects are different, they both may provide health benefits to users as well. We should mention that there is a distinct lack of studies that scientists have conducted on either THC-O or Delta-8, as most tests typically focus on CBD or THC. Experts expect scientists to conduct more research shortly, with more users of either product coming every day.
The health benefits purported for these two products include assistance with sleep, pain, or nausea. THC-O is more powerful but has been known to cause anxiety or paranoia in users. If you are prone to either, you may want to stick with Delta-8.
THC-O Vs. Delta-8: What Are the Differences?
Aside from their intoxicating effects and their health benefits, that’s where the similarities between these two cannabinoids end. When it comes to THC-O versus Delta-8, they are entirely different beasts.
THC-O is not something you should trifle with, as it is far more potent. Those without much experience with THC or CBD and the way it affects your body should take caution when using it.
The extra potency from THC-O means it has different effects than the Delta-8 it comes from.
Delta-8 gives very mild euphoric effects, instead giving the user a relaxing sensation and making them feel somewhat sedated. This is why it is often suggested as a gateway to trying out THC.
THC-O, on the other hand, is not as calming and instead produces effects some users have called somewhat hallucinogenic.
Users have also reported feeling a sense of euphoria and feeling heightened spiritual or mental awareness. For some users, it feels like using a more potent psychedelic substance.
Another difference is that Delta-8 is naturally occurring in nature, while THC-O is a product that scientists create in a lab. While scientists also typically synthesize Delta-8, it is still found in hemp and cannabis plants, unlike THC-O.
The dosages of THC-O and Delta-8 differ as well.
THC-O has a higher potency, and as such, less is more when dosing it. You can get a greater effect with a smaller dosage of THC-O compared to Delta-8. As such, new users of THC-O should follow dosage guidelines to avoid taking too much.
The cost of purchasing either product is also a key difference between them. Because it is more potent and takes more time to make, THC-O is typically more expensive to purchase.
It is unfair to compare the two on a volume basis, as you will use less THC-O for each dose than Delta-8. In essence, the price will typically even out, but you will notice a higher price point when purchasing THC-O.
Is THC-O Stronger Than Delta-8?
THC-O is much stronger and much more potent than Delta-8. The magnitude of the difference is up for debate, but it is safe to say that the gulf between the two is quite massive. There are not any official studies that showcase the difference between the two, so we will mostly have to rely on anecdotal evidence to determine just how stronger THC-O is.
The typical benchmark that users give for THC-O is that it is three times as potent as Delta-9-THC. While that may seem like a mistake, we can assure you it is not. THC-O is every bit the real deal, and its effects are as potent as advertised.
So how much stronger is it than Delta-8?
Again, we will have to do some rough estimates based on reports from users. Users consider Delta-8 slightly milder than Delta-9, with some users considering it to be about 50 to 60 percent less potent. If this is true, we can conclude that THC-O may be around four times as potent as Delta-8.
If you have never used THC or CBD before, you may want to avoid THC-O, as it is incredibly potent, and you may have an adverse reaction. Try a product like Delta-8 and develop a tolerance before committing to the stronger strains.
Can You Combine THC-O and Delta-8-THC?
Considering that Delta-8-THC is part of THC-O, you may think you can combine them. And that assumption is correct. THC-O and Delta-8 are mixable, and it might be a wise decision for those new to using CBD or THC.
If you want to combine the two, you should either be experienced or have someone experienced set up the dosage for you. Taking too much THC-O could lead to anxiety or paranoia.
Combining THC-O and Delta-8 gives a feeling that is more like traditional THC. So while it will still pack more of a kick than Delta-8 on its own, it will not be as potent as THC-O. In essence, you get a nice balance between the two.
Legality: Are THC-O and Delta-8-THC Legal?
Legality is always a sticky subject, as the laws on CBD and THC are sometimes murky. The good news is that federal law is crystal clear about it. Producers manufacture THC-O and Delta-8 from hemp, and thanks to the Farm Bill passed in 2018, they are legal at the federal level.
That’s the good news.
The bad news is that THC and Delta-8 can still be made illegal at the state level. Several states in America have banned Delta-8 and any other analogous products. Other states have only banned Delta-8 specifically, so there are some workarounds to getting THC legally.
At any rate, it is always best to check the legality in your state before making a purchase online. Because of the Farm Bill, companies can send THC and CBD through the United States Postal Service. The legality of mailing them means you can purchase these products online, provided your state permits their sale.
So, that’s that when it comes to THC-O versus Delta-8.
