This could be due in part to the negative attention delta-8 THC – its distant cousin – has received in recent months. In fact, delta-8 has been flagged by the DEA and rendered illegal in some cannabis-legal states.

THC-O is more likely gaining popularity though because it’s derived from federally legal hemp and delivers some pretty potent psychoactive components. This makes it all the more appealing in states where cannabis is still illegal.

So Just What Is THC-O?

We’re so glad you asked. There’s a lot of chemistry involved, so we’ll break it down into the simplest terms.

THC-O is an analog of delta-9 THC, which is considered the conventional THC you’ve been consuming all this time. To generate a THC-O molecule, an extremely flammable compound called acetic anhydride is added to regular THC molecules. It goes through a process involving a series of extractions that start with the hemp plant – NOT the marijuana plant.

CBD is first extracted from the hemp plant. From there, delta-8 THC is extracted from the CBD. Then the extracted delta-8 THC molecules are added to acetic anhydride. And voilà, you have THC-O acetate.

The processing strips away all of the terpenes and flavonoids to produce an extremely powerful THC isolate that lacks flavor and aroma. THC-O takes longer to kick in than traditional THC. But once it does, its effects are around three times more potent.

The high is different too.

At very low doses, it feels similar to delta-9 THC but more like mescaline. Go just beyond that threshold and you’ll likely experience a more intense and altered headspace with very psychedelic qualities. At high doses, you could become incapacitated.

THC-O Is Promising for Medicinal Applications

The legality of THC-O in the United States is a huge grey area. Some consider it legal since it’s derived from hemp and not marijuana. But because it’s processed in a lab to create something with psychedelic and even hallucinogenic effects, it could easily be considered a Schedule 1 drug.

With such questionable potency, many question why they would even want to use it if regular THC does the job. So yeah, it’s probably best to avoid it at this time. It does seem to hold some promise for medical purposes though.

Since every person has a unique biological makeup, it’s possible that THC-O could stimulate the cannabinoid receptors in some people who appear to have a resistance to regular THC. Thus, where a THC pill or oil may not deliver relief from pain or anxiety for them, THC-O could be a viable alternative.

THC-O Is Also Known As ATHC

Another way to refer to THC-O is ATHC. So if you want to avoid THC-O, one thing you have to be careful of is not to confuse ATHC with THCA.

THCA stands for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. It is the parent molecule of THC and the A stands for acid. THCA converts to THC through decarboxylation and occurs naturally in raw cannabis.

With ATHC however, the A stands for acetate. And that acetate makes all the difference. Not only does it indicate that this compound was created in a lab (like ALL THC-O), but it’s the acetate that makes the THC so much more powerful.

So keep an eye on the placement of the A. If it’s before the THC, whether upper or lower case, it’s best to avoid it.

Trying to Stay on Top of Cannabis News?

If you hadn’t heard of THC-O before reading this article, you are far from alone. It’s really tough to keep up with everything that’s happening in this quickly and wildly evolving industry.

So to stay in the know with the latest in cannabis news, regularly check back with our blog. As cannabis marketing and PR specialists, it is essential we stay up to date.

The post What Is THC-O? appeared first on GROW Cannabis Marketing.

Julie Mack of Mlive explains how opioid prescriptions in Michigan have risen 41% from 2009 to 2015. She says, according to state data, Michigan healthcare providers wrote enough prescriptions for opioid drugs in 2015 and 2016 to provide every Michigan resident with his or her own bottle of narcotics. In fact, she says Michiganders are twice as likely to overdose on prescription painkillers than heroin.

Many have been questioning whether the medical cannabis industry could help combat the overwhelming opioid crisis. In December 2017, a national marijuana patient advocacy group called Americans for Safe Access distributed a blueprint explaining how cannabis medicines can help break the addiction cycle in prescription pain medication abuse.

This paper uses Michigan as a case study in order to see the correlation between the effectiveness of the state’s medical marijuana program and the decreasing amount of deaths and hospitalizations reported. Based on national statistics, ASA reported that, “Michigan’s medical marijuana program resulted in 531 lives saved and 23% fewer hospitalizations in Michigan from opioid exposure.”

After proving an increase in lives saved due to medical marijuana, ASA continues by explaining how more than 5 million Michigan residents currently can’t register for medical cannabis use due to things, including, living in poverty or assisted living situations, employers testing for cannabis, and being a federal employee or an organ donor.

They say these limitations are a problem and suggest that advocates and legislators respond to the enrollment crisis with the following actions: pass laws to allow hospice and assisted living facilities to use medical cannabis on the premises and become caregivers, create low-income and hardship waivers for ID costs, pass laws banning drug testing for THC for employment, create a Medical Cannabis Research and Development Fund and more.

In their blueprint, ASA includes a draft of legislation that would modify the MMMA and other laws in order to help accomplish most of these changes.

To view the full blueprint, visit safeaccessnow.org/opioidblueprint and click download the report.

The post Opioid Crisis vs. Medical Marijuana in Michigan appeared first on GROW Cannabis Marketing.