Is THC-O Legal in Pennsylvania?

Is THC-O Legal in Pennsylvania?

Yes. There is no specific law banning the sale, possession, or use of THC-O products in Pennsylvania. Therefore, with hemp-derived products and Delta-8 THC legal in the state, THC-O users can find stores in Pennsylvania selling products containing the novel cannabinoid.

What is THC-O?

THC-O is a synthetic cannabis compound derived from hemp. However, unlike other cannabinoids extracted from hemp, such as CBG, CBN, and CBD, THC-O is not found naturally in the hemp plant. THC-O is an ester of THC and can be synthesized through a chemical process using a highly inflammable and colorless liquid called acetic anhydride.

Anecdotal reports suggest THC-O is more potent than regular THC and can be used to induce more intense psychoactive effects than the ones produced by Delta-9 THC. THC-O is available as tinctures, gummies, wax dabs, and vape cartridges. While there has been widespread use of the compound, research on the safety of THC-O remains scant. More research is required to understand the benefits and side effects of the compound.

Is THC-O Legal Under Federal Law?

The 2018 passage of the Farm Bill unintentionally created a loophole for the production of cannabinoids derived from hemp as long as they meet a specific Delta-9 THC limit. Under the Farm Bill, the federal government defined hemp as cannabis containing less than 0.3% THC. Using this loophole, many cannabinoid manufacturers began producing and selling thousands of products containing cannabinoids, including Delta-8 THC-O.

In 2022, a cannabis attorney in North Carolina wrote to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration requesting that the agency clarify the legal status of THC-O. The DEA responded in a letter dated February 13, 2023, stating that THC-O can only be obtained synthetically and, therefore, cannot be categorized under hemp as defined in the 2018 Farm Bill.

How Long Does THC-O Last in the Body?

THC-O can remain in the body for long periods depending on various factors. THC-O metabolites tend to accumulate within a person's fat cells and are released back into the blood even after THC-O product use. Individuals who used THC-O once or infrequently may experience relatively rapid elimination of the substance from their bodies, achieving a drug-free state in a few days. Conversely, frequent users of THC-O should expect a more prolonged elimination process, requiring several weeks for the drug to be completely eliminated from their systems.

Metabolism and dosage play crucial roles in determining how long THC-O remains in the body. Metabolism, the process by which the body breaks down and processes substances, varies among individuals. Individuals with a faster metabolism typically process and eliminate drugs more rapidly than those with slower metabolism. Age can also influence metabolism, with younger individuals generally boasting a higher metabolic rate than older individuals. Consequently, a person with a faster metabolism is likely to clear THC-O from their system more quickly than someone with a slower metabolism.

Dose, or the quantity of THC-O consumed, directly impacts the concentration of THC-O and its metabolites in the body. Higher doses result in more significant amounts of THC-O circulating in the bloodstream and stored in fat cells. Consequently, individuals who consume higher doses may experience extended drug detection windows, as it takes the body longer to process and eliminate larger amounts of the substance.

Can You Fail a Drug Test for Using THC-O?

Yes. If you have used a THC-O product in recent times, there is a high chance of getting a positive drug test result. Upon the ingestion of THC-O, the body metabolizes the compound, converting it into 11-hydroxy-THC. This metabolite is similar to the one produced from the metabolism of other THC products. As conventional drug tests typically do not identify specific THC compounds, but rather detect the presence of THC metabolites in the body, you risk a positive result even if you have consumed THC-O rather than other THC products.

For individuals submitting to a saliva test, THC-O can be detectable in saliva for up to 48 hours after use. Hair follicle test, renowned for its extended detection windows, may reveal the presence of THC metabolites in hair follicles for up to 90 days. In contrast, blood tests have the shortest detection window, often identifying THC metabolites up to 36 hours following consumption.

THC metabolites in urine samples can be detected after an hour post-consumption and persist for 3 to 30 days. A urine test may come back positive 3- 5 days after THC-O if you only took the cannabinoid once, while regular users may expect positive urine drug test results for up to a month after their last consumption.

THC-O vs Delta-8

One key difference between Delta-8 THC and THC-O is in the chemical makeup of the compounds. Delta-8 THC occurs naturally in cannabis plants, especially hemp plants, and is often referred to as diet weed in comparison to the more popular Delta-9 THC. THC-O does not occur naturally in cannabis plants and is therefore created through chemical processes in the laboratory.

Delta-8 THC is ideal for therapeutic uses as it is frequently used for sleep and pain while only inducing a mild head high. THC-O is believed to be roughly 6 times more potent than Delta-8 THC. In addition to the feelings of euphoria it provides, it also induces psychedelic hallucinogenic effects in users.

THC-O vs Delta-9

Delta-9 THC is what most people refer to when they mention THC. It is the most popular THC isomer, and it occurs naturally in cannabis plants. By contrast, THC-O does not occur naturally and is synthetically created via chemical processes. THC-O can be created using Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC.

THC-O effects and side effects are similar to those induced by Delta-9 THC. However, THC-O users describe it as roughly 3 times more potent than Delta-9 THC, describing it as offering a more powerful high, feelings of euphoria, and relaxation. While THC-O offers powerful effects for recreational uses, Delta-9 THC renders the classic head-high effect.