THC-O, a new synthetic form of THC, has taken the cannabis industry by storm. It's significantly more potent than traditional Delta 9 THC and can be found in various forms, including edibles, tinctures, and vape cartridges. If you're wondering when THC-O will kick in and how long does THC-O last?—we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about THC-O, including its onset time and duration of effects.
What Is THC-O?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-O) is a synthetic form of THC that has become popular in the cannabis industry. Most of us are familiar with Delta 9 THC, the primary intoxicating cannabinoid naturally found in cannabis. Unlike Delta 9 THC, THC-O is a man-made compound. It's made by adding an acetyl group to the THC molecule. That’s why you may also hear THC-O referred to as THC-O acetate.
By adding an acetyl group to Delta 9 THC, the end result is a much more potent version of the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. When consumed, THC-O provides a powerful high that some users describe as more intense than traditional THC. It's said to be three times stronger than regular THC, which means that even experienced users should use it with caution. The effects of THC-O can last for several hours, depending on how much was consumed and the user's tolerance.
Up until recently, THC-O was still legal in many states. However, there are some concerns about its safety and legality. Since this cannabinoid is a synthetic compound, it wasn’t regulated in the same way as natural cannabinoids like THC or CBD. However, some states have banned the sale of THC-O products.
In February 2023, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) declared Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC-O as federally illegal because they don’t exist in the hemp plant naturally. With that said, many retailers are still offering THC-O products.
Many products contain THC-O, including edibles, tinctures, and vape cartridges. It’s important to remember that THC-O is a synthetic compound with unknown long-term effects, and more research is needed to fully understand its impact on the body.
How Long Does THC-O Take to Hit?
If you're considering trying THC-O, one of the most common questions you may have is, “How long for THC-O to kick in?” There are not a lot of studies on THC-O, its effects, or how long it takes to work.
However, THC-O users divulge that it can take anywhere from immediately to 20 minutes before its effects are felt. In some cases, experiencing THC-O effects could take up to an hour, depending on the product and method of consumption.
It’s crucial to remember that everyone's body reacts differently, so your own experience may vary. Factors such as the individual's tolerance, metabolism, and the serving consumed can also affect the onset time of THC-O's effects.
THC-O is extremely potent. It's recommended to start with a small serving size and wait for the effects to kick in before consuming more to avoid taking too much and experiencing unpleasant side effects.
How Long Does THC-O Take to Kick In If You’re Vaping?
When it comes to vaping THC-O, the onset time of its effects is relatively quick. This is because the vapor is inhaled directly into the lungs, where it's quickly absorbed by the body.
The THC-O molecules are then transported throughout the body, eventually reaching the brain. Here, THC-O binds to cannabinoid receptors, resulting in its psychoactive effects.
It’s vital to note that recent studies have found some concerning evidence that inhaling THC-O could be dangerous for lung health. Take this into consideration before making any THC-O vape purchases.
How Long for THC-O to Work If It’s In Edibles?
If you're consuming THC-O in the form of edibles, you can expect a longer onset time than with vaping. Generally, it takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour for the effects of THC-O to be felt when consumed as an edible.
The reason for this is that edibles need to be digested and metabolized by the liver before the THC-O molecules can enter the body and eventually reach the brain. The duration of the effects may also be longer when consuming THC-O in the form of edibles compared to vaping. It's essential to be patient when consuming THC-O edibles and avoid consuming too much before the effects fully kick in to avoid overconsumption and potential side effects.
How Long for THC-O to Kick In If You Have a High Tolerance?
If you have a high tolerance to THC, it may take longer for the effects of THC-O to kick in. Generally, those with higher tolerances require a larger intake to feel its effects and may also experience a longer onset time.
Keep in mind that THC-O is a potent compound, and even those with a high tolerance should start with a small serving and wait for the effects to fully kick in before consuming more. This will help avoid overconsumption and potential side effects such as temporary paranoia or nausea. Depending on the product and method of consumption, it could take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour or more for the effects of THC-O to be felt if you have a high tolerance.
How Many mg of THC-O Should I Take?
THC-O is a synthetic molecule and isn’t well-studied. Therefore, there isn’t an exact recommendation for how much THC-O you should consume.
The amount of THC-O you should take depends on several factors such as your tolerance, body weight, and experience with THC products. As a general rule of thumb, it's recommended to start with a low serving and gradually increase it until you reach your desired effects.
For those new to THC-O or those with a low tolerance, a good starting serving is between 2-5mg. For those with more experience or higher tolerances, a starting serving size of 10mg is a good place to begin.
You should wait for the effects to fully kick in before consuming more to avoid overconsumption and potential adverse side effects. Additionally, it's crucial to always follow the serving instructions provided by the product's manufacturer and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
How Long Does THC-O Last?
The effects of THC-O can vary depending on the serving size and method of consumption. Generally, the effects can last anywhere from 3 to 8 hours. However, this can vary from person to person based on factors like individual tolerance, metabolism, and the amount consumed.
Remember, the duration of the effects may be longer when consuming THC-O in the form of edibles compared to vaping. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, always follow the suggested serving instructions provided by the product's manufacturer and consume responsibly.
Consuming THC-O Responsibly
THC-O is a potent synthetic cannabinoid that's starting to come under scrutiny in the eyes of the law. You should consume this cannabinoid responsibly. It produces intense psychoactive effects and is available in various forms such as vape cartridges, edibles, and tinctures.
When consuming THC-O, it's essential to start with a small serving size and pay attention to how you respond to it. The onset time of THC-O can vary depending on the method of consumption, with vaping or smoking taking effect within 5-15 minutes and edibles taking up to an hour. Lastly, the duration of THC-O effects can last anywhere from 3-8 hours, depending on several factors such as the amount consumed and an individual’s tolerance.
As with all cannabis products, always consume responsibly and follow the instructions provided by the product's manufacturer.
Hannah Smith is Joy Organics Director of Communications. She is driven by her passion for providing clear and accessible wellness and CBD education. In 2015, she received her BA in Media, Culture and the Arts from The King’s College in New York City and before Joy Organics, worked as writer and photographer in the Middle East and North Africa. Her work has been featured on Forbes, Vice, Vox, Denver Post, and the Coloradoan.
