10/16/2021
There's a huge rush of people that can't wait to try THC-O - and that's understandable as it's new to the market. But, don't you want to know a few things first? Since it's not from the plant - are we sure we want to use this 'oil' created in the lab - what exactly is in it and should any of us have concerns?
Most aren't aware most of the "THC-O Acetate" isn't the stuff from decades gone by - it's Delta 8 turned into it. So now it's Isolate converted to D8 converted to THC-O. This was done as states are banning D8 or restricting sales - it wasn't done because patients need THC-O or because there's any type of known benefit scientifically from Delta 8 THC-O. My position would be a bit different if it were D9 THC-O flooding the market - but not much.
THC-O acetate is what's called a semi-synthetic derivative, or analog. Through a chemical process using a very toxic chemical called acetic anhydride, you can turn some delta-9 THC into THC-O acetate. (No Rocket Scientist needed, google supplies this basic info) Issue #1
D8 THC-O is now all over the market with people believing they're going to buy or are using D9 THC-O. Issue #2
He**in is prepared by treating morphine with acetyl chloride or acetic anhydride (wait, that's how THC-O is made - is that legal?).
It is a simple reaction and the yields are generally quantitative. Nowadays the whole process is illegal. Morphine is the major alkaloid present in the o***m poppy. (Again basic Google info) Issue #3
In February 1978 the U.N. condemned the use of Acetyl Chloride and most nations banned it due to the above very valid 'google info'. See here: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/Resolutions/resolution_1978-02-22_2.html Definitely an Issue.. #4 (3 strikes and generally you're out.. right?)
As a researcher, I must stay objective regardless of my distaste for something that creates he**in and is globally resolved to be an item of danger in a UNTC (Treaty Resolution) that the U.S. ratified.
So let's go deeper on the United States position on this chemical:
Let's pay attention to what can happen if this is ingested, inhaled, or gets on the skin: https://inchem.org/documents/icsc/icsc/eics0210.htm Now we're to issue #5
Digging through Cornell Law we see that it is a chemical of interest to the US DEA: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/21/802 Issue #6 makes this one easy - D8 THC-O is a temporary item on the market much like D8 has been. And much like D8, it has no research or science behind it to prove it's medicine.
THC-0 is not yet scheduled which is why it's been released in mass amounts all over the nation by converting D8 that's being banned. While the cannabinoid could have some positive therapeutic aspects to it (if it were D9), I fail to see the necessity to create a synthetic and amp up the ability of an already abundantly available cannabinoid (Delta 9 THC).
D9 THC-O is far from new and has decades of history behind it nearing almost a century as it's the acetate that was used in the famed Mind Control "MK Ultra" experiments our own government did - making THC stronger was the name of the game. Delta 8 THC-O has absolutely no research or history like that behind it - but is available for sale now.
Regardless of any possible therapeutics within this, risk vs. gain must be measured and ample research hasn't been done to this point to objectively state that the cannabinoid, regardless of how it is made, is safe for short or long term human consumption or inhalation.
But I think people should decide for themselves. I just want to inform and give my own position on it. When those that make it and/or use it get defensive over this position I get concerned - consumers deserve to know what they're using.
Personally, as a recovering Pharma Opioid Addict, I don't want my cannabinoids made in the same manner or with the same very dangerous and toxic substance that He**in is made with.
Measures against the use of acetic anhydride or acetyl-chloride in the illicit manufacture of he**in
