Yes, consuming THC-O can leave you feeling just as high as regular THC products—if not higher.

THC-O (tetrahydrocannabinol-O-acetate) is one of many synthetic cannabinoids hitting dispensary shelves.

Unlike naturally occurring cannabinoids, THC-O is lab-made through a multi-step process, beginning with CBD (cannabidiol) extracted from hemp. In this process, CBD is converted to Delta-8 THC, which is then combined with acetic anhydride to create THC-O.

The appeal of THC-O lies in its potency. Dubbed the “psychedelic cannabinoid,” it appears to deliver more psychedelic-like effects than typical cannabinoids like Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or CBD.

THC-O is believed to be about three times stronger than Delta-9 THC and five times stronger than Delta-8, which may explain the intense highs some users report.

But does THC-O really deliver the psychedelic experience people claim it does?

No, THC-O is not a psychedelic substance.

Although it’s often marketed as the “psychedelic cannabinoid,” the truth is more nuanced. THC-O was first identified in 1949 and initially investigated by the U.S. Army as a non-lethal intoxicant. By 1974, it made its way into D. Gold’s Cannabis Alchemy: Art of Modern Hashmaking, where the author later described THC-O as “more spiritual and psychedelic than ordinary substances.”

This mention might be the origin of the misconception that THC-O belongs in the same category as well-known psychedelics like psilocybin mushrooms or LSD.

However, there’s little evidence to support THC-O’s classification as a psychedelic. Psychedelic substances typically act on serotonin receptors in the brain, especially the 5-HT2A receptors, which influence sensory perception and cognition.

These receptors are responsible for the classic visual and auditory changes associated with a psychedelic trip—like what you’d experience with psilocybin or LSD. So far, there’s no indication that THC-O interacts with these receptors in any meaningful way.

A recent study in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs confirms that THC-O’s reputation as a psychedelic is largely exaggerated. Researchers surveyed over 300 THC-O users, and 79% reported that THC-O was “not at all” or only “a little” psychedelic.

Instead, users most commonly report effects similar to those of regular cannabis, such as:

• Relaxation
• Elevated euphoria
• Pain relief

These effects align more with the typical experience of THC rather than a psychedelic substance.

The consensus from user-focused forums like Reddit mirrors the findings from the above study. Most users describe THC-O as delivering a cerebral high or a slightly enhanced version of standard THC effects. Others even say it feels indistinguishable from traditional THC products, reinforcing the idea that THC-O, while potent, doesn’t provide the mind-altering experiences associated with psychedelics.

Common effects of consuming THC-O may include:

• Increased euphoria and relaxation
• Pain relief
• Difficulty concentrating
• Altered perception of time
• Increased anxiety or paranoia
• Increased appetite
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Bloodshot eyes

As of 2023, THC-O is federally illegal in the U.S.

The 2018 Farm Bill, a law that legalized hemp-derived cannabis products containing 0.3% THC or less, doesn’t apply to THC-O. Since it’s synthetic and produced in a lab, THC-O falls outside the bill’s definition of hemp. However, the legal status of THC-O still varies by state, with some states imposing stricter regulations while others remain more lenient.

In 2024, THC-O legal states include:

• Connecticut
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wyoming

It’s always a good idea to stay updated on state-specific restrictions for cannabis products, including THC-O, before using them.