How Strong Is THCO? Discover How It Compares to Other Cannabinoids, Its Effects & Legality

“How strong is THCO?” 

Considering the hype around this cannabinoid, mainly due to claims that it’s more powerful than Delta-9 THC, it’s about time we discovered what makes it so unique. 

In this guide, we reveal everything about THCO—from how it feels and how long its effects last to how it compares to other cannabinoids. We’ll also dive deeper into its legality and whether it’s beginner-friendly. 

Let’s dive in!

What Is THCO? 

THCO, short for THC-O-acetate, is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid derived from hemp and legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill, at least initially. 

Unlike naturally occurring cannabinoids like CBD or Delta-9 THC, THCO doesn’t exist in the plant in its natural form. It’s created in a lab using a process that modifies Delta-8 THC using acetic anhydride, a chemical reagent. 

Here’s how THCO is made:

• CBD is extracted from hemp
• CBD is converted into Delta-8 THC
• Acetic anhydride is added to Delta-8 THC
• The result: THCO

The chemical transformation makes THCO unique in terms of potency. Users report it as stronger and longer-lasting than other cannabinoids, with many describing the experience as intensely psychoactive and offering a delayed onset. 

Related: Is 100mg THC Gummies Strong? Potency, Effects & Tolerance 

How Strong Is THCO Compared to Other Popular Cannabinoids?

THCO potency is unique. Anecdotal evidence and user experience notes that it may be up to three times stronger than Delta-9 THC, the main psychoactive element of hemp. 

Compared to Delta-8 and Delta-10, known for their milder, clear-headed effects, THCO is more intense, introspective, and often described as “psychedelic in nature”. 

Considering the powerful, almost spiritual high, it’s often described as a cannabinoid for more seasoned users, delivering a delayed onset and longer-lasting effects. Its slow buildup and strong impact are what make THCO unique, but also potentially overwhelming for the less experienced.

Let’s see how it performs compared to other popular cannabinoids:  

• THCO is believed to be two to three times stronger than Delta-9 THC, with more intense and longer-lasting effects.
• THCO is immersive, almost psychedelic, compared to Delta-8 THC’s gentler, milder,  and more relaxing effects. 
• THCO is more sedative, longer-lasting, and more potent than Delta-10 THC, known for its sativa-like, uplifting high. 
• THCO is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid that’s made in a lab, and the high is described as introspective and spiritual, whereas THCP is the strongest naturally occurring cannabinoid reported to trigger an intensely psychoactive experience.
• THCO provides longer-lasting, but more relaxing properties compared to the short-lived, stimulating high and appetite suppression associated with THCV.

THCO vs. Other Cannabinoids: A Quick Comparison

*Note: THCP is reported to be 30x more active at CB1 receptors than Delta-9, but in practice may feel 1.5–2x stronger. THCO is still often perceived as more introspective or “psychedelic.”

Related: How to Hide the Smell of Weed? 5 Practical Tips That Really Work 

Why Is THCO so Strong?

THCO is potent, which is a result of its unique chemical structure. Unlike naturally occurring cannabinoids, THCO is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid, made in a laboratory via chemical modification of Delta-8 THC via acetylation. 

Because of this chemical modification, THCO can cross the blood-brain barrier more efficiently and bind with the cannabinoid receptors in the brain, resulting in stronger effects, often depicted as more immersive, psychedelic-like. 

This is why THCO is said to be quite different than other cannabinoids and potentially explains the intense high that users report. 

What Does the THCO High Feel Like?

THCO users describe the high as euphoric, intense, and immersive. The onset is delayed, sometimes taking up to half an hour to start. Once the effects begin, the high becomes more potent and lasts longer, with some users describing it as psychedelic. 

This is why many depict the THCO high as spiritual and consciousness-expanding, much different than the mellow high of Delta-8 or the familiar type of high of Delta-9. Some individuals enjoy this intensity, but it may be overwhelming for others, especially for beginners or those with a low THC tolerance.

The most common effects that users report are: 

• Altered perception of space and time
• Strong euphoria 
• An intense cerebral buzz
• Heightened sensory awareness 
• Deep relaxation 
• Visual or auditory distortions (more common with higher doses)

Related: Best CBD Hemp Flower Pre Rolls | Indica | Sativa | and CBG 

How Long Does THCO Last?

THCO is known for its slow onset and long duration. Compared to Delta-8 or Delta-9, which usually take effect within several minutes when inhaled, THCO can take up to 30 minutes or longer to kick in, especially when you vape it or consume it as an edible. 

Once they start unfolding, the effects can last anywhere from four to eight hours. The exact duration depends on the dose, way of consumption, and one’s tolerance. 

Some users have reported lingering effects that extend beyond the usual time frame, especially when consuming higher amounts. THCO may feel intense because of the delayed, yet longer-lasting high, so it’s vital to be extra careful and patient before you up the dose. 

Since the effects don’t kick right away, you may assume you’ve taken less, leading to overconsumption and a higher risk of feeling overwhelmed and a “bad trip”.

Is THCO Too Potent for Beginners?

Generally speaking, THCO is not recommended for beginners, given its psychoactive intensity and strength. It’s less approachable than other cannabinoids like Delta-8, known for its milder, relaxing effects. 

It may overwhelm those who have less experience with different cannabinoids or a low tolerance to THC. 

If you’re a beginner who’s curious about trying THCO, approach it cautiously and mindfully:

• Begin with the lowest dose possible 
• Allow for up to an hour or more for the effects to start 
• Don’t combine THCO with other cannabinoids or substances like alcohol 
• Try it in a comfortable environment and have support if necessary 

Good to know:

Even if you take THCO in small doses, the effects can be surprisingly powerful, especially if you’re accustomed to more subtle experiences. Therefore, it may be best to work up to THCO after you’ve built tolerance with milder cannabinoids.

Related: Delta-8 THC vs. Delta-9 THC: What’s the Difference Between These Two Cannabinoids? 

What Are the Potential Side Effects of THCO?

THCO consumption isn’t risk-free, especially when inhaled. THCO is an acetate ester of THC made from Delta-8 and acetic anhydride. 

When heated in a dab or a vape, it may potentially release ketene, a toxic gas associated with severe lung damage. This risk isn’t exclusive to THCO and applies to any acetate ester exposed to high heat. 

With this in mind, approach inhalable THCO products cautiously, and be aware of the most common side effects: 

• Lightheadedness 
• Dry mouth 
• Dry eyes 
• Dizziness 
• Sedation
• Sleepiness 
• Low blood pressure
• Disorientation
• Changes in color 
• Changes in brightness perception 

How to Use THCO Safely?

To avoid the potential risks associated with unsafe products, use THCO by choosing the right products. 

These are:

Edibles

Experience THCO and avoid lung-related risks, and try edibles. They’re pre-dosed and predictable, so you will need to worry less about taking the wrong amount, like taking too much or too little. 

Oils

THCO oil products combine THCO extract and carrier oils. They may be a suitable choice for users seeking precise doses since you can measure the dose to the drop using a metered dropper. 

Be Cautious with THCO Vapes, Dabs, and Flower 

Due to the risk of exposing your lungs to ketene, a harmful by-product, tread carefully with THCO inhalation that includes: 

• Vapes through which THC-O in vapor form is inhaled
• Flower sprayed with THCO distillate, which can be smoked as a joint
• Dabs, types of concentrates inhaled using a dab rig 

Related:  Will Delta 8 THC Make You Fail a Drug Test? 

Is THCO Psychedelic?

THCO’s potency is one of the reasons why it’s so popular, but it’s not the only one—users claim it has psychedelic effects, similar to those of psilocybin or LSD. However, many scientists have questioned this claim and described it as marketing hype and a placebo. 

In 2023, researchers at the University of Buffalo, New York, surveyed more than 300 participants who had used THCO. They were asked to indicate the degree to which they felt sensations when they used THCO, including hallucinations and an altered sense of time. 

79 percent of the surveyed said that THCO wasn’t psychedelic or mildly so. With this in mind, THCO cannot be considered psychedelic for everyone and may not trigger psychedelic effects in all users.

Is THCO Legal?

The legal status of THCO in the US has evolved and is complex, both in terms of federal and state regulations. 

THCO’s Federal Legal Status 

At first, THCO was considered legal under the 2018 Farm Bill that legalized hemp-derived products with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. But, in early 2023, the DEA classified THCO as a Schedule I controlled substance on the basis that it doesn’t occur naturally in cannabis and it’s synthetically produced.

However, in September 2024, the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruled that hemp-derived THCO is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, concluding that the language of this law encompasses all hemp-derived cannabinoids, regardless of their natural occurrence, as long as they are below the 0.3% Delta-9 THC threshold. 

THCO’s State-by-State Legality 

Although THCO is legal per the federal court ruling, individual states have the authority to regulate specific cannabinoids. Some states have laws that limit or ban the sale and possession of THCO, regardless of its federal status. 

As a result, THCO legality varies from state to state. 

States Where THCO Is Legal or Unrestricted

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

States Where THCO Is Possibly Illegal and Restricted

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Mississippi
• Montana
• New York
• Rhode Island
• Utah
• Vermont

Good to know:

States retain the authority to regulate or ban cannabinoids, and laws change quickly, so check the latest regulations in your state before buying hemp-derived THCO.

Final Thoughts: Should You Try THCO?

THCO is described as one of the most powerful cannabinoids today, offering a potent, often unpredictable, and almost certainly intense experience. 

Though this attracts some users, it’s not the best option for everyone. This is especially true for beginners and those with low tolerance who may find the high too intense. 

THCO legality remains somewhat unclear due to varying regulations, and vaping or dabbing it may pose a health risk because of the potential formation of ketene, a harmful by-product associated with severe lung damage. 

If you’re still curious to try it out, purchase it from reliable, proven sellers and start with the lowest dose possible, always prioritizing your safety and health. 

FAQs