Cannabis News
Psychedelic Cannabis: What is it?
Cannabis being seen as a psychedelic is an outdated school of thought. There was once a fictional idea – encouraged by the United States government during the ‘War on Drugs’ – where people believed that was what cannabis would do. It would make you insane, cause you to act like an agent of chaos.
The science is now backing up the reality of how cannabis affects humans, and studies are finding that cannabis use can lead to a variety of adverse health effects. Paranoia and even visual hallucinations, coupled with psychotic episodes, are potential negative side effects of long-term use with very high THC count cannabis.
Consumers may feel overwhelmed by head-buzzing psychedelic experiences caused by stronger strains of marijuana available on the black market now. Sugars and diamonds, some of the strongest “designer” cannabis products ever made, are trendy cannabinoid concentrate products. They can be almost 60-90% pure THC, a far higher percentage than any medical cannabis would ever contain.
THC-O: Psychedelic cannabis
Now comes THC-O, an unregulated hemp derivative synthesized from Delta 8 THC extractions, that is being sold in CBD shops that also sell Delta 8 THC products. As powerful as a magic mushroom, THC-O is supposedly three times more potent than Delta 8 THC.
As a result of its chemical similarities to Delta 9 THC, the intoxicating compound of cannabis plants, THC-O has similar effects, but because it binds more tightly to cannabinoid receptors than Delta 8 and Delta 9 it is more intoxicating than both.
The effects of THC-O are more delayed. It’s known as a “prodrug,” which means that the THC-O you swallow or inhale isn’t activated by heat like most THC. Like THC edibles, THC-O’s effects aren’t felt until it’s fully processed through the body, which could result in accidental higher doses and therefore, more psychedelic effects.
The popularity of THC-O has led to little actual lab research, and there are other concerns as well. Tests for THC-O have been developed by a DEA-licensed laboratory that can test for 22 different cannabinoids and is able to determine the level of chemicals in a product, especially the effects it may have on the body. They discovered quantities of acetic anhydride, a highly corrosive chemical which can burn skin and cause possible lung and eye damage.
As it grows in popularity, it is likely that the legislation will change around this new compound, but it will almost certainly still be available on the black market, where regulation is non-existent.
