Is THC-O Legal in Tennessee?

Yes, THC-O is legal in Tennessee. After the passage of the federal 2018 Farm Bill, Tennessee enacted Senate Bill 357 to remove hemp from the definition of marijuana. In addition, SB 357 delisted all hemp-derived cannabinoids from the state's controlled substances list. This officially made several hemp-derived plant compounds legal in the state. In May 2023, Tennessee passed Senate Bill 378 to specifically allow the manufacture and sale of THC-O and other intoxicating cannabinoids derived from hemp, including Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC. Adults aged 21 years or older can purchase THC-O-based products online or from licensed CBD dispensaries located in the state.

What is THC-O?

THC-O or tetrahydrocannabinol-O-acetate is not a cannabinoid that is naturally present in the hemp plant. Rather, it is synthesized in the lab beginning with the extraction of CBD from the hemp plant and its conversion to Delta-8 THC. Afterward, Delta-8 THC is mixed with acetic anhydride, a volatile, corrosive, and flammable solvent, to produce THC-O. This process strips the resulting compound (THC-O) of terpenes and flavonoids, leaving a potent THC isolate with no aroma or flavor.

THC-O is psychoactive and produces a "high" that is more potent than those of Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC. Early evidence revealed that its potency can be four or five times stronger than Delta-8 THC and two or three times more potent than Delta-9 THC. However, the effects can vary from person to person. Due to its intense potency, THC-O is often a substitute where conventional THC does not provide the desired therapeutic impact, for instance, in pain relief. Popular THC-O-based products are available as oil, tinctures, flowers, vapes, and edibles. These products are safe for human consumption, except for smokable THC-O forms. Due to its acetic anhydride content, when exposed to heat, THC-O releases a harmful gas known as ketene, which can cause lung injury.

Is THC-O Legal Under Federal Law?

No, federal law prohibits the use, sale, or manufacture of THC-O products. Contrary to popular belief that the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 permits the production of THC-O, being a derivative of hemp, THC-O is illegal under federal law. This revelation was made by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) through a letter dated February 13th, 2023. In the letter, the DEA reaffirmed that synthetic THC compounds, like THC-O, are Schedule I controlled substances. Because it is not naturally present in hemp, THC-O does not fall within the definition of hemp.

How Long Does THC-O Last in the Body?

While the effects of THC-O can last in the body for some hours, typically between 2 and 8 hours, its metabolite lasts longer in the body. The major metabolite, 11-hydroxy-THC, can stay in the body for several weeks after the last consumption of THC-O. However, how long it lasts in the user's system before leaving completely (passed out in urine or feces) is determined by several factors, including the following:

Frequency of use
Metabolic rate
Delivery method or product type
Amount of THC-O ingested
Body fat percentage
Time of last dose

Can You Fail a Drug Test From Using THC-O?

Yes. THC-O consumers, especially regular and heavy users, will likely fail drug tests for cannabis. This is because standard drug tests look for THC metabolites like 11-hydroxy-THC, produced from the metabolism of THC-O in the body. As a result, anyone who intends to take a drug test for employment or other purposes is advised to stay away from THC products for a few days or several weeks, depending on the type of test.

The detection window by standard drug tests of THC-O after the consumption of THC-O-infused products depends on many factors. These include the frequency of use, dosage, and the body's metabolic rate. Generally, blood tests can detect the presence of THC-O in the body for up to 48 hours after the last dosing. The most commonly administered drug test, urine tests, can detect THC-O metabolite for between 5 and 30 days after the last use. Usually, THC-O can remain detectable in saliva for up to 72 hours after consumption. The most sensitive of these tests, hair follicle tests, can detect THC-O metabolite for up to 90 days.

THC-O vs Delta-8

While THC-O is a synthetic cannabinoid of the hemp plant, Delta-8 THC can be found naturally, although in small quantities, in hemp. These two cannabinoids have psychoactive properties, but lab tests have revealed that Delta-8 THC is about four or five times less potent than THC-O. Similarly, first-hand THC-O users have reported feeling a stronger "high" than the type produced by Delta-8 THC. Delta-8 THC's effects are gentle and relaxing, unlike THC-O, which has a stronger psychedelic potential. Several THC-O consumers have said they had spiritual-like experiences that almost put them on the brink of hallucinations.

Both THC-O and Delta-8 THC provide almost similar therapeutic benefits. For example, they are beneficial for pain relief, increased appetite, inflammation reduction, and anxiety alleviation. However, they can also cause some side effects, particularly when abused. Downsides of using Delta-8 THC include lethargy, dry mouth, increased heart rate, dry eyes, and elevated anxiety. Using THC-O in large quantities can also lead to cold sweats, sedation, drop in blood sugar levels, anxiety, memory impairment (short term), and headaches.

THC-O vs Delta-9

THC-O is a synthetic cannabinoid that is extracted from hemp or marijuana through a series of chemical processes in the lab, but Delta-9 THC is found naturally in large concentrations in hemp. Delta-9 THC is believed to be less potent than THC-O, and reports from consumers suggest that THC-O is two or three times stronger than Delta-9 THC. While both cannabinoids are psychoactive, THC-O comes with similar benefits or effects to Delta-9 THC, but in smaller doses. Hence, users are often advised to approach THC-O consumption with caution, usually from the smallest doses, because of its potential to produce a very strong "high".

The benefits of taking Delta-9 THC include relaxation, relief from inflammation, improved sensory perception, reduced anxiety, and increased appetite. However, users can also experience side effects such as sedation, feelings of unease, dry eyes and mouth, low blood pressure, and paranoia. The potential benefits of consuming THC-O include inflammation curbing, nausea and vomiting reduction, stress reduction, and pain alleviation. The side effects include anxiety, headaches, problems with coordination, confusion, dizziness, and fast heart rate.