Studies about delta-9 THC-O acetate are limited

The bottom line

Delta-9 THC-O acetate is a synthetic derivative of cannabis and causes psychoactive effects like those of delta-9 THC. There are limited available studies of delta-9 THC-O acetate’s clinical effects in humans, so caution is advised when using this product.

Prevention Tips

Be familiar with state and local laws regarding the possession, sale, or use of cannabis and its derivatives. Remember that the recreational use of cannabis remains illegal on a federal level.
Keep all cannabis and cannabinoid products out of reach of children.
Remember that recreational cannabis products can contain contaminants or other ingredients that could cause unwanted side effects.

This Really Happened

In October 2021, the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) experienced an increase in reports of dangerous side effects in people who used medical marijuana products. The reported adverse events included difficulty speaking, vomiting, and seizures. Testing of one medical marijuana product, called “Platinum OG Sugar,” was performed and revealed the presence of THC-O-acetate. As THC-O-acetate is not a medical marijuana product, the OMMA recommended that medical marijuana users review Certificates of Analysis available at licensed medical marijuana dispensaries to verify the quality and safety of product ingredients.

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What Is Delta-9 THC-O-acetate?

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-O-acetate (THC-O-acetate) is not a natural cannabinoid; it is a synthetic derivative of cannabis. It comes as a thick, dark oil and has no flavor or odor. It can be formulated into a variety of products from edibles, such as gummies, to vape oil.

What are the effects of THC-O-acetate

The effects of THC-O-acetate are probably similar to those of other cannabinoids. Online sellers of THC-O-acetate claim that it is 3 times more potent than delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (the active ingredient in marijuana) and that it also has psychedelic actions. The few published studies that have looked at its effects have not produced results that would support either of these claims. Given the lack of human studies surrounding THC-O-acetate, caution is advised for anyone who chooses to synthesize, sell, or use this product.

Since the production and sale of THC-O-acetate is not regulated in the US, the exact composition and concentration of these products will vary. There is no standardized dosing of delta-9 THC-O-acetate for humans, and users should be aware that unwanted psychoactive signs or symptoms, including confusion, excessive drowsiness, and hallucinations, might occur after exposure to products containing THC-O-acetate.

Hallucinogenic in history

Surprisingly, the US government might possess the most detailed information about the clinical effects of THC-O-acetate in humans. In a series of classified experiments dating from 1950 to 1975, the US government studied the effects of hallucinogenic drugs, nerve gases, and other chemicals on human soldiers. These studies were conducted at the US Army Laboratories at the Edgewood Arsenal facility in Maryland and are currently known as the “Edgewood Arsenal human experiments.”

The purpose of these experiments, which involved thousands of soldiers, was to test the impact of non-lethal but still incapacitating chemical warfare agents on military personnel. Synthetic cannabis analogues, likely including THC-O-acetate, were included in these studies, but the results of these experiments were never formally released to the public.

Is THC-O-acetate legal in the US?

In 2018, the US Farm Bill was passed with the purpose of supporting and stabilizing agricultural programs in the US. Legislation included in the 2018 Farm Bill approved the sale and possession of hemp. Hemp is Cannabis sativa that is grown specifically for industrial use, including the manufacture of rope, yarn, and burlap. The 2018 Farm Bill allows for the commercial sale and use of hemp, with the strict definition that hemp cannot contain more than 0.3% delta-9 THC. The bill does not address the possession, use, or sale of other products that can be derived from hemp like THC-O-acetate.

In 2023, the US Drug Enforcement Agency declared that THC-O-acetate is a Schedule 1 substance (having no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse). This makes THC-O-acetate effectively illegal in the US. Despite this, the internet hosts many websites offering THC-O-acetate for sale.

What to do if someone is exposed to Delta-9 THC

For help with an exposure to THC-O acetate, use the webPOISONCONTROL^® online tool or call your poison center at 1-800-222-1222. Whether online or by phone, expert guidance is always free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.