
What is THCO?
, by Peter Corstjens, 6 min reading time
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, by Peter Corstjens, 6 min reading time
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has been loved and adored the world over. The problem with THC is that in its natural form it is not easily absorbed by our bodies. Through the actual chemical attributes of THC being lipophilic (fat-loving) it prevents easy absorption into our water based body, the amount of absorption is commonly referred to as bioavailability. The solution to this dilemma has been adding a compound commonly referred to as acetate ester to the THC. This acetylation of THC like many other medicines improves the bioavailability of THC. This acetylation can be done with most cannabinoids and this article will focus on Delta 8 THC-O-acetate (THC-O).
Now that we have understood that THC-O is more bioavailable version of THC, we can get more into how it differs and contrasts with Delta 8 THC. First of all let’s talk about potency and how THC-O increases bioavailability of THC which magnifies the medicinal effects. When THC-O is introduced to the body, we have enzymes that cleave or remove the acetate ester from the THC leaving it to readily bind to receptors. This is the simplified version of THC-Os workings but hopefully what is understood is that it does not make THC more potent but ensures a much greater amount passes the blood-brain barrier allowing a much higher concentration of THC in the bloodstream giving the feeling as it is more potent. That being said the consensus of the effects of THC-O through social media is that it does indeed feel significantly stronger than THC alone. A majority of consumers report that the medicinal effects of THC-O are most noted in its longer duration and a feeling of higher potency. Also it should be noted that due to the acetate removal, it can take anywhere from 15-30 minutes for THC-O to be felt after consumption vaporization included.
So how is THC-O beneficial to the consumer? The very first reaction when it is vaporized is how it is so smooth on the throat and lungs. Whereas Delta 8 THC is considered harsh and can invoke coughing fits Delta 8 THC-O is like vaping air. I know from personal experience that there is a profound difference between the two where D8 THC-O causes no irritation to my throat or lungs. One of the true shining points of THC-O is its use in edibles. When Delta 8 THC-O is ingested as an edible it is noted by many consumers for being almost as powerful as Delta 9 THC in an edible form. THC-O is really a super version of THC, with THC-O, typically lasting substantially longer, feels stronger and includes all the medicinal effects of THC alone. One last true benefit for anyone using THC-O is that it is nowhere as viscous as Delta 8 THC, making it very easy to work with or make mixes.
Vivimu who has been setting the standard in the cannabinoid marketplace and were actually one of the first suppliers to offer Delta 8 THC-O and through this experience have produced a superior product. Vivimu’s production experience and hard work into developing a better THC-O is now offering this amazing product in bulk distillate form with just over 91% concentration. The distillate offers a wide array of possible products for any person at home. Terpenes can be mixed with the distillate for vaping just as any other cannabinoid. If you would like to make your own THC-O edibles or tincture this distillate will push it to the next level. You will be amazed by the ease when working with THC-O; it is almost workable at room temperature but will be a breeze with just a little added heat. If you prefer to try your THC-O ready to consume look no further than Elyxr LA Gummies offered on the Vivimu website. These THC-O Gummies are 100% vegan and gluten free, and deliver a potent dose of 20mg of D8 THC and 5mg of THC-O per gummy. Each container includes 20 gummies available in two flavors Grape and Mango.
One of the most important decisions in purchasing THC-O is where can I purchase it knowing that it is safe, effective and at a fair price? When considering possible vendors for purchasing THC-O it is very important to check details such as claimed concentration. Since THC-O is relatively new to the hemp marketplace there is not much published studies on it. In this case a search of social media with reviews of products will also quickly narrow down the choices. An example of a reliable vendor is Vivimu, who has been producing THC-O for longer than most, and in combination by researching social media you will find their products consistently receive stellar reviews. Try to avoid vendors known for questionable products and give misleading information in products description.
There are some special notes that are unique to THC-O that should be considered in where to source it. THC-O needs to be stored with 3 different important factors; refrigeration, no exposure to air and no light. Look to ensure there is a 3rd party C.O.A. or lab results available. When looking at the THC-O to purchase compare the date of the Certificate of Adequacy to determine how long ago it was likely made. You can even ask the vendor how it is stored. Once you purchase some ensure you store it according to the 3 factors mentioned above.
The bottom line is that D8 THC-O is a better version of D8 THC. It significantly increases the bioavailability of D8 THC to the endocannabinoid system. THC-O has some attributes that make it much more appealing to the end user including; smooth vapor, feeling “more potent” and a much longer duration. THC-O when vaped does typically take longer for onset of effects but when taken in edible form it is more comparable to D8 THC in how long it should take to feel the effects. THC-O in distillate form is very easy to work with and is good to mix with thicker distillates to thin them out. There are some special storage considerations for THC-O, being as much as possible avoid, air, high temperatures and direct sunlight. Most of all ensure that you purchase from a reputable vendor who is established and is easy to verify with non-biased reviews. If you’re looking to up your cannabinoid game THC-O is a contender for sure!