THC-O is one of the most potent widely available cannabinoids on the market. It is a synthetically created compound that is believed to be three times as strong as delta-9 THC. However, it is technically legal because manufacturers create it using hemp. Therefore, as long as products meet the terms of the 2018 Farm Bill, they are federally legal. Yet, some states have banned the cannabinoid, meaning THC-O is unavailable in some states.
Therefore, when looking for products such as THC-O capsules, you must ensure that the substance is legal in your region. Speaking of capsules, they are among the most popular THC-O products because of their convenience and ease of use. Another reason is their enormous potency. Only experienced marijuana users with a high THC tolerance are advised to swallow a 25mg THC-O capsule!
You might be wondering why THC-O capsules have such strong effects. This article will provide the answer.
Consumption Method Matters
Some people view the fact that THC-O capsules take so long to have an effect as a downside. It is true that if you orally consume marijuana, it can take up to two hours to have an effect, although some users will notice that they’re getting high before this point.
It takes a long time to get high from an edible due to the long journey the cannabinoid takes. When you swallow a THC-O capsule, the compound is absorbed into the bloodstream via the digestive system. Therefore, the pill travels to the small intestine before releasing the cannabinoids into your bloodstream.
Also, the first pass effect, the term used to describe the metabolism of drugs or chemicals in the intestine or liver, reduces the absorption rate of whatever you’re consuming. In simple terms, a lower percentage of the cannabinoid will make it to your bloodstream compared to other consumption methods.
In contrast, if you vape THC-O, you will feel the effects extremely quickly because the cannabinoid gets to your bloodstream through the lungs. It is a short journey, and the absorption rate is quite high, with no first-pass effect to navigate. However, don’t assume that THC-O capsules are ‘weaker’ than vaped THC-O. Indeed, this is not the case at all!
THC-O Capsules Are POTENT: Here’s Why
Orally ingested cannabinoids provide a significantly more potent experience than when you smoke or vape them. The bioavailability rate relative to smoked marijuana is higher than many people realize. Remember, when you smoke weed, the heat of combustion can actually destroy many of the cannabinoids. In contrast, when you ingest weed, the cannabinoids are preserved as they enter your body.
Perhaps more pertinently, when you eat marijuana, the THC is processed by the liver and produces 11-hydroxy-THC metabolite, which is believed to be five times more potent than delta-9 THC.
When it comes to THC-O, you should know that it is a prodrug. This means that it’s a compound that must be metabolized for it to activate. Once it is metabolized, an extremely bioavailable version of delta-9 THC remains. This means it circulates well in the body, and a large percentage of it is absorbed.
The other issue with THC-O capsules is how easy they are to use. In general, this is a good thing, but when dealing with such a powerful compound, it is very easy to get carried away. For instance, if you consume a single 25mg THC-O capsule, it is the equivalent of consuming up to 75mg of delta-9 THC in capsule form.
We must point out that this is a massive dose beyond the capabilities of anyone who isn’t a vastly experienced marijuana user with a high THC tolerance.
Final Thoughts on Why THC-O Capsules Are Potent
As you consume THC-O capsules orally, how it is metabolized produces a more powerful effect. Also, THC-O is a prodrug, which means it is activated once it is metabolized in the body. Finally, the cannabinoid is about three times as potent as delta-9 THC.
Combining all of the above makes it obvious why THC-O capsules provide such an intoxicating high. Realistically, it is a great product for anyone with a very high THC tolerance looking to experience a new type of high. For everyone else, it is perhaps best to try THC-O in other forms, preferably via products that allow you to take tiny quantities at first.
