THC acetate ester (THC-O-acetate, THC acetate, O-acetyl-Δ8-THC, THC-O, ATHC) is the acetate ester of THC. THC acetate ester (THC-Oa or THCOa) can be synthesized from THC, or from THCA. The acetylation of THC does not change the properties of the compound to the same extent as with other acetate esters, as the parent compound (THC) is already highly lipophilic, but potency is nonetheless increased to some extent. THCOa does not naturally occur in hemp or cannabis plants, and is a entire synthetic, lab-created derivative, notable in that it is one of the few analogues of THC sold as a recreational drug.
THC-O-acetate is not scheduled at the federal level in the United States, but it could be considered an analog of THC, in which case purchase, sale, or possession could be prosecuted under the Federal Analog Act.
Alert from the Web Monitoring Team: Online mentions of THC-O-acetate
Context: This alert was prompted by algorithmic monitoring of 80+ drug-oriented Subreddits.
What was found? Subreddit discussion for the drug THC-O-acetate emerged on Reddit in Fall 2021 and peaked in early 2022, with hundreds of mentions each month this year.
To what does THC-O-acetate refer? THC-O-acetate is an acetate ester of THC with reportedly higher potency than THC.
How is it being discussed? While the legal status of the drug in the US is unclear, commenters overwhelmingly consider THC-O-acetate to be a legal cannabinoid available for purchase. Commenters report the drug as having three times the potency of THC.
Drug Terms: THC-O-acetate, THC-O, THCO, THCOA.