THC-O vs. Delta 9: What’s The Difference

It is impossible to dispute the incredible popularity increase of hemp-derived cannabinoids in today’s cannabis markets, from CBD to HHC. All of these novel chemicals were able to enter the market and advance user perception because of the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. However, THCO, Delta 8, and Delta 9 have received a remarkable amount of attention, along with other cannabinoids. So let’s examine each of the three. They’ll square off in the ring together, and we’ll watch them battle it out. Here is our comprehensive comparison of THCO to Delta 8 and Delta 9.

Delta 9 is a cannabis classic that offers an authentic experience that most, if not all, stoners know and adore. On the other hand, THCO, a brand-new cannabinoid, has also generated a lot of buzz in the hemp industry for very opposite reasons. Without a better word, Delta 8 is a rockstar. Due to its uniqueness in the market, it is all over the headlines.

What makes these cannabinoids unique, though? What similarities do they share? Which is superior? We’re here to guide you through the occasionally complex intricacies of cannabinoids extracted from hemp. To discover who won, continue reading.

Table of contents:

• Key Takeaways
• What Is THC-O?
• Delta 9: What Is It?
• How Does THC-O Compare to Delta 9?
• THC-O vs Delta-9-THC: Is it Legal?
• THCO and Delta 9 Show Up on Drug Tests!
• THC-O vs Delta 9: Extraction Process
• THC-O vs Delta 9: Chemical Structure
• THC-O vs Delta-9: What is the experience like?
• THC-O Effects
• Delta- 9 THC Effects
• How do you take Delta-9 vs. THC-O?
• THTHC-O-vs-Delta-9-THC:-Is-it-Legal?C-O vs. Delta 9:  Where’s the Best Online Store

Key Takeaways

• Legal Complexity and Access: Despite both being derived from hemp, Delta 9 THC is subject to stringent state regulations and requires a medical card in some states, while THC-O, as a hemp-derived product, can be purchased online with fewer restrictions.
• Chemical Composition and Potential Effects: THC-O is a synthetic cannabinoid, more potent than Delta 9 and Delta 8, offering a unique psychoactive experience described as trippy compared to the familiar effects of Delta 9.
• Manufacturing Process: THC-O is produced through a complex chemical process involving the acetylation of Delta 8 THC, making it a potent analog of THC that requires careful laboratory conditions for production.
• Variety of Usage Methods: Both THC-O and Delta 9 are available in various forms, including infused products, dabs, and flowers, but THC-O is more restricted in terms of product availability due to its complex production process.

What Is THC-O?

Tetrahydrocannabinol acetate, often known as THC-O or THC-O acetate, is a cannabinoid produced from hemp and not found naturally in cannabis plants. Its extreme intensity, which verges on psychoactive, makes this powerful cannabinoid well-known.

THCO products are extremely different—and much, much safer—than substances like K2 or Spice, despite the fact that the term “synthetic cannabinoids” typically conjures images of harmful and impure non-classical cannabinoids. Chemically speaking, these substances share nothing with THC, whereas THCO is merely one of its more potent analogs.

The extraction method for THCO is quite similar to that of naturally occurring cannabinoids obtained from hemp; THCO is Delta 8 for a brief period of time before becoming THCO! Delta 8 is typically produced by converting CBD from hemp into Delta 8, which is then purified into THCO. 

Here is an example of how the procedure often works:

• Farms are where industrial hemp is grown exclusively in America.
• Hemp is used to produce CBD.
• Delta 8 THC is produced from CBD extract.
• Acetic anhydride is combined with Delta 8 to produce THCO (hence the name THCO acetate).

Simple enough, yes? So even though THCO is regarded as a synthetic cannabinoid, it was actually created by refining organic, naturally occurring substances that were present in the hemp plant.

Related Article: What Is THC-O?

Delta 9: What Is It?

Delta 9 THC or simply “Delta 9” are terms that are frequently used to refer to THC, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol-9. It is a cannabinoid in cannabis that has long been acknowledged as the plant’s main psychoactive component. The cannabinoid most people think of when they consider the potential effects of marijuana is Delta 9; this is the cannabinoid that most people are most familiar with.

Since Delta 9 is widely distributed throughout the cannabis plant, hemp and marijuana are frequently inexpensive and simple to extract. Despite this, hemp and marijuana are not exactly the same. Their best-known distinction is their THC content. Having more than 0.3% THC in a hemp plant is illegal according to the law. On the other hand, “marijuana” is any cannabis plant with a THC content of more than 0.3%.

Related Article: Delta 9 THC: A Comprehensive Guide

How Does THC-O Compare to Delta 9?

After covering the fundamentals, it’s time for the actual comparison: THC-O vs. Delta 9 and THC-O vs. Delta 8. Let’s find out which one you would prefer.

Although delta 8 and delta 9 are closely related to each other in many aspects, and THC-O is simply a more potent analog of THC, these cannabinoids do differ from one another in terms of their chemical structures, methods of extraction, potency, and other factors. Each of these three can be found in a range of legal goods, such as edibles, vapes, dabs, and oils.

Even though THC-O prevails in the potency match, there is still much to learn about the differences between these three cannabinoids. Their chemical distinctions, for instance, start with how each component is made. Unlike delta 8 and delta 9, which are naturally occurring substances, THC-O is a synthetic derivative of hemp that can only be created in a laboratory using acetic anhydride.  

Since they are all made from hemp, according to the 2018 Farm Bill, Delta 8, Delta 9, and THCO are all legal on the federal level. In contrast, Delta 9 must be made from hemp rather than marijuana and be approved by the federal government. Delta 9 THC must have a THC level of less than 0.3% to be regarded as lawful under the 2018 Farm Bill.

Related Article: THC-O vs. Delta 9: What’s The Difference

THC-O vs Delta-9-THC: Is it Legal?

Researchers believe that the legality of cannabis is complicated. Despite the fact that marijuana is prohibited by federal law, certain states have moved toward decriminalizing and legalizing it. Currently, 37 states have legalized cannabis for either medical or recreational purposes.

42 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, DC currently permit the sale of Delta 9 products manufactured from hemp. This indicates that Delta 9, which is made from marijuana, is illegal on the federal level. However, cannabinoids derived from hemp, such as Delta 9, are subject to state regulation, therefore its legality varies depending on which state you are in.

Since THC-O always comes from hemp, it is never against federal law. THC-O is currently permitted in 38 states in the United States, despite the fact that some states limit the use of cannabinoids derived from hemp. Additionally, Delta 8 is prohibited in a number of states. The table below shows which cannabinoids are permitted. The list provided below is subject to change as state regulations and laws are constantly being changed. Please stay on top on the most recent legal developments.

State	Recreational Delta 9	Medicinal Delta 9	Delta 8	THC-O	Hemp-derived Delta 9
Alabama	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Alaska	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Arizona	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Arkansas	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
California	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Restricted
Colorado	Yes	Yes	No	No	Restricted
Connecticut	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Delaware	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
District of Columbia	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Florida	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Georgia	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Hawaii	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Idaho	No	No	No	No	No
Illinois	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Indiana	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Iowa	No	No	No	Yes	Yes
Kansas	No	No	Yes	No	Yes
Kentucky	No	No	Yes	Yes	N/A
Louisiana	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Maine	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Maryland	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Massachusetts	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Michigan	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Minnesota	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Mississippi	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Missouri	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Montana	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Nebraska	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Nevada	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
New Hampshire	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
New Jersey	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
New Mexico	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
New York	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
North Carolina	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
North Dakota	No	Yes	No	Yes	Restricted
Ohio	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Oklahoma	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Oregon	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Pennsylvania	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	N/A
Rhode Island	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
South Carolina	No	No	No	No	Yes
South Dakota	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Tennessee	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Texas	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Utah	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Vermont	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	N/A
Virginia	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Washington	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Restricted
West Virginia	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Wisconsin	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Wyoming	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes

THCO and Delta 9 Show Up on Drug Tests!

Delta 9 generated from any plant and THCO will all result in a positive drug test result because THC metabolites are what drug tests look for. Even in jurisdictions where cannabinoids produced from hemp are legal, using these substances could get you into trouble if your employer conducts a drug test.

Similar to when it is ingested, THC is eventually eliminated through the urine and feces as tiny molecules called THC metabolites, which are produced in the liver as it breaks down and metabolizes THC of all kinds. Your frequency of use, the strength of your goods, the quantity you take, your age, and your metabolism, among other things, all affect how long it takes for your body to flush out these molecules. In terms of study, we are aware of more than 80 distinct metabolites produced when THC is used.

It’s advisable to abstain from all psychoactive hemp-derived cannabinoids for a few weeks before a drug test if you know one is coming up. If you’re caught off guard and are certain that you’ve only taken cannabinoids originating from hemp, you might be able to request from your employer additional tests that more precisely distinguish cannabinoid substances.

THC-O vs Delta 9: Extraction Process

THC-O is more difficult to extract from hemp than Delta 9, which is easier to do. First, CBD is converted to Delta 8 using the acetylation process. This indicates that acetic anhydride is highly flammable and caustic. For this operation, only strictly controlled laboratory environments and materials should be used. Another solid reason to purchase THC-O exclusively from reputable vendors.

THC-O vs Delta 9: Chemical Structure

Beginning with how each component is created, there are distinct chemical differences between Delta 9 THC and THC-O acetate. Both hemp and marijuana include the naturally occurring substance known as Delta 9. THC-O, on the other hand, is a hemp derivative that can only be made by an acetylating procedure in a laboratory. The acetate ester of Delta 9 THC is known as THC-O.

In contrast to THC-O, which is a synthetic form, Delta 9 THC is the analog. THC and THC-O have chemical structures that are comparable but not identical since THC-O lacks those more organic components.

THC-O vs Delta-9: What is the experience like?

True, THC-O and Delta-9 are both psychoactive and will make you feel elevated. It’s also true that THC-O has a higher inherent potency, and many users only need to take lesser amounts to get  potential effects that are comparable to those you might get from regular THC.

However, the impacts are not just distinct in terms of their strength; they are also simply different. To summarize:

THC-O Effects

THC-O may have far stronger potential effects than other hemp-derived THCs like Delta-8 and Delta-10, which are regarded as having milder effects than regular THC. The potential effect is typically described as uplifting, and it can produce strong feelings that many would desire.

It’s even been said that the experience is almost trippy by others, though it’s not clear what amount produced these potential effects. Because THC-O typically provides a  potentially stimulating effect and a slightly diminished body effect compared to other THC compounds, these potential effects may be classified as “Sativa-leaning.”

Because THC-O products still have some of the same side effects as traditional THC, such as impaired coordination and slow reaction time, it is dangerous to drive or operate machinery after using them.

Delta- 9 THC Effects

The “typical” feeling from cannabis is known as the Delta-9 experience. Traditional THC typically provides a buzz that is a little milder than THC-O, but it is still very potent in its own right.

The Delta-9 high frequently also has powerful, slightly more “middle ground” head and body effects. Although certain THC-O products may also help with winding down, you’re more likely to encounter Delta-9 products that are intended to do these things.

How do you take Delta-9 vs. THC-O?

With the exception of actual cannabis flower, THC-O products and Delta-9 can typically be used interchangeably. Both THC-O and Delta-9 concentrates can be utilized similarly to other THC extracts to produce various dosing styles; hence, both cannabinoids are available in a wide range of products, such as:

Edibles

THC edibles can take on a variety of shapes, including conventionally digested edibles and sublingual edibles.

Traditional foods must be processed through digestion after being chewed and swallowed, which could take more than an hour. Sublingual edibles can start working in 15 to 30 minutes and are designed to melt on your tongue. The strengths and formats of edibles that contain THC-O and Delta-9 both vary greatly. 

At ATLRx, we have the best Delta 9 online that is 100% hemp-derived. We have the best THC-O gummies and Delta 9 gummies. We even have delta 9 THC caramel 1ct for sale. Our high caliber products are something we are proud of.

Flower

Delta-9 flower, also known as marijuana, naturally contains large amounts of Delta-9-THC, and smoking cannabis is the most popular way to use Delta-9.

Although THC-O flower is less common, it is not impossible to grow it. THC-O flower is created similarly to Delta-8 flower, wherein CBD-rich hemp flower is sprayed with Delta-8 distillate to produce an aromatic dosing experience with rapid effects. Although many people like hemp flower that has been infused with THC, it might take some time before THC-O flower becomes widely available.

Dabs

Concentrates called “dabs” are typically vaporized with a dab rig. Both for recreational and therapeutic purposes, delta-9 concentrations are widely used. They must be used using a specialized dab rig, and the high concentration usually produces a strong high.

Concentrates are not the most commonly used THC-O product form since THC-O is challenging to make. Even so, be aware that THC-O dabs contain extremely concentrated amounts if you do manage to find them. You should utilize your concentrate materials carefully until you have a firm grasp of your dose threshold because THC-O is already significantly more potent than conventional THC products.

THC-O vs. Delta 9:  Where’s the Best Online Store

We said that in states where cannabis is legal, you may only purchase Delta-9 products from state-licensed dispensaries. You might need a qualifying ailment and a medical card to get Delta-9 because, in some circumstances, it might only be legal for therapeutic use. Additionally, Delta-9 items frequently have a hefty state tax that may be as high as 30%.

On the other side, THC-O is significantly easier to obtain. You may get it online and have it delivered to your home because it is a hemp product that is permitted by federal law. While you should first check your state’s laws, buying hemp-derived THC from reputable manufacturers online like ATLRx typically won’t require you to pay an additional tax.

Come to ATLRx, where we carry the best THC-O and Delta-9 products on the market. We provide high-quality products that are third party lab-tested. All of our products have COAs (certificates of analysis) and are packaged and ready for shipping.

Related Articles:

• Delta-9 THC vs. Hemp Derived Delta-9 THC
• CBD vs. Delta 9 THC: What is the Difference?
• THCV vs. Delta-9 THC: What’s the Difference?