Cannabinoids are all the rage right now, encouraging people to experiment with more and more compounds. Some people prefer the non-intoxicating, health-promoting effects of CBD, but many users are now trying delta-8, delta-10, and THC-O. These recreational cannabinoids are being used a lot in the form of vape pens.
THC-O vape pens are all the rage right now, with top brands offering various flavor options. However, some potential users are put off by the legal uncertainties surrounding THC-O.
Let’s find out if the THC-O vaporizer is legal or not and if there are any restrictions.
What are THC-O Vape Pens?
THC-O, or tetrahydrocannabinol-O-acetate, is an analog of delta-9-THC. It is much more powerful than D9 (about three times more powerful), which makes it extremely popular for recreational use.
Consuming it in amounts similar to delta-9 can cause psychedelic and hallucinogenic effects. As a result, some people are concerned about its security profile. The lack of regulation in this growing industry is also a cause for concern, given the potency of THC-O.
It is worth noting that THC-O is synthetic. This means it does not occur naturally in the hemp plant. Instead, experts extract other cannabinoids and use them to create THC-O.
THC-O vape pens are just one way to use this cannabinoid. They are like many other vape pens in shape, size and use, but the e-liquid they contain contains THC-O. Different brands offer THC-O vaporizers in various forms, from refills to disposable pens.
Is THC-O legal?
The DEA first became aware of THC-O in the late 1970s when a Florida lab was producing it illegally. However, there was very little interest in synthetic cannabinoids at the time. As a result, they didn’t do any further research.
Seemingly out of nowhere, THC-O resurfaced in 2021. It’s now a popular cannabinoid sold online, but many people still wonder about its legal status.
In 2018, the new Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp with a maximum of 0.3% THC. Some argue that the bill specifically refers to delta-9-THC, meaning that synthetics like THC-O are now federally legal.
Others claim that the Federal Analogue Act of 1986 makes synthetic forms of THC completely illegal, since THC itself is a Schedule I substance. As yet, THC-O has not been removed from the list, which could make it illegal.
Right now, it’s a very gray area. Some states have banned THC-O entirely, including:
· Alaska
· Arizona
· Arkansas
· Delaware
· Idaho
· Iowa
· Mississippi
· Montana
· Nebraska
Since other states have not taken a position and the brands are sold freely, THC-O is assumed to be legal.
Restrictions on Vape Pens
Even if you live in a locality where you can buy THC-O, that doesn’t mean vape pens are allowed. Many states have introduced laws restricting vaping due to safety concerns. After all, there are very few studies on the long-term health effects of vaping.
Some of these restrictions include:
· Arkansas: Ban on online sales for vaping products – all must be purchased in person.
· California: Some flavors are banned until a referendum in November 2022.
· Maine: Prohibition of online sales.
· Massachusetts: All flavors except tobacco are prohibited.
· New Jersey: Flavor ban against everything but tobacco.
· New York: Ban on flavors and ban on online sales.
· Oregon: Prohibition of online sales.
· Rhode Island: Prohibition of flavors.
· South Dakota: Prohibition of online sales.
· Utah: Prohibition of online sales.
· Vermont: Prohibition of online sales.
The complications don’t end there either. Some cities, such as Chicago and LA, have enacted vaping bans.
So, if you’re looking for a THC-O vape product, you’ll need to live somewhere that vape both i synthetic cannabinoids are legal.
Final thoughts
THC-O users are growing in number thanks to growing awareness of the compound and a larger number of brands selling it. With top CBD brands using synthetic cannabinoids, it is now possible to find high quality THC-O vape products.
However, the market is a bit like the Wild West. It is vital to buy a safe and reputable vape pen, especially when it comes to THC-O. Always buy from brands that provide third-party lab reports and disclose all essential ingredient and manufacturing information.
Currently, THC-O vapors appear to be legal in numerous places in the US. At least the authorities have not closed the shops that sell them. However, these laws will change at any time, so keep your eyes peeled.