With all the latest discoveries of new cannabinoids, it’s easy to get them mixed up. Especially when you start looking at all of the different types of THC. Delta-9 THC is the original gangster of cannabinoids, and we know and love it for the superb high it delivers from marijuana.
Then there were hemp-derived versions like Delta-8 and Delta-10. This was easy enough to follow, but then came THC-O, THC-P, THC-H, and a slew of others joining the ranks. If you’ve seen Delta-9 THC-O pop up, perhaps you overlooked it as a misprint. Yet, Delta-9 THC-O—D9-O for short—has its own unique properties.
What Is D9-O?
D9-O is a form of Delta-9 THC, but with the addition of acetate. If you know much about THC-O, this will sound very familiar. The “O” itself is representative of the acetate that lab technicians or scientists add to the THC molecule. Although many alternative cannabinoids undergo some kind of laboratory alteration, many of them are still naturally occurring.
That’s not the case with Delta-9 THC-O, and you will not find it in any trace amounts in hemp or marijuana. Some people are hesitant to file it under the category of cannabinoid because it is synthetically produced. However, the process does begin with a hemp-derived cannabinoid. First, lab technicians extract CBD from the hemp plant. Then, the CBD becomes Delta-8 (or Delta-9) through a chemical reaction. Finally, the acetate is added to the molecule.
How Does D9-O Work?
Delta-9 and D9-O are incredibly similar. The biggest difference is how we process it. The added acetate passes through the digestive system and is absorbed. The remaining Delta-9 binds to the receptors in the endocannabinoid system just like any other cannabinoid would. Because the acetate is digested before the Delta 9 is activated, it can take a little bit longer to kick in. However, it’s also believed to be more bioavailable, offering extra strength.
Be careful when considering dosage. Although D9-O takes longer to kick in, it is still at least three times stronger than Delta-9. It’s wise to start with a low dose and then give it time to take full effect before you go in for more. The high may last longer than normal THC.
D9-O Effects
Again, due to its striking similarity to Delta-9 THC, the effects are largely mirrored. In small doses one can expect to feel relaxed, buzzed, euphoric, and free from stress and tension. As you increase the dosage, effects range from slight drowsiness to heavy sedation and loss of coordination. D9-O will absolutely get you high, and because of its strength, it's a great way to medicate and tackle insomnia, increase appetite, or reduce muscular spasms.
Recreationally, it offers all of the same great benefits as Delta-9. The major difference is that it comes on slow and steady, so the fullest high can take up to an hour to take hold. This is why it’s especially important to increase dosage incrementally.
Is D9-O Legal?
Delta-9 THC-O is legal in many states. Some have opted to ban psychoactive substances, including D9-O, despite the rules set forth by the 2018 Farm Bill. This law legalized the production, sale, and consumption of industrial hemp-based products. If a cannabinoid product comes from hemp, it’s legal so long as the final product contains less than 0.9% THC by total weight.
Remember that D9-O does contain THC and will cause you to fail a drug test. Unfortunately, you may be subject to an employer drug test in states with legal weed and those without.
Where to Buy D9-O Products
Before snagging the first D9-O product you see, let us guide you to a solid resource. Dimo Hemp produces the best hemp-derived cannabinoid products on the market. Not only have they dabbled in alternative cannabinoids like Delta-8, Delta-10, HHC, and HHC-P, but they’ve tackled just about every THC variant yet discovered.
To try out their D9-O, check out their line of vape cartridges combining this newest variant alongside the mega-potent THC-P. You can get a one-gram cart of live resin with D9-O and THC-P for just $29.99. Choose from strains Amnesia Haze and Lava Cake. If you’d like a bit more bang for your buck or something even more discreet, the Lava Cake is available in a two-gram disposable pen.
Delta-9 THC-O might be the newest THC cannabinoid, but it surely won’t be the last. With hundreds known, it’s only a matter of time before the market infuses new products. Keep an eye out for new product launches from Dimo Hemp and experience the wonders of alternative cannabinoids.