Studies about Delta-9 THC-O Acetate are Limited

The Full Story

The medicinal properties of the Cannabis plant have been recognized for thousands of years. While archaeological evidence suggests that the original uses of cannabis were primarily for food and fiber, cannabis is now often appreciated for its mind-altering or psychoactive properties. The use and acceptance of recreational cannabis (marijuana) products is increasing in the United States, even though the drug remains illegal on a federal level. Cannabis plants contain components that are psychoactive (for example, delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol or THC) or non-psychoactive (for example, cannabidiol or CBD). While cannabis plants cultivated for recreational purposes generally contain high levels of THC, some cannabis plants are grown for industrial purposes and contain low levels of THC; these plants are known as “hemp”. An understanding of the differences between cannabis and hemp may be confusing for many individuals, but the United States Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (often described as the “2018 Farm Bill”) established a simple definition for hemp that allowed it to be reclassified as a legal product. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp is defined as all parts of the cannabis plant that have THC levels of less than 0.3%. Because it contains low levels of THC according to this definition, hemp is unlikely to produce psychoactive effects. Products that are derived from hemp, including CBD and delta-8 THC, may also be considered as legal under the 2018 Farm Bill legislation. After the 2018 Farm Bill was passed, production and sale of delta-8 THC and CBD products increased significantly in the United States. Although some states have restricted the sale of delta-8 THC, these products can still be purchased online as well as in tobacco stores in states where the compound remains legal.

The awareness and interest surrounding other hemp-derived compounds, including delta-9 THC-O acetate, has also increased in recent months. Delta-9 THC-O acetate is a synthetic relative of THC. Delta-9 THC-O acetate does not occur naturally in cannabis plants and must be created in a chemical reaction from either delta-9 THC or delta-8 THC. This chemical reaction yields a dark brown, oily liquid residue that can be consumed. Due to its liquid consistency, delta-9 THC-O acetate is commonly sold as a vaping product, although it can be also contained in edible formulations such as gummies. 

There are scant reports on how delta-9 THC-O acetate affects the human body, although some online sources report that it is 2-3 times as strong as THC. Some sources call delta-9 THC-O acetate a “spiritual cannabinoid” due to its psychedelic properties. Surprisingly, the United States government may possess the most detailed information about the clinical effects of delta-9 THC-O acetate in humans. In a series of classified experiments dating from 1950 to 1975, the United States government studied the effects of hallucinogenic drugs, nerve gases, and other chemicals on human soldiers. These studies were conducted at the United States Army Laboratories at the Edgewood Arsenal facility in Maryland and are currently known as the “Edgewood Arsenal human experiments”. The purpose of these experiments, which involved thousands of soldiers, was to test the impact of non-lethal but still incapacitating chemical warfare agents on military personnel. Synthetic cannabis analogues, likely including delta-9 THC-O acetate, were included in these studies, although the results of these experiments were never formally released to the public. While there is little published data on the clinical effects of delta-9 THC-O acetate in humans, the results of one animal study showed that delta-9 THC-O acetate has approximately twice the potency of THC.

Since the production and sale of delta-9 THC-O acetate is not regulated in the United States, the exact composition and concentration of these products may vary. There is no standardized dosing of delta-9 THC-O acetate for humans, and users should be aware that unwanted psychoactive signs or symptoms, including confusion, excessive drowsiness, and hallucinations may occur after exposure to products containing delta-9 THC-O acetate. Although hemp-derived delta-9 THC-O acetate may currently be acknowledged as a legal substance on a federal level, this is debatable, and it is likely that some states will consider restricting the sale and use of this and other psychoactive cannabis-derived products in the future. For now, given the lack of human studies surrounding delta-9 THC-O acetate, caution should be advised for any individuals who choose to synthesize, sell, or use this product.

For help with an exposure to delta-9 THC-O acetate, go to webPOISONCONTROL for help online or call 1-800-222-1222. Both options are free for the public, and available 24 hours a day.

Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD
Medical Toxicologist