Cannabinoids are all the rage right now, encouraging people to experiment with more and more compounds. Some people prefer CBD’s non-intoxicating, health-promoting effects, but many users are now trying delta-8, delta-10, and THC-O. These recreational cannabinoids are getting plenty of use in the form of vape pens.
THC-O vape pens are now trendy, with the top brands stocking options in various flavors. However, some prospective users are put off by the legal uncertainties surrounding THC-O.
Let’s find out if THC-O vape 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 potent than D9 (approximately three times as potent), which makes it extremely popular for recreational use.
Consuming it in similar amounts to delta-9 can provoke psychedelic and hallucinogenic effects. As a result, some people are concerned about its safety profile. A lack of regulation in this burgeoning industry also causes concern, given the potency of THC-O.
It’s worth noting that THC-O is synthetic. That means it does not naturally occur 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 usage, but the e-liquid within them contains THC-O. Different brands provide THC-O vapes in various forms, from refills to disposable pens.
Is THC-O Legal?
The DEA first became aware of THC-O in the late seventies when a lab in Florida was illegally producing it. However, there was very little interest in synthetic cannabinoids at the time. As a result, they performed no further investigation.
Seemingly out of nowhere, THC-O resurfaced in 2021. It is 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, which means synthetics like THC-O are now legal on a federal level.
Others claim that the 1986 Federal Analog Act makes synthetic forms of THC completely illegal since THC is itself a Schedule I substance. As of 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 outright banned THC-O, including:
· Alaska
· Arizona
· Arkansas
· Delaware
· Idaho
· Iowa
· Mississippi
· Montana
· Nebraska
Since other states have not taken a stance and brands are selling freely, THC-O is presumed to be legal.
Restrictions on Vape Pens
Even if you live in a locality where you can buy THC-O, it does not mean that vape pens are permitted. Many states have introduced laws restricting vapes due to safety concerns. After all, there are very few studies about the long-term health effects of vaping.
Some of these restrictions include:
· Arkansas: Online sales ban for vape products – all must be purchased in person.
· California: Certain flavors are banned until a referendum in November 2022.
· Maine: Online sales ban.
· Massachusetts: All flavors apart from tobacco flavor are banned.
· New Jersey: Flavor ban against all but tobacco flavor.
· New York: Flavor ban and online sales ban.
· Oregon: Online sales ban.
· Rhode Island: Flavor ban.
· South Dakota: Online sales ban.
· Utah: Online sales ban.
· Vermont: Online sales ban.
The complications don’t end here, either. Some cities, including Chicago and LA, have enacted bans on vapes.
So, if you are searching for a THC-O vape product, you must live somewhere where both vaping and synthetic cannabinoids are legal.
Final Thoughts
THC-O users are growing in number thanks to increasing awareness of the compound and a greater number of brands selling it. With top-shelf CBD brands cashing in on synthetic cannabinoids, it’s now possible to find high-quality THC-O vape products.
Nevertheless, the market is a little like the wild west. It’s vital to buy a safe and reputable vape pen, especially where THC-O is concerned. Always shop with brands that provide third-party lab reports and disclose all the essential information about ingredients and manufacturing.
Currently, THC-O vapes seem legal in numerous places throughout the USA. At the very least, the authorities haven’t shut down the shops selling them. However, these laws are set to change at a moment’s notice, so keep your eyes peeled.
