April 2023 – The Farm Bill and recent Ninth Circuit decision do not protect the THC-O cannabinoid from federal prosecution, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This means that any company producing or selling products made with THC-O could face federal enforcement — including seizure and prosecution — despite the 2018 Farm Bill’s protections for hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) oils containing less than 0.3% THC.

Why CannaBuddy Has Pulled THC-O Products From Sales

With the recent Ninth Circuit decision, in addition to a possible federal crackdown, companies making and selling THC-O products could also be subject to punishments on the federal, state, or local level. This decision was made due to the fact that THC-O is not naturally found in the cannabis plant but rather manufactured by scientists.

Why is THC-O different from other hemp-derived cannabinoids?

THC-O is a cannabinoid that differs from other hemp-derived cannabinoids due to the fact that it does not exist naturally in the hemp plant. It is produced commercially by processing either delta 9 THC, derived from hemp or marijuana, or delta 8 THC, derived from hemp-sourced CBD, with acetic anhydride. As such, it has been identified as an illegal Schedule 1 drug by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Other cannabinoids, such as delta 8 THC, have gained traction in the market, but they all exist naturally in hemp plants and are processed by heating or through chemical catalysts. By contrast, only THC-O does not occur naturally, prompting its classification as a Schedule 1 substance since its newly manufactured manner of production stands out differently than others produced through natural means. This makes understanding and evaluating any potential risk associated with consuming THC-O more imperative since its artificial manufacture may pose more unpredictable risks than other cannabinoids despite bearing similar physical properties.

Will Delta 8 THC Remain Available?

The Farm Bill of 2018 legalized hemp and all its derivatives, so long as they contain less than 0.3% delta 9 THC. This decision was reaffirmed last year when the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Delta 8 THC meets the farm bill definition, allowing it to remain federally legal in the United States. While Delta 8 THC can be produced naturally by the hemp plant, this is not true for THC-O.

Which cannabinoids are legal?

Cannabinoids are a group of compounds found in the Cannabis plant. These compounds have been studied for their potential medicinal benefits, with many of them being used in products to help treat various ailments. Of the various cannabinoids naturally occurring in Cannabis, Delta 9 THC, Delta 8 THC, CBD, CBN, and CBG are among the most well-known and researched. Regarding legal status, Delta 9 THC is illegal under federal law but is legal in many states with various levels of regulation depending on the product and state. On the other hand, CBD, CBN, and CBG are generally recognized as safe and thus may be bought with less regulatory oversight in certain jurisdictions.

Delta 9 THC is considered by many to be the most important of all cannabinoids due to its psychoactive effects. This cannabinoid is found in much higher concentrations than its other counterparts, making it more difficult to control legally and carrying greater potential for abuse. By contrast, both CBD and CBG show great potential for medical applications due to their anti-inflammatory properties without any noteworthy psychotropic side effects. Finally, CBN has been linked to sedative properties, which could benefit people dealing with sleep issues.

Naturally occurring cannabinoids: (this list is not exhaustive…)

• Delta 9 THC
  
• Delta 8 THC
  
• CBD
  
• CBN
  
• CBG
  
• THCa
  
• THCp
  
• THCb

More questions? Contact CannaBuddy Today

When purchasing cannabis products online through CannaBuddy, customers can be assured of a wide variety of high-quality and legal CBD and Delta 8 THC products. The products are free of additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients while maintaining potency and a natural long shelf-life. CannaBuddy’s online shop offers a well-organized selection of products for pain management, stress relief, improved mood, and increased energy.

We can answer any questions you have about these products; give us a call at (980) 575-0980!