THC-O is a more potent alternative to delta-8, delta-10, and even THC. Noted for producing psychedelic-like effects, THC-O carts have the intensity to please recreational users who are no longer satisfied with other products. What’s more, THC-O is legal in the United States!
I’ve been using THC-O for a while now and especially enjoy THC-O cartridges. In this guide, I’ll take a deep dive into what THC-O is, explore how it compares to other cannabinoids, and look at the benefits of getting THC-O from a vape cartridge.
Let’s start by reviewing the top five THC-O vape carts on the market in 2023.
1. ELYXR LA – THC-O Cartridges (1000mg)
A leading manufacturer of psychoactive, hemp-based products, ELYXR LA tops my list with its punchy, premium THC-O cartridges. These 1ml carts contain high-strength THC-O distillate and sumptuous marijuana-derived terpenes.
ELYXR LA notes that its THC-O carts will get you much higher than its delta-8 and delta-10 varieties while delivering a calming, indica-style effect with a pleasant body buzz. The carts have 510-threaded connections and fit securely to all standard vape batteries.
ELYXR LA’s THC-O vape cartridges come in a range of strains, with sativas, indicas, and hybrids all available. According to the third-party analysis from Marin Analytics, these vaping products are Farm Bill compliant with no detectable THC.
Strains: Maui Wowie (Sativa), Sensei Star (Indica), Wedding Cake (Hybrid)
2. Binoid – Premium THC-O Vape Cartridges
Experience the best that THC-O has to offer with a high-quality vape cartridge from Binoid. At 92% THC-O, these carts are among the purest and most concentrated on the market today. And the 8% terpenes bring plenty of flavor to the mix.
Hemp-derived and Farm Bill compliant, Binoid’s THC-O vape carts can work for you wherever you are in the US. Expect next-level psychoactive effects, deep physical relaxation, and a mental buzz that boosts mood and leaves you feeling euphoric.
Binoid manufactures all its products in the US, including these THC-O carts. Gobi Hemp supplies the necessary third-party report, checking for the presence of THC and 15 other cannabinoids.
Strains: Blue Zkittlez (Indica – Tranquil), Do Si Dos (Indica – Soothe), Maui Wowie (Sativa – Adventure), Super Harlequin (Sativa – Rush), Skywalker OG (Hybrid – Enlighten), White Runtz (Hybrid – Inspire)
3. Delta 8 Factory – Infinite X THC-O Cartridges
Take a trip to infinity and beyond with an Infinite X THC-O Cartridge from Delta 8 Factory. Rather than sticking with a basic THC-O distillate extract, these guys have combined this super-strength cannabinoid with full-spectrum hemp, promoting the entourage effect.
In addition to THC-O, Delta 8 Factory brings you delta-8, CBD, CBG, CBT, and more in its 1g carts and delicious natural terpenes. These carts promise to get you higher than delta-8, delta-10, and perhaps even regular THC-O.
The 510-threaded connections ensure the Infinite X THC-O Cartridges work with all regular vape batteries. Choose from a soothing indica or two energizing sativa carts. Delta 8 Factory products are Farm Bill compliant and have passed third-party checks.
Strains: Wedding Cake (Indica), Blue Dream (Sativa), Pineapple Express (Sativa)
4. 3Chi – THC-O Vape Cartridges
3Chi was among the first hemp product manufacturers to capitalize on the potential of obscure, psychoactive cannabinoids. Their THC-O carts live up to the company’s lofty reputation, with the CCELL cartridge design allowing for smooth and consistent vaping.
3Chi packs a remarkable 95% THC-O extract into its carts, with terpenes making up the rest. They refuse to use any cutting agents, such as MCT, VG, and PG, preferring as pure and natural vape juice as possible.
If there’s one downside, you may find 3Chi’s carts harsh on the throat, particularly if you are new to vaping THC-O. Take it easy and start with small, light puffs before building up. Available in five tasty strains – all lab-tested with less than 0.3% THC.
Strains: Grandaddy Purple, Pineapple Express, Blue Dream (CDT), Melonatta (CDT)
5. Bay Smokes – THC-O Cartridges
Last on my list is a collection of 510-threaded THC-O carts from Bay Smokes. A well-known name in the scene, I’m consistently impressed with their wide variety of top-shelf hemp products. These THC-O vape carts are a good addition to their range.
I’m not surprised that Bay Smokes’ carts come with a quality guarantee. They’ve stuck with a pure blend of THC-O distillate and terpenes, shunning the cutting agents we often see used by lesser brands.
The third-party lab report confirms these Bay Smokes carts have less than 0.3% THC. The analysis also provides purity assurances, showing they are free from mycotoxins, heavy metals, residual solvents, and other unwanted byproducts.
Strains: Pineapple Express (Sativa), Granddaddy Purple (Indica), Skittles (Indica)
What are THC-O Carts?
THC-O carts are vaping products made with high concentrations of hemp-derived THC-O distillate. Carts come pre-sealed with vape juice but without a battery. However, the 510-threaded connections mean you can fit them into any compatible battery.
Popular with experienced recreational users who enjoy chasing intense cannabis highs, THC-O carts get you more baked than delta-8, delta-10, HHC, and THC carts.
Some have found that carts containing THC-O take longer to kick in but ultimately make them much higher. Little scientific research exists on THC-O, so we aren’t sure why this happens. THC-O cartridges also produce a harsher throat hit than most vaping products.
The highest quality THC-O carts have few ingredients. A combination of THC-O extract and natural terpenes is enough to generate potent effects and flavorful vapor.
What is THC-O?
Short for THC-O-acetate or O-acetyl-delta-9-THC, THC-O is an acetate ester of THC. While you won’t find naturally occurring THC-O, chemists can make the cannabinoid from THC or THCA. Delta-8 and delta-10, two THC analogs, also have known acetate esters.
THC-O remained in obscurity until the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp and hundreds of cannabinoids. Producers of hemp-derived products quickly recognized the potential of substances like THC-O and delta-8, which were now legal despite being psychoactive.
Recreational users have flocked to hemp-based THC-O carts and similar products. For those in states like Alabama, Arkansas, and Tennessee, where weed is still a Schedule 1 drug, the emergence of hemp-based legal highs has been a miracle!
THC-O is even more intriguing than delta-8, delta-10, and HHC. Unlike these three cannabinoids, THC-O is more intoxicating than THC. That’s right! THC-O gets you higher than weed – it’s potentially three times as potent as THC!
Fascinatingly, the intensity of THC-O’s mind-altering effects could make it more comparable to psychedelic drugs than classic marijuana. In detailing how to make THC-O in 1974, writer D. Gold described THC-O’s effects as spiritual and psychedelic.
In 1978, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classified THC-O as a controlled substance analog of THC. For that reason, the hemp-derived THC-O legally available likely comes from a delta-8 origin rather than THC itself.
Moreover, as mentioned in the Farm Bill, all hemp-based products must have no more than 0.3% THC. We can’t tell for sure how companies make THC-O vaping products by looking at the ingredients list, but some brands specify that their THC-O is technically delta-8 THC-O.
THC-O vs. Other Cannabinoids
Choosing a recreational hemp product has gotten tricker, with so many unique cannabinoids available nowadays. There’s no best type of cart – it’s all subjective and comes down to your personal desires. But here’s a look at how THC-O weighs up against other substances.
THC-O vs. delta-8: The former is roughly six times more potent than the latter, with THC-O three times stronger than THC and delta-8 only 50% as psychoactive as THC. Effects-wise, THC-O has relaxing properties, while delta-8 is more physically and mentally energizing.
THC-O vs. HHC: Estimates suggest THC-O is around four times more intense than HHC, which is a hydrogenated derivative of THC. Anecdotal reports indicate that both THC-O and HHC products have a more sedative effect than THC.
THC-O vs. compliant delta-9: You can now buy regular THC as a legal hemp product in the form of compliant delta-9 – albeit not as a vaping product. If you prefer a typical high, I’d stick with standard THC. But thrill-seekers may wish to indulge in the mind-blowing THC-O.
Will I Fail a Drug Test with THC-O Carts?
Unfortunately, the existing evidence suggests that the usage of THC-O carts will show up on a drug test. Strictly speaking, drug tests check for tetrahydrocannabinol as a class of compounds, not just THC. Since THC-O and THC are so chemically alike, tests can detect THC-O, too.
It’s not a problem specific to THC-O – delta-8, delta-10, and HHC are also detectable. Consuming THC-O doesn’t necessarily mean you will fail a test. Occasional users might pass if there’s not much THC-O in their system and the test isn’t very sensitive.
But regular THC-O consumers may need a plan of action if faced with a looming drug test. Drinking plenty of water will help dilute the concentration of THC-O metabolites in your urine. Synthetic urine and detox products can also help get you out of a jam.
What to Look for When Buying THC-O Carts
I recommend adopting a careful approach when purchasing any hemp-based product. But that advice applies even more so with THC-O, considering the high intensity of the cannabinoid and the lab processing products undergo during manufacturing.
First-timers are best served with a high-quality THC-O cartridge from my top five list. But if you want to branch out, here are some qualities and characteristics to look for when shopping.
Third-party certificates of analysis (COA)
If a hemp vendor cannot show you a recent third-party lab report for a product, take your money elsewhere – it’s as simple as that. Your safety is non-negotiable, and you shouldn’t risk your health with vaping products that haven’t been independently tested.
Third-party COAs bring credibility to THC-O carts that do not face FDA regulation. Lab reports confirm that products comply with Farm Bill rules and have less than 0.3% THC. They also detail how much THC-O is present and if a product contains any impurities.
Promises of third-party testing are insufficient. You should be able to see the report itself, when it was conducted, and verify that it’s for the product in question.
THC-O potency
Product strength varies depending on the potency and purity of the THC-O distillate used. I’ve seen THC-O products with as much as 95% THC-O and others with less than 90%. These minor percentage changes matter with such a potent substance.
Some THC-O products contain other extracts, too – indeed, we see this with Delta 8 Factory’s carts, which also have full-spectrum hemp. Additional cannabinoids may influence your THC-O high. For instance, CBD will limit THC-O’s psychoactive effects a little.
Terpenes
Don’t forget the terpenes! We think of these compounds for the flavor they provide, but terpenes also affect the high you’ll experience.
THC-O has a naturally relaxing effect, which deepens further with indica terpenes. Sativa terpenes make for a more invigorating THC-O high, while hybrid terpenes complement soothing intoxication with an energizing buzz.
How to Store Your THC-O Carts
Store THC-O carts in a dark, dry, and cool place, away from direct sunlight – UV rays from the sun can degrade the THC-O. If you have one, keep it out of sight and reach of children and in a locked cabinet.
How Long Do THC-O Carts Last?
THC-O carts should remain potent if kept in the recommended storage conditions for several months. The sealed cartridge design prevents oxidation, although light degradation remains a risk if exposed to sunlight.
Purchasing THC-O Carts Online vs. Shops Near Me
Reputable vendors with years of experience in selling hemp-based products should be your preferred place for THC-O cartridges. Don’t trust obscure THC-O products sold at gas stations or convenience stores with no accompanying lab report.
Stick with renowned hemp brands and stores that care about selling quality products. Even better, the leading online stores selling THC-O have a more extensive range of cartridges than brick-and-mortar stores – and they don’t cost as much, either!
