Cannabinoids, in the last few years, have gained much popularity because of their psychoactive abilities. The most famous cannabinoids found naturally in the cannabis and hemp plants are Delta 9, Delta 8, and CBD. However, recent years have seen the rise of a new ‘synthetic’ cannabinoid THC- O, which is thought to be the most potent at showing psychoactive effects in humans. Due to this reason, its demand has increased multiple folds among the heavy users of Delta 8 and Delta 9. Check out THC-O Gummies by TRE House.
What is THC-O?
THC-O or THC-O-acetate is a non-natural or synthetic compound made by acetylation of THC. Hence, this compound is not derived from hemp like other cannabis products, like CBD, Delta 8, and CBN. In easier words, THC-O is not found naturally in the hemp plant. Instead, it is created within a lab by using acetic anhydride, a highly inflammable colorless liquid used in making pharmaceuticals, dyes, and fibers. The process starts with extracting Delta 8 from the hemp plant and then treating the compound with acetic anhydride to replace the hydrogen atom with an acetyl group, leaving only the THC isolate. This extraction process ensures that the final product contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Because of this, THC-O has similar effects to Delta-9 THC, the main psychotropic compound in the cannabis plant. However, the primary difference is how these cannabinoids interact with your body on a molecular level. THC-O takes more time to show its effects on your body, and its effects are much more potent than Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC. Due to this reason, a heavy dose of THC-O can cause sedation and even nausea among normal cannabinoid users. Hence, you should always start slow, even if you are a heavy Delta-8 or Delta-9 user.
Effect of THC-O on Digestive System
THC-O binds to the receptors present in your body’s Endocannabinoid system and has several positive effects, such as managing depression, aiding in sleep, and even whole-body relaxation. Moreover, several studies indicate that THC-O has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce pain by reducing blood pressure and cooling down the affected cells.
Like other THC products, Delta 8 THC and 9 THC may also increase your appetite by stimulating hunger hormones.
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THC-O in Stimulating Appetite
As mentioned above, THC-O interacts with the gastrointestinal tract and stimulates the release of a hormone called Ghrelin, also known as the hunger hormone. This hormone is responsible for sending signals to your brain that you are hungry. People with no urge to eat or those suffering from lower concentrations of ghrelin can quickly solve this problem by taking low to moderate doses of THC-O. Moreover, some studies show that THC increases our sensitivity to scent and the pleasure associated with eating, which further leads to a perceived boost in appetite. These two interactions with the Endocannabinoid system are responsible for increasing the urge to eat. Hence, underweight people and people with low secretions of Ghrelin find THC-O very helpful.
Apart from increasing appetite, THC-O also cures various complications related to digestion and the gastrointestinal tract.
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Curing Bowel Diseases
The GI tract often gets inflated in various bowel-related diseases; scientists found that THC-O increases the levels of CB2 receptors, which work on your immune cells and decrease the inflammation of the affected area. This shows why THC-O can be so helpful in treating these kinds of diseases and conditions. Research also shows that it is beneficial to those undergoing chemotherapy, which often affects a person’s appetite and may even cause nausea. Moreover, diseases like IBD, IBS, and fibromyalgia are caused by the result of clinical endocannabinoid deficiency, a condition in which a person doesn’t naturally produce enough cannabinoids or cannabinoid receptors. Several studies suggest that THC-O can block these diseases caused by spinal, gastrointestinal, and peripheral mechanisms. THC-O may also decrease inflammation related to IBD, reduce intestinal motility, and reduce fluid secretions caused by inflammation, which helps in soothing nausea and preventing diarrhea and vomiting.
Below are the few diseases related to the Digestive system that THC-O can help control:
Crohn’s – An inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, leading to bursts of abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, malnutrition, and weight loss. Furthermore, it may affect any or all GI tract segments that go from the mouth to the anus. Studies in the last decade showed that giving predefined doses of THC-O or any THC extract to the patients with this disease controlled the abdominal pain and decreased its symptoms. Additionally, it was observed that continuous use of THC for a few weeks significantly reduced the need for surgery to cure this disease.
Celiac disease is a condition in which an individual cannot consume gluten as it damages their small intestine. The symptoms of this disease include diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss.
Research shows that cannabinoid receptors can help heal the damage to the intestinal lining for those with diverticulitis and celiac disease. THC-O interacts with the CB1 receptors in the GI tract and stimulates an immune response to heal the affected area.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. The symptoms include cramping, bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, etc. THC-O binds with the CB2 receptors in the GI tract and helps ease the pain and inflammation.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that THC-O has positive effects on your digestive system. It works wonders in nearly all pain, inflammation, and appetite stimulation. However, heavy usage of this cannabinoid can negatively impact your health in the long run. Therefore, you are advised to always contact a professional before starting your dosage. Moreover, remember that THC-O is much more potent than Delta 8 and 9 THC, so even if you were a heavy user of these two cannabinoids, you should not do the same with THC-O. Additionally, more research is still needed to thoroughly understand the effects of THC-O on our body, making it a confusing choice for people with allergies.
