Summary: New research challenges claims that THC-O-acetate, a semi-synthetic cannabinoid, produces true psychedelic effects comparable to LSD or psilocybin.
A survey of nearly 300 users found little evidence supporting widespread mystical or classic psychedelic experiences from THC-O-acetate. Instead, respondents most often reported moderate relaxation, euphoria, and pain relief. These findings carry implications for consumers, regulators, and the expanding cannabinoid product market.
Key Facts:
- The University at Buffalo-led study is the first to systematically examine claims that THC-O-acetate is psychedelic and found scant evidence for that claim.
- Reports of psychedelic-like experiences may stem from expectation effects, unusually intense intoxication, or contaminated products rather than intrinsic psychedelic properties of THC-O-acetate.
- Because THC-O-acetate is an acetate compound, there are public health concerns: heated acetates can produce toxic gases such as ketene, highlighting potential risks when vaping or heating these substances.
Source: University at Buffalo
Background: The cannabis plant contains roughly 100 known cannabinoids, but most remain poorly studied. The two best-researched compounds are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), responsible for intoxication, and cannabidiol (CBD). Meanwhile, manufacturers and consumers are rapidly introducing other cannabinoids into the marketplace—some with bold claims and little scientific backing.
One compound drawing recent attention is THC-O-acetate (often abbreviated THC-O or THC-Oac). Social media posts, forum discussions, and certain product marketing have suggested it can produce effects similar to classic psychedelics like LSD or psilocybin. To evaluate those claims, researchers led by the University at Buffalo conducted a systematic survey of users’ experiences and reported their results in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs.
THC-O-acetate is a semi-synthetic derivative of delta-8 THC, itself a cannabinoid that has generated consumer interest and regulatory debate. The researchers were motivated both by curiosity about reported effects and by public health concerns related to acetate chemistry: when acetates are heated they can form reactive gases, and prior vaping-related injuries linked to vitamin E acetate underscore risks from unknown additives.
“THC-O-acetate has generated publicity because people claim it’s stronger than regular THC and that it may be psychedelic,” said Daniel J. Kruger, PhD, the study’s lead author and a research associate professor at UB’s School of Public Health and Health Professions. “We wanted to test those claims. Our data do not support the idea that THC-O-acetate produces consistent mystical or classic psychedelic experiences.”
Kruger and co-author Jessica S. Kruger designed a survey for nearly 300 individuals who had used THC-O-acetate. The questionnaire asked about specific effects—including altered sense of time, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, euphoria, hallucinations, pain relief, paranoia, and relaxation—and included items from the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ), a widely used tool for assessing psychedelic experiences.
When asked directly whether THC-O-acetate produced a psychedelic experience, 79% of respondents said it was “not at all” or “a little” psychedelic. Overall MEQ scores fell well below the threshold typically associated with a full mystical experience. Those who had prior experience with classic psychedelics tended to rate their THC-O-acetate experiences lower on MEQ dimensions than those without such a history.
The most commonly reported effects were moderate relaxation, feelings of euphoria, and pain relief. Visual phenomena and full hallucinations were uncommon, and cognitive distortions reported were generally low to moderate—such as slight changes in time perception or short-term concentration difficulties.
The authors suggest three likely explanations for occasional reports of psychedelic-like effects: user expectations shaped by online claims, the subjective interpretation of an intense cannabinoid high, or contamination of the product with other psychoactive substances. Contamination is particularly concerning from a public health perspective because untested products can contain unknown or harmful additives.
The regulatory context also contributes to market uncertainty. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp cultivation at the federal level, creating a pathway for many hemp-derived products containing low levels of delta-9 THC. That shift fostered a fast-growing, loosely regulated market for CBD and other cannabinoids, enabling novel compounds like delta-8 THC and THC-O-acetate to enter consumer channels without the kind of standardized testing required for pharmaceuticals.
“The market has moved quickly and testing standards are inconsistent,” Kruger noted. “Consumers and public health officials need better data on what these products contain and what effects they produce.”
The research team included Carlton “CB” Bone, who studied online cannabis culture, and co-authors Meredith C. Meacham, PhD, and Charles Klein, PhD. Their findings emphasize the importance of rigorous testing and transparent product labeling to protect consumers and inform regulatory decisions.
About this psychopharmacology research news
Author: David Hill
Source: University at Buffalo
Contact: David Hill – University at Buffalo
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: Closed access.
“THC-O-Acetate: Scarce Evidence for a Psychedelic Cannabinoid” by Daniel J. Kruger et al., Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
Abstract
THC-O-Acetate: Scarce Evidence for a Psychedelic Cannabinoid
Interest in semi-synthetic cannabinoids such as THC-O-acetate has increased alongside anecdotal claims of psychedelic effects. To investigate these claims, researchers developed an online survey informed by prior cannabis and psychedelic studies and by consultation with online community moderators. The survey assessed the experiential profile of THC-O-acetate and included items from the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ).
Survey respondents reported generally low to moderate cognitive distortions and infrequent visual phenomena. Scores on all MEQ dimensions were substantially below thresholds for a complete mystical experience, and individuals with experience using classic 5-HT2A agonist psychedelics reported lower MEQ scores for THC-O-acetate. When asked directly, most participants indicated THC-O-acetate produced little to no psychedelic effect. Some reports of psychedelic-like experiences may reflect expectation effects or product contamination rather than inherent psychedelic action of THC-O-acetate.