A survey of THC-O-acetate users found that the semi-synthetic cannabinoid produces low to moderate cognitive distortions—altered sense of time, concentration difficulties, and short-term memory problems—with few visuals or hallucinations. Scores on the Mystical Experience Questionnaire were significantly below the threshold for a complete mystical experience across all four dimensions. Users who had previously used classic psychedelics (5-HT2A agonists) scored lower on all dimensions. When asked directly, 79% of respondents said using THC-O-acetate is "not at all" or "a little" of a psychedelic experience. Some reports of psychedelic effects may stem from expectations or contaminants.
Most people who use THCO, a semisynthetic cannabinoid derived from hemp, vape it (74.9%), while about a quarter dab it (24.3%) and tend to use higher temperatures than those who vape. A small portion of users (12.0%) expressed concerns about the risk of ketene gas, which can form when THCO is heated and is harmful to the lungs. Because multiple factors influence ketene formation and consumer temperature choices may enable it, more research is needed to understand the harm profile of hemp-derived substances like THCO.
A survey of delta-8-THC consumers found that about half used it to treat health conditions, primarily anxiety or panic attacks (69%), stress (52%), depression or bipolar disorder (46%), and chronic pain (41%). Administration was mainly edibles (64%) and vaping concentrates (48%). Most participants did not inform their primary care provider of their use (78%) and lacked confidence in their provider's ability to integrate medical cannabis into treatment (70%). Participants compared delta-8-THC favorably with delta-9-THC and pharmaceutical drugs, reporting substantial substitution. Knowledge of effective dosages was low, with information coming mostly from the Internet and personal experience.