A Content Analysis of Social Media Discussions on THC-O-Acetate.
Daniel J. Kruger, Karahmet Amila, Sydney M Kaplan, John Redfield, Taylor Stacy, Vitush Agarwal, Mutaz Faqqouseh, Carlton Cb Bone
Cannabis 2023 DOI: 10.26828/cannabis/2023/000164 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Reddit users posting on the THCO subreddit |
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Keywords | = THC-O-Acetate Reddit Ketene Qualitative analysis Social media |
| Citations | 15 |
| Key findings | The most common administration method for THC-O-acetate reported by users was heated inhalation, despite concerns about ketene gas release. |
Abstract
Novel cannabinoids require systematic research to inform policies and practices. There is a growing interest in semi-synthetic cannabinoids by consumers, manufacturers, and regulators. However, there is a scarcity of research on these substances. Online discussion forums can provide guidance for research questions when current knowledge is scarce. The current project investigates the topics and issues covered in a social media forum devoted to THC-O-acetate (THCO), a semi-synthetic cannabinoid with rapidly rising popularity. Reddit comments posted on the THCO subreddit from June 2021 through November 2021 were coded for major and minor themes by a team of five coders and a supervisor. Major themes were established and clarified through group discussions. A second round of coding confirmed major themes and identified minor themes. The analysis identified several future research topics for THC-O-acetate, including the extent of variation in product composition, the characteristics of user experiences and comparisons with other substances, whether THC-O-acetate produces psychedelic effects, concerns and adverse experiences, and user harm reduction practices. As an acetate ester, THC-O-acetate may break down when heated and release toxic ketene gas. Although several users expressed safety concerns regarding THC-O-acetate, some explicitly mentioning ketene risk, the most common administration method reported was heated inhalation.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on cannabis, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychoactive substances as a last resort—a qualitative study of self-treatment of migraine and cluster headaches Users of online forums discussing cluster headache and migraine treatments | 2017 | Qualitative thematic analysis | |
| Psychoactive drug or mystical incense? Overview of the online available information on Spice products Web pages related to Spice products | 2009 | Qualitative study | n = 200 |
| Patterns, Trends, and Meanings of Drug Use by Dance-drug Users in Edinburgh, Scotland Clubbers in clubs and pre-club bars | 2004 | Cross-sectional survey with focus groups | n = 124 |
| Fascination and Social Togetherness-Discussions about Spice Smoking on a Swedish Internet Forum. Swedish internet forum users who posted reports about Spice intoxication | 2013 | Qualitative study | n = 40 |
| Cannabis as entheogen: survey and interview data on the spiritual use of cannabis. Participants recruited from seven online communities, median age 33, 81% male | 2020 | Mixed methods (qualitative interviews and quantitative survey) | n = 319 |
Citations in the library
Cites 3
- Psychedelic discourses: A qualitative study of discussions in a Danish online forum International Journal of Drug Policy January 19, 2023
- Consumer Experiences with Delta-8-THC: Medical Use, Pharmaceutical Substitution, and Comparisons with Delta-9-THC Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research February 1, 2023
- Weed Light: An Exploratory Study of Delta-8 THC Conversations on Reddit June 8, 2022