THCacetate ester is the acetateester of THC. It acts as a metabolic prodrug for THC itself, and chemically works the same way that heroin does as a metabolic prodrug for morphine. It has been reported to be approximately two times as potent as THC to approximately three times as potent as THC with a unique psychedelic high described as follows.
Physical data, chemistry & properties
THC acetate ester can reportedly be synthesized from THC or from THCA. The acetylation of THC does not change the properties of the compound to the same extent as with other acetate esters, as the parent compound is already highly lipophilic, but potency is nonetheless increased to some extent. This derivative of THC is notable in that it is one of the fewanalogues of THC to have been encountered as a recreational drug sold and used in a highly pure smokable form.
History
THC acetate ester was investigated as a possible non-lethal incapacitating agent as part of the Edgewood Arsenal experiments at some point between 1949 and 1975. It was noted to have about twice the capacity to produceataxia as did THC when administered to dogs. Author D. Gold provided synthesis instructions for this compound in his 1974 book Cannabis Alchemy: Art of Modern Hashmaking. The U.S. DEA first encountered THC-O-acetate as an apparent controlled substance analogue of THC in 1978. It was apparently made in an analogous manner to how heroin is made from morphine. The incident was described by Donald A. Cooper of the DEA thus: A similar case was reported in June 1995 in the United Kingdom, and THC-O-acetate was ruled to be a Class A drug in that case. The description of that case appears to indicate the convicted manufacturer was using D. Gold's book Cannabis Alchemy as a guide. THC acetate was also reported to have been found by New Zealand police in 1995, again made by acetylation of purified cannabis extracts with acetic anhydride.
THC-O-acetate is not scheduled at the federal level in the United States, but it could be considered an analog of THC, in which case purchase, sale, or possession could be prosecuted under the Federal Analog Act.
