Reviewing the Risk of Ketene Formation in Dabbing and Vaping Tetrahydrocannabinol-O-Acetate.
Carlton Cb Bone, Charles Klein, Kaelas Munger, Robert M Strongin, Daniel J Kruger, Meredith C Meacham, Jessica S Kruger
Cannabis and cannabinoid research October 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0094 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractMost 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.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Reddit users who consume THCO |
| Keywords | Thco Cannabinoid acetate Dabbing and vaping Ketene |
| Citations | 6 |
| Key finding | Most participants vaped THCO, about a quarter dabbed it at higher temperatures, and few reported concerns about ketene risk. |
Abstract
Introduction: In the wake of continued consumer demand despite increasing regulatory scrutiny, there is a need to develop systematic methods for identifying the harm profile of new psychoactive substances derived from hemp. Tetrahydrocannabinol-O (THC-O)-acetate, colloquially known as THCO, is the acetate ester of the principal psychoactive compound in cannabis. The heating of THCO can create ketene gas, which is harmful to the lungs. Materials and Methods: The research team used a multidisciplinary, iterative process to develop a survey to incorporate consumers' perspectives of semisynthetic cannabinoids. The survey was then distributed across the social media platform Reddit to learn about delivery device preferences and associated use styles when consuming THCO. Results: Most participants (74.9%) vaped THCO and one-quarter of participants (24.3%) dabbed THCO and tended to report higher temperatures for dabbing than vaping THCO. A small portion (12.0%) of participants reported concerns regarding ketene risk. Conclusion: As there are multiple variables associated with the formation of ketene, and consumer responses indicate temperatures use that might enable ketene formation, more research is needed to understand the risk profile of hemp-derived substances like THCO. Further studies are needed to understand the how various routes of administration and delivery devices used with THCO may exacerbate the risk of ketene formation and other potential harms.