THC-O Banned: What Happened and What It Means for the Future of Hemp Products
THC-O Got Pulled — Here’s Why (And What It Means for You)
April 2023: The DEA made it official — THC-O is not protected under the 2018 Farm Bill or the Ninth Circuit ruling. In plain terms? It’s federally illegal. That means any company making or selling THC-O is at risk for federal enforcement — including product seizures, shutdowns, or even prosecution.
So What Happened to THC-O?
Here’s the reality: THC-O isn’t naturally found in hemp. It’s made by chemically altering cannabinoids (usually Delta 8 or Delta 9) using acetic anhydride — a process that’s far from “natural.” Because of that, the DEA classified it as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, putting it in the same category as hard drugs.
Yeah — not exactly the company we want to keep.
That’s why brands across the country, including ours, removed THC-O products from shelves. We’re not in the business of taking legal risks — and we wouldn’t put you in that position either.
But What About Delta 8?
Delta 8 is still good. It’s naturally occurring in hemp (even in small amounts), and thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill — and a 2022 federal court ruling — it remains federally legal as long as products stay under the 0.3% Delta 9 THC threshold.
So if Delta 8 is your go-to, you’re in the clear.
What’s Still Legal?
Here’s a look at hemp-derived cannabinoids that are still compliant:
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Delta 8 THC – Legal, low-key buzz, federally protected
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CBD – Wellness-forward, non-intoxicating
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CBN – Supports better sleep
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CBG – Anti-inflammatory, therapeutic
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THCa – Non-psychoactive until heated (then ?)
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THCp & THCb – Rare, potent, and legal
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Delta 9 THC – Still federally restricted, but state-legal in many areas
Bottom Line
THC-O is out. It’s synthetic, federally banned, and not worth the risk — for us or for you.
At Legal High, we only carry 100% Farm Bill-compliant cannabinoids that are naturally derived, lab-tested, and legally protected. No guesswork. No gray areas. Just fire products you can trust.
Stay lifted. Stay legal. That’s the code.
Have questions or need help choosing the right cannabinoid? Hit us up — our team’s always here to keep you informed and elevated.