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 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0094 via PubMed
Summary
A survey of THCO users on Reddit found that most (74.9%) vape the substance and about one-quarter (24.3%) dab it, with dabbing typically done at higher temperatures than vaping. Only 12.0% of participants expressed concern about ketene gas, which can form when THCO is heated and is harmful to the lungs. The findings highlight the need for more research on how different consumption methods and temperatures might influence the risk of ketene formation and other harms from hemp-derived cannabinoids.
Study at a glance
| Design | cross-sectional survey |
|---|---|
| Population | THCO users on Reddit |
| Key finding | Most participants vaped THCO, a quarter dabbed it at higher temperatures, and few were concerned 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.