Online discussions about the semi-synthetic cannabinoid THC-O-acetate reveal key topics for future research, including product composition variability, user experiences, comparisons with other substances, potential psychedelic effects, adverse experiences, and harm reduction practices. Despite safety concerns about toxic ketene gas released when heated, the most common administration method reported was inhalation. The analysis of Reddit comments from June to November 2021 identified these themes through systematic coding by a team of researchers.
The research priorities of people who have used psychedelics differ from those of institutional researchers. An online survey of 1192 U.S. adults who reported past psychedelic use identified seven major domains for future research: therapeutic efficacy, best practices for non-clinical use, safety and adverse experiences, broader understanding including indigenous traditions, non-medical outcomes like creativity and spiritual awakening, best practices for therapy, and best practices for research. Institutional researchers emphasized molecular, neurological, and clinical topics, while users prioritized non-clinical use and societal and cultural issues.