A Content Analysis of Social Media Discussions on THC-O-Acetate.
Daniel J Kruger, Karahmet Amila, Sydney M Kaplan, John Redfield, Taylor Stacy, Vitush Agarwal, Mutaz Faqqouseh, Carlton Cb Bone
Cannabis (Albuquerque, N.M.) January 1, 2023 DOI: 10.26828/cannabis/2023/000164 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractOnline 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.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Qualitative analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Reddit users posting on the THCO subreddit |
| Keywords | = THC-O-Acetate Reddit Ketene Qualitative analysis Social media |
| Citations | 15 |
| Key finding | The most common administration method for THC-O-acetate reported by users was heated inhalation, despite concerns about ketene gas release. |
Abstract
Novel cannabinoids require systematic research to inform policies and practices. There is a growing interest in semi-synthetic cannabinoids by consumers, manufacturers, and regulators. However, there is a scarcity of research on these substances. Online discussion forums can provide guidance for research questions when current knowledge is scarce. The current project investigates the topics and issues covered in a social media forum devoted to THC-O-acetate (THCO), a semi-synthetic cannabinoid with rapidly rising popularity. Reddit comments posted on the THCO subreddit from June 2021 through November 2021 were coded for major and minor themes by a team of five coders and a supervisor. Major themes were established and clarified through group discussions. A second round of coding confirmed major themes and identified minor themes. The analysis identified several future research topics for THC-O-acetate, including the extent of variation in product composition, the characteristics of user experiences and comparisons with other substances, whether THC-O-acetate produces psychedelic effects, concerns and adverse experiences, and user harm reduction practices. As an acetate ester, THC-O-acetate may break down when heated and release toxic ketene gas. Although several users expressed safety concerns regarding THC-O-acetate, some explicitly mentioning ketene risk, the most common administration method reported was heated inhalation.