Cannabis products today are broadly categorized into plant-derived THC, hemp‑derived cannabinoids, and less commonly, synthetic THC, which includes pharmaceutical formulations and unregulated designer compounds. The rise of hemp‑derived THC beverages, vape additives, and edibles has sparked debate over the use of semi-synthetic cannabinoids.
Pharmaceutical Synthetic THC: FDA‑Approved Use
- Marinol (dronabinol) and Syndros, FDA-approved synthetic THC products, have been around for decades to treat nausea in chemotherapy patients or appetite loss in HIV/AIDS. Marinol is a Schedule III capsule, while Syndros is a Schedule II liquid formulation. MORE HERE: DEA, MarketWatch
- These are prescription-only, tightly regulated drugs—not consumer cannabis products—and not used in recreational markets.
Hemp‑Derived THC & Semi‑Synthetic Cannabinoids: A Grey Area
Hemp Drinks & Edibles
- Companies like Trulieve, Curaleaf, and Green Thumb have launched hemp-based THC beverages—e.g. margarita-flavored or fruity drinks—that rely on hemp-derived cannabinoids like delta-8 or THCP rather than plant-grown cannabis distillate. MORE TO LEARN: MarketWatch
- These drinks skirt the 2018 Farm Bill’s ≤ 0.3% delta‑9 THC threshold by using alternative THC variants often produced by chemical derivation—technically legal at federal level, but regulated inconsistently across states. MORE TO LEARN: The Washington Post
Designer Cannabinoids: THC‑O, THCP‑O, and Others
- Compounds like THC‑O‑acetate and THCP‑O‑acetate are semi-synthetic derivatives of natural cannabinoids. They are appearing in vape carts and edibles sold on the grey market, especially online or in unregulated shops.
- These substances may be significantly more potent, and heating acetates can produce harmful breakdown products (e.g., ketene gas). MORE TO LEARN: Wikipedia
- Public health groups like NIDA and CDC highlight that illicit synthetic cannabinoids such as Spice or K2 cause unpredictable hospitalizations, and are not used by licensed cannabis companies.
Why Standard Cannabis Companies Avoid Synthetic THC
- Regulatory Compliance
Licensed cannabis businesses operate in heavily regulated environments. Using synthetic or semi-synthetic cannabinoids like THC‑O or THCP‑O would violate state traceability systems and testing standards that only accept plant-derived THC. - Health & Brand Risk
Designer compounds have unknown pharmacokinetics and toxicity. Past outbreaks (e.g., EVALI linked to black-market carts with Vitamin E acetate) underscore danger. Reputed cannabis firms avoid these due to risk exposure. - FDA Oversight & Liability
Only federally approved synthetic THC medications require strict labeling, physician oversight, and scheduling. Retail cannabis products must comply with cannabis board rules, not pharmaceutical routes.
Legal Landscape & Market Impact
- Hemp‑derived THC products (e.g. delta‑8, delta‑10, THCP) occupy a murky legal niche: they’re defined as hemp under federal law, but many states like California, New York, Texas, and Nebraska have restricted or banned them due to safety concerns. LEARN MORE ABOUT: Reuters
- While major cannabis operators are exploring hemp-THC beverages for broader retail reach, this segment remains separate from licensed dispensaries that sell traditional cannabis flower, edibles, or vapes. LEARN MORE ABOUT: MarketWatch
Market Overview: Use of Synthetic THC in Consumer Products
| Product Type | Synthetic/Derived THC? | Used by Licensed Cannabis Companies? | Common Risks or Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marinol, Syndros | Yes (pharma-grade synthetic THC) | Yes (prescription only) | FDA-approved, strictly regulated |
| Hemp-derived THC drinks | Semi-synthetic THC/derivatives | Some large MSOs are marketing these | Legal loophole, state bans emerging |
| THC‑O‑acetate, THCP‑O carts | Designer semi-synthetic cannabinoids | No (grey-market) | Associated with health risks, illegal/unregulated products |
| Licensed flower, edibles, vapes | Natural plant-derived THC | Yes | State traceable, lab-tested, cannabis-specific compliance |
Health & Safety Considerations
- Synthetic cannabinoids, including designer variants like JWH-018 or THC-O, are associated with severe side effects—psychosis, kidney failure, seizures—especially among youth and at high potency levels.
- In markets with legalized cannabis, studies show poisonings from illicit synthetic cannabinoids decline, suggesting regulated cannabis reduces consumer incentives to use dangerous alternatives. READ MORE: WSU News
Future Outlook
- The global synthetic cannabinoids market is projected to grow from approximately $2.65 billion in 2023 to $17.3 billion by 2033, though most of that involves non-recreational or illicit use. READ MORE: Fact.MR
- Licensed cannabis companies are likely to steer away from semi-synthetic THC products due to legal risk, regulatory scrutiny, and health liability concerns.
- Meanwhile, hemp-derived THC products remain a fast-growing—but contested—category, especially in beverages and edibles aimed at mainstream distribution outside of dispensaries.
- Proposed updates to the 2025 Farm Bill could tighten definitions and legislate bans on intoxicating hemp cannabinoids, affecting low-THC drink suppliers and derivative product lines.
Summary
- Traditional licensed cannabis companies do not use synthetic THC in dispensary products—they rely on plant-derived THC that complies with strict testing and traceability requirements.
- Pharmaceutical synthetic THC (dronabinol, Syndros) exists—but only for prescription medical use, not recreational cannabis.
- Hemp-derived THC and semi-synthetic cannabinoids are marketed by some newer consumer brands as a legal workaround, especially in drinkables—but may face legal bans and health scrutiny.
- Illicit synthetic cannabinoids (e.g. Spice, THC-O carts) continue to pose public safety risks and remain outside regulated cannabis supply chains.