By this point, you’ve probably heard of THC. Or at least some form of it. But have you heard of THCa? If we’re the first to introduce you to this acidic form of the more well-known psychoactive cannabinoid, THC, we apologize in advance for the confusion we may cause.
So what’s the difference between THCa and Delta 9 THC? Or is THCa the same as delta 9? Does THCa turn into delta 9 when smoked? These are just a few of the questions we’ll clear up for you below as we compare and contrast THCa vs delta 9 THC.
Just know this - delta 9 THC is what you think of when the cannabis high comes to mind. It’s the cannabinoid known for producing the euphoric buzz you’ve come to know and love. We could really simplify things by just calling it “THC.”
So how does THCa fit into this puzzle? Well, all delta 9 THC starts as THCa - only once it’s exposed to heat (a process known as decarboxylation) does THCa transform into delta 9 THC. on its own, THCa produces no psychoactive effects.
For the sake of simplicity, just know that smoking THCa flower or vapes is going to lead to the same effects as if you were to smoke THC flower or vapes. That being said, there’s more to this story than meets the eye, so let’s dive into the difference between THCa and delta 9 below.
What’s the Difference Between THCa and Delta 9 THC?
Ultimately the difference between THCa and delta 9 THC comes down to one simple letter. That “a” in THCa speaks to its acidic state. Acidic cannabinoids do not produce any sort of psychoactive effects.
Make no mistake, though - they’re still packed with potential. The moment you spark up a THCa joint/bowl or puff on a THCa vape pen, you’re jumpstarting a conversion process that activates the psychoactivity of THC.
What is Delta 9 THC?
You’ve probably seen a lot more THC products in recent years (like these live rosin gummies) – and for good reason. These products bring the benefits of CBD and THC together so your body gets a more true-to-strain experience.
Thanks to growing popularity and loosening regulations, just about anyone can get their hands on high-quality THC products online if local options aren’t available.
So, what is Delta 9 THC? It’s the cannabinoid we’ve all come to know and love: THC. Or as it’s known in the scientific community, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.
Manufacturers have found new, innovative ways to create high-quality products using cannabinoids derived from both marijuana and hemp plants. To this day most THC products found on the shelves at dispensaries are made using marijuana.
But thanks to continuing innovation and emerging technology, now there are products derived from hemp, often referred to as Delta 9 THC. It’s the same cannabinoid, just sourced from a slightly different plant.
That slightly different plant is known as hemp, which is now federally legal thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. This act made it legal to grow and sell hemp and hemp-based products (like CBD and delta 9 THC).
There’s just one key caveat - the hemp plant itself must be grown in such a way that results in less than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
Most of these Delta 9 THC products come with 5 mg THC or 10 mg THC, but some do offer higher concentrations. The amount of total THC by percent compared to the entire weight of the product is still less than 0.3%. That’s why hemp-based delta 9 THC is considered federally legal whereas marijuana-derived THC is still illegal.
What is THCa?
THCa, also known by the scientific community as tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is the non-psychotropic cannabinoid found in live cannabis. Wait, what?
Basically what this boils down to is the idea that THCa does not induce any effects and is found in the raw form of cannabis. It’s a live, raw cannabinoid that is an essential building block of the entire plant.
THCa is one of the latest discoveries, with early studies dating back to less than a decade ago. That means we still have a lot to learn about this acidic cannabinoid.
But one thing we know for sure is that it has the potential to be as psychoactive as delta 9 THC. It’s converted into THC once it’s heated, a process known as decarboxylation. This can happen a number of ways:
- Room temperature exposure
- Sunlight exposure
- Heat exposure through smoking, vaping, concentrates, etc.
Once THCa undergoes a heating process (like a lighter) then it becomes the cannabinoid we all know and love: THC. This begs the question…does THCa turn into delta 9 when smoked?
Does THCa Turn into Delta 9 When Smoked?
Yes! THCa does turn into delta 9 when smoked and causes the structure to change just slightly. This is what results in the high associated with THC.
As the kids would say, decarboxylation is fire…literally! Without fire (or at least high heat), there is no THC. And without THC, there is no high. In other words, what’s the point? Well, as we’ll explore below, there are still reasons to consider enjoying THCa on its own.
But before we get into that, let’s address one more question: is THCa the same as delta 9 THC?
So is THCa the Same as Delta 9?
Not at all. Although THCa can become delta 9, they are recognized as two different cannabinoids. The terms for each should not be used interchangeably.
You’ll see why that is as we compare and contrast THCa vs delta 9 THC side by side below. In the meantime, just know this - THCa products are loaded with potential, but won’t do anything until decarboxylation occurs.
Comparison of THCa vs Delta 9 THC
So should you use THCa products or delta 9 THC products? If you’re fortunate enough to be able to choose between the two, our advice would be to stick with good ol’ THC products. They tend to offer a more true-to-strain experience.
That means our THC tincture, live resin gummies, and even CBN THC gummies are a great way to legally enjoy all that cannabis has to offer. But if you’re still curious about the differences betwen THCa vs delta 9 THC, keep reading…
Is THCa Stronger Than Delta 9?
One quick question - does THCa get you high? Because THCa is found in live, raw cannabis, it doesn’t have any psychotropic effects – meaning it does not induce any high. So in that sense, no. THCa is not stronger than delta 9.
THC is more potent (or stronger) than THCa simply because it can produce a high right away. It interacts with a specific set of receptors found in our brain, while THCa doesn’t have as strong of an effect on those same receptors.
While there are benefits and uses of THCa, most users are looking for the high associated with THC. But here’s the good news: if you’re going to smoke or vape THCa flower/oil, you’re getting the authentic cannabis experience you crave.
That’s to say that THCa can be as strong as delta 9 once it’s decarboxylated. There are differing schools of thought on the conversion efficiency between THCa and delta 9 THC, but many believe it’s a 1:1 ratio. So if you have a 95% THCa vape, that may as well be a 95% THC vape.
Therapeutic Benefits
So, if no high is induced, what are the benefits of THCa? Since this cannabinoid was only recently discovered and researched, there’s still a lot to learn about what it can do. What we have found already, though, is promising.
Some early anecdotal evidence suggests it may bring neuroprotective qualities to aid in managing some underlying diseases. Just like other cannabinoids, THCa can also help with overall well-being and balance as it’s believed to support a healthier inflammatory response.
But we know a lot more about what delta 9 THC can do - and no, it’s not just “get you high.” this cannabinoid has been studied more closely and found to aid in:
- Pain Relief: THC’s interaction with CB1 receptors in the nervous system can impact pain perception and provide much-needed relief from chronic pain conditions.
- Appetite Stimulation: It’s often prescribed to people struggling with low appetite from medical conditions or treatments like chemotherapy.
- Nausea and Vomiting Reduction: THC may ease nausea, another reason it’s used by cancer patients going through chemotherapy or anyone with gastrointestinal issues.
- Mood Enhancement: It’s no secret THC can alleviate stress and anxiety in the right doses. The key is to not overdo it, as it can sometimes have the opposite effect.
- Muscle Relaxation: Conditions involving muscle spasms, such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease, can also be better managed with the help of THC.
Does that mean delta 9 THC has more medicinal capabilities than THCa? Not at all. We just don’t know all that the acidic form of this cannabinoid can do yet. Plus, you need to remember that the benefits of true THC can also be found in THCa once you decarb it!
Potential Side Effects
As with most cannabis and hemp-derived cannabinoids, side effects are not one-size-fits-all. But for most, there is little to worry about. Cannabis is seen as safe, with the worst adverse effects being minor, temporary discomfort. Those who do experience side effects from delta 9 may feel:
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Red eyes
- Dizziness
Now - if you’re consuming raw THCa without decarboxylating it, there are actually not going to be any side effects since all the issues above are linked to delta 9’s psychoactivity.
That being said, almost everyone who uses THCa does so with the intention of decarbing it (either by smoking, vaping, or baking into edibles) - so the side effects of THCa and delta 9 THC can potentially be the same.
Consumption Methods
As we all know at this point, simply put a fire or flame to THCa (raw cannabis) and you’ll experience the wonderful world of THC. But, can you really use THCa products? If so, how? The simple answer is yes. There are several ways to consume THCa:
- Juicing
- Tinctures
- Edibles
These products keep THCa in its raw form so your body can capture the benefits of natural plant material. Think of it like enjoying the raw form of any vitamin or mineral.
However, there are also other products available - THCa flower, vapes, and dabs. These are all going to be heated in some way or another, which will bring out that high you’re craving.
Good ol’ delta 9 THC is more versatile, though, as you can find it in everything from flower and vapes and dabs to edibles, tinctures, capsules, topicals - the list goes on and on. It’s just a matter of choosing a consumption method that aligns with your preferences and goals.
Our blog has more resources on topics like THC tincture vs edibles, live resin vs rosin, and live resin vs liquid diamonds if you want to explore specific consumption methods.
Legality and Accessibility
One final difference to consider between THCa vs delta 9 comes down to legality. Despite being chemically linked, there are distinctions here you need to be aware of. Although the Farm Bill federally legalized hemp-based THC products, there are caveats.
THCa is sold legally under the 2018 Farm Bill because it is technically not Delta 9 THC until it is heated. This loophole is how you can legally buy high-THCa hemp flower that basically gets you just as high as the real deal.
Delta 9 THC remains federally illegal but may be fair game in your state and county, either medicinally, recreationally, or both. But the key takeaway is that anyone can buy THCa products online, whereas not everyone has access to delta 9 THC products.
So is THCa Better Than Delta 9?
We hope this comparison of THCa vs delta 9 THC has left you with complete clarity on where differences lie along with how they’re similar. So, is THCa better than delta 9? No cannabinoid is inherently better than the next. That being said, one may be more suited for you.
THCa is ideal for those who want a non-psychoactive option or need a legally accessible cannabis product that can still be converted into THC. But if you have access to delta 9 products, those are going to be a more predictable, immediate way to enjoy cannabis.
At the end of the day, both cannabinoids have a place in cannabis culture, and the choice comes down to how you want to consume, what kind of effects you’re looking for, and what’s legal where you live.
Choose accordingly, and know that whichever you pick, you’re getting more or less the same experience in the end if you smoke, vape, or dab!
Wrapping Up Our Comparison Between THCa vs Delta 9
Now you can walk away and tell all your friends about what you learned in terms of the difference between THCa and delta 9. Although they have the potential to be the same thing, we’ve shown you where THCa vs delta 9 THC differ.
But if it’s THCa flower you’re planning to smoke or a THCa vape you’re indulging in, just know you’re essentially getting the same experience you would with delta 9 THC flower or vapes. The process of decarboxylation transforms THCa into delta 9 THC.
That being said, we don’t love smoking or vaping here at Evn - we prefer to eat our cannabis to protect our lungs and enjoy more controlled, long-lasting effects. Experience the difference firsthand with our hybrid gummies, indica gummies, or sativa gummies today!
