Delta 9 THC, THCa vs THC

What is Delta 9 THC?

THC’s scientific name is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or delta-9 for short. Delta-9 THC isn't like Delta 8 THC which is only 1/3 as potent as has users stating the high isn't that intense.

How is Delta 9 THC Legal? Due to the weight of the gummies, 15mg of delta 9 THC is put into each gummy and is compliant to ship to all 50 states. The total amount of 100% THC percentage is less than .3% of the gummies entire weight. This allows us to ship legally to all 50 states.

What is THCA?

THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinol acid, is the acid form of THC. This may seem like an insignificant point until you realize that without THCA, THC wouldn’t exist. THCA is the reason we heat cannabis products by various means—that decarboxylation process turns THCA into THC. While THCA creates THC, it does not have the psychoactive properties prior to becoming THC. Because of this, some cannabis enthusiasts like to consume THCA and avoid any intoxicating effects.

How Does THCA Work?

THCA works much the same way other cannabinoids do—it’s consumed in one way or another and pushed into the body’s bloodstream and endocannabinoid system. While THC loves to bind with CB1 receptors, THCA is a little bigger, a little thicker, and doesn’t fit those receptors as well as THC. Because of this, it doesn’t cause any kind of intoxicating effects, but it is possible that it could have other effects on the body. More work needs to be done before we can know for certain if THCA has any benefits.

How Do You Use THCA?

There are a variety of ways to consume THCA, including eating raw cannabis and dabbing a product called diamonds, which is basically a pure THCA extract. That said, THCA is found in flower that has not been decarboxylated, so as long as you don’t heat your marijuana or expose it to light, it will contain THCA. If you prefer not to consume flower or dab diamonds, you can also find THCA pills, patches, topicals, and more. Your best bet to find THCA products is to ask your budtender what they have available.

THC vs THCA: What’s the Difference?

There is one major difference between THCA and THC—you cannot have THC without first having THCA. This is because THCA, when heated or exposed to light, converts into THC. In addition to this difference, THCA cannot cause any kind of intoxicating effects.

THCA vs Delta-9: What’s the Difference?

Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol is a fancy name for the THC we are commonly talking about when referring to one of the most popular cannabinoids. Because of this, the same differences between THCA and THC apply to THCA and Delta-9. Delta-9 is intoxicating, while THCA is not, and you cannot have Delta-9 without first decarboxylating THCA.

THCA vs Delta-8: What’s the Difference?

Delta-8 is a form of THC that’s only slightly different in chemical structure than Delta-9. Because Delta-8 is a form of THC, it has similar differences as Delta-9 when compared to THCA. The two most obvious differences are that Delta-8 is one of the results of decarboxylating THCA. Additionally, while Delta-8 is slightly less intoxicating than Delta-9, it still has some intoxicating effects. THCA does not.

THCA vs THCV: What’s the Difference?

We know that THCA is the precursor to THC, so you might think that THCV is the precursor to another popular cannabinoid. The truth is, THCV is different from THCA because it is its own cannabinoid entirely—THCV does not come from THCA. Additionally, while THCA is not intoxicating, THCV does cause psychoactive effects.

Answering FAQs About THCA

THCA creates one of the most popular cannabinoids on the market today, so of course, we answer plenty of questions about it. Here are just a few:

Does THCA get you “high”? No, THCA will not give you the intoxicating effects - the “high” - unless it is decarboxylated. This process will turn your THCA into THC.

Is Delta 8 the same as THCA? No, Delta 8 is not the same as THCA. Delta 8 is a form of THC, and like Delta 9, it comes from THCA.

Is THCA the same as CBD? No, THCA is not the same as CBD. THCA is the precursor to THC. CBD is its own cannabinoid that comes from CBDA.

Purchasing THCA

While THCA may not have any psychoactive effects, it can be converted into THC through decarboxylation. That said, many cannabis enthusiasts enjoy exploring the effects of different cannabinoids on their endocannabinoid system. If this sounds like you, head down to your local shop. They can help you find the THCA products they have available.

THCA vs. THC

If you're someone who's interested in the world of cannabis, you've probably heard of THC. But have you heard of THCA? These two compounds are often mentioned together but are not the same. THC is a well-known psychoactive compound that gets you high, while THCA is a non-intoxicating compound that has its own potential health benefits.

The difference between THC and THCA

Let's take a closer look at how THC vs. THCA stacks up against each other in terms of effects, product availability, and safety.

Key Takeaways: THC Vs. THCA

• The cannabis plant produces many other cannabinoids aside from CBD and THC, THCA is one of them found in freshly harvested cannabis.

• THCA is the acidic, non-psychoactive form of THC found in raw, unheated cannabis, while THC is the psychoactive form of the compound that results from heating or aging cannabis.

• THC is responsible for the characteristic "high" associated with marijuana use, while THCA does not have psychoactive effects.

• THCA has been shown to have potential health benefits, such as supporting healthy inflammation and promoting relaxation, while THC has been studied for its pain relief, anti-nausea, and appetite-stimulating properties.

• THC is typically consumed through smoking or vaping, which will convert THCA into THC. At the same time, THCA can be consumed by juicing or consuming raw cannabis for its non-psychoactive effects.

• The legal status of THC and THCA varies depending on where you live, with THC being classified as a controlled substance in many places, while THCA is generally legal to possess and use.

THC vs. THCA: The Differences

1. Chemical Structure And Properties

THC and THCA have slightly different chemical structures.

THCA is the precursor cannabinoid to THCA and has an extra carboxylic acid group, which breaks off when exposed to heat to create THC. Comparing the shape of the THCA vs. THC, we can see that the carboxylic group affects the psychoactive properties of the molecules.

2. Psychoactive Effects

THC is known for its psychoactive effects, which include altered mood, increased appetite, and reduced pain perception. These effects are what make THC popular for recreational use.

THCA molecules, on the other hand, do not produce the psychoactive effects of THC. However, it may have potential medical benefits such as anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.

3. Legal Status

The legal status of THC vs. THC can vary depending on where you live.

THC is a controlled substance in many countries and is only legal for medical or recreational use in certain states or countries.

THCA, on the other hand, is not typically regulated or controlled, as it does not produce the psychoactive effects of THC.

In many states, hemp-derived THCA products are the only way to have legal access to the psychoactive properties of cannabis, as it lives in a legal loophole. THCA is typically legal for purchase as a raw cannabis extract or hemp flower, but it can be converted to THC with a simple lighter.

How To Consume THC and THCA

1. Inhalation

The most common method of consuming THC and THCA is by smoking or vaporizing.

This method allows for quick onset of effects. However, smoking can be harsh on the lungs and may not be suitable for those with respiratory issues.

Keep in mind that if you are smoking THCA flower or THCA concentrates, the moment you apply heat to the cannabinoid acid, it will undergo decarboxylation, and transform into THC, producing pscyhaoctive effects.

2. Edibles

THC and THCA can be consumed in food or beverage form, such as baked goods, candies, and tinctures.

THC Edibles take longer to take effect, typically 30 minutes to an hour, but the effects can last longer.

It's important to note that edibles can be difficult to dose accurately and may result in unexpected effects if consumed in excess.

While you can find THCA gummies and capsules available, made with the non-psychoactive acidic form of THC, the moment you expose it to heat, it will become THC and will become psychoactive.

If you wish to keep your THCA as the acidic form, consume the product raw.

3. Topicals

THCA and THC can also be applied topically in the form of creams, balms, and lotions.

Many people prefer this method for localized pain relief or skin conditions, as it does not produce psychoactive effects.

4. Sublingual

THC Oil and THCA Oil can be consumed sublingually, meaning they are placed under the tongue and absorbed into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes. This method allows for quick onset and accurate dosing.

THCA taken in this format stays as THCA, so you don't have to worry about accidentally converting it into THC.

What Is THCA?

THCA, short for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in raw cannabis plants. This means that no matter how much THCA you consume from freshly harvested cannabis (unheated), you won't succumb to its intoxicating effects. Unlike THC, THCA does not produce the euphoric "high" commonly associated with marijuana use. THCA differs from THC in chemical structure and properties—namely, THCA molecules have a carboxylic acid group, which will affect how the molecule binds to different receptors in the body.

While THCA is the precursor to THC, it's converted into THC through a process called decarboxylation, which involves heating the cannabis buds. This chemical reaction effectively breaks off the carboxylic acid group, and you get THC.

What Is THC?

THC, short for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive compound found in cannabis.

It's the chemical responsible for producing the euphoric "high" commonly associated with the marijuana plant.

When consumed, THC (like CBD and other cannabinoids) interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which regulates a variety of physiological processes such as mood, appetite, and pain sensation.

THC is unique because it binds to cannabinoid receptors (CB1) in the brain and other parts of the body, which can lead to various effects, such as altered mood, increased appetite, and reduced pain perception [1].

What Does The Research Say About The Suggested Benefits Of THCA?

1. Potential for anti-inflammatory effects: Some preliminary research has suggested that THCA may have promising effects for supporting healthy inflammation, which seems to be a common property of many cannabis compounds [7].

2. Potential for neuroprotective effects: Animal studies have shown that THCA may support the brain from damage, although more research is needed to confirm these findings [8].

3. THCa may support healthy weight: A 2020 study found that THCa may aid in obesity-related diseases such as fatty liver disease and diabetes by supporting normal insulin levels [9]. While the research is fairly new, it shows some potential in this space.

What Does The Research Say About Suggested Benefits of THC?

1. Potential for pain relief: Some studies have shown that THC may have the potential actions to relieve chronic pain, including neuropathic pain and pain associated with certain medical conditions [2].

2. Potential for reducing nausea and vomiting: THC has promising effects for reducing nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or other medical conditions, based on some limited clinical research [3].

3. Potential for appetite stimulation: Cannabis consumers know the munchies all too well. This appetite-stimulating property could benefit people with certain medical conditions based on some limited clinical research [4].

4. Potential for relaxation: THC shows promising potential for producing feelings of relaxation and euphoria, which may have some limited benefit for people with anxiety or depression, as found in some clinical research [5]. However, it can also produce the opposite effect in high doses.

5. Potential for aiding sleep: THC may have potential as a sleep aid, as some limited clinical research suggests that it may promote body relaxation and reduce anxiety [6].

How THCA Is Converted Into THC

Delta 9 THC Flower

Learn More

Delta 9 Flowers are brand new! Shop them now. Our sun-grown Autopilot strain Delta 9 flower is cured to perfection for a full-bodied terpene flavor. THCA is converted into THC through a process called decarboxylation, which involves heating or aging the cannabis plant. When cannabis is harvested, it contains high levels of THCA and little to no THC. However, when the cannabis plant is exposed to heat through smoking, baking, or vaping, the THCA molecule loses a carboxyl group and is converted into THC. This process activates the psychoactive effects of the compound, making it more potent and bioavailable.

Decarboxylation can also occur naturally over time as the cannabis plant ages and is exposed to sunlight. This is why some older cannabis products may have higher levels of THC than freshly harvested plants. Overheating or burning cannabis can lead to the breakdown of THC into less desirable compounds, while underheating may result in lower THC levels and ineffective products.

Which Is Better: THC vs. THCA?

It's difficult to determine which cannabinoid comes out on top, between THCA vs THC as it depends on the individual's body chemistry and the desired effects they'd like from cannabis. When it comes to the breadth of research, there's much more attention on the effects and safety of THC. However, THC may not be suitable for everyone, especially those sensitive to the psychoactive effects. Another factor to consider is its accessibility. THCA derived from hemp may be many people's only option for a THC product with the potential to use psychoactive effects in states where marijuana remains illegal.

The Takeaway: THC VS. THCA

THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is a psychoactive compound found in cannabis. It's responsible for the "high" that people experience when using marijuana. THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a non-psychoactive compound found in raw, unheated cannabis.

It must be converted to THC through a process called decarboxylation before it becomes psychoactive. As with any substance, it's important to do your own research and consult with a medical professional before using THC or THCA longterm. Everyone's body is different, and what works for one person may not work for another.

The Best Delta-9, THCA products

Resources:

1. Sim-Selley, L. J. (2003). Regulation of cannabinoid CB1 receptors in the central nervous system by chronic cannabinoids. Critical Reviews™ in Neurobiology, 15(2).

2. Russo, E. B. (2008). Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain. Therapeutics and clinical risk management, 4(1), 245-259.

3. Musty, R. E., & Rossi, R. (2001). Effects of smoked cannabis and oral Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on nausea and emesis after cancer chemotherapy: a review of state clinical trials. Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics, 1(1), 29-56.

4. Berry, E. M., & Mechoulam, R. (2002). Tetrahydrocannabinol and endocannabinoids in feeding and appetite. Pharmacology & therapeutics, 95(2), 185-190.

5. Kamal, B. S., Kamal, F., & Lantela, D. E. (2018). Cannabis and the anxiety of fragmentation—a systems approach for finding an anxiolytic cannabis chemotype. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 12, 730.

6. Kaul, M., Zee, P. C., & Sahni, A. S. (2021). Effects of cannabinoids on sleep and their therapeutic potential for sleep disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 18, 217-227.

7. Carmona-Hidalgo, B., González-Mariscal, I., García-Martín, A., Prados, M. E., Ruiz-Pino, F., Appendino, G., ... & Muñoz, E. (2021). Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid markedly alleviates liver fibrosis and inflammation in mice. Phytomedicine, 81, 153426.

8. Maroon, J., & Bost, J. (2018). Review of the neurological benefits of phytocannabinoids. Surgical neurology international, 9.

DISCLAIMER

All products are Federal Farm Bill Compliant and contain less than 0.3% THC. FDA DISCLOSURE: The statements regarding these products have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, consult your health physician before use. The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act requires placement of this notice.