What is THCA vs Delta 9?

What is THCA vs Delta 9 THC? There are multiple forms of THC out there, but what are the differences between them? There are THCA, multiple forms of THC (Delta 8, Delta 9, Delta 10 etc.), THCV and more. Recently, when writing about our non-psychoactive THCV gummies, some readers wrote in confusing THCA flower with THCV oils and our THC Mood Gummies. We get it; all these acronyms sound similar! So, in this blog, we will answer: What is THCA vs Delta 9?

THCA vs Delta 9 in cannabis

THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) and Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-9-THC) are two distinct compounds found in cannabis and hemp plants. Here’s an overview of the differences between Delta 9 vs THCA:

1. THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid):

• THCA is the acidic precursor of Delta-9-THC and is abundant in raw, freshly harvested cannabis plants.
  
• It is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce the “high” or intoxicating effects typically associated with cannabis use.
  
• THCA must be decarboxylated (heated) to convert it into Delta-9-THC. This process removes the carboxyl group from THCA, turning it into its active form (Delta-9-THC). In other words, some people smoke THCA flower. Although the THCA flower is non-psychoactive before being heated, it becomes psychoactive once heated. Therefore, people can get high by smoking THCA flower.
  
• Some people believe that THCA has therapeutic potential and may have anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-emetic properties.
  
  

2. Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-9-THC):

• Delta-9-THC is the most well-known and primary psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for producing the euphoric “high” experienced when using marijuana.
  
• It binds to the cannabinoid receptors in the brain and central nervous system, leading to various physiological and psychological effects.
  
• When cannabis is heated (e.g., smoked, vaped, or cooked), THCA undergoes decarboxylation, converting into Delta-9-THC, which is why the psychoactive effects are experienced when consuming cannabis through these methods.
  

Summary of key differences

In summary, THCA is the non-psychoactive precursor of Delta-9-THC found in raw cannabis, while Delta-9-THC is the active psychoactive compound responsible for the intoxicating effects of marijuana. When you heat cannabis, THCA is converted to Delta-9-THC, which is why smoking or vaping cannabis produces the typical effects associated with marijuana use.

We hope this helped you understand the differences between THCA vs Delta 9 THC. Please explore our website for more information on the dozens of cannabinoids found in hemp and cannabis.