Understanding the Basics: THCA vs Delta 9 in Cannabis

Customers have been debating THCa vs. Delta 9 incessantly, with many unsure about which compound is best for them. Cannabis or hemp can be used to produce THCa and Delta 9, two cannabinoids that are closely related. In fact, there are so many similarities and connections between THCa and Delta 9 that there are numerous questions: Are Delta 9 and THCa legal? What effects can THCa or Delta 9 have? What distinguishes Delta 9 THC from THCa? Continue reading to get the answers to these and other questions about THCa vs. Delta 9.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

In this article, we’ll learn the key differences between Delta 9 and THCa. After a brief description of each compound, we’ll discuss their effects, including whether or not they will get you high. We’ll also cover the different THCa and Delta 9 products available from trusted sources such as The Hemp Collect and get a brief introduction to how they are used.

We also get a quick rundown on the potential benefits of Delta 9 and THCa, as well as learn about some of the side effects and possible risks of using cannabis and hemp products. Importantly, we’ll also learn about the legality of Delta 9 THC and THCa, including how the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived cannabinoids at the federal level. We’ll also explore some frequently asked questions and learn where to turn for more information.

WHAT IS THCA?

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, also known as THCa, is one of the more than one hundred different chemicals that are classified as cannabinoids that can be found in cannabis and hemp. THCa is present in live hemp and cannabis plants in variable amounts, typically at concentrations that are higher than Delta 9 THC, which is the chemical that is primarily responsible for the psychotropic effects (also known as the “high”) that are commonly associated with smoking cannabis. When it is consumed in its raw form, THCa does not produce psychoactive effects and will not cause you to feel high. 

THCa has been discovered to have potential therapeutic benefits despite the fact that it does not generate intoxication effects when it is produced in its raw form. The findings of recent studies indicate that THCa may have the potential to be used in therapeutic settings and may provide a variety of advantages. Delta 9 THC is an intoxicating cannabinoid that is derived from THCa. It is possible to transform THCa into Delta 9 THC by a process known as decarboxylation, which is also frequently referred to as activation. 

DELTA 9 THC: WHAT IS IT?

The most popular kind of cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol, or delta 9 THC, as it is more widely known. It is the most popular psychotropic compound found in cannabis and hemp and is the primary cause of the high that people experience when they consume cannabis. 

Delta 9 THC is converted from THCa when it is heated (such as when a cannabis or hemp product is smoked or vaped) in a process known as decarboxylation. After decarboxylation, THCa has been converted to Delta 9 THC, so it has become psychotropic and will get you high.

The human body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a biological network in charge of controlling numerous physiological and mental functions all over the body, interacts with delta 9 THC. These interactions are, in turn, responsible for the potentially therapeutic and psychotropic effects of Delta 9 THC.

The historical documentation of delta 9 THC’s psychotropic effects is widely recognized.  Delta 9 causes the brain’s dopamine-releasing cells to fire. Additionally, the cannabinoid may potentially disrupt the hippocampus’s information processing, which is in charge of creating new memories in that region of the brain. In some rare instances, THC can induce hallucinations or cause delusions. 

For as long as the cannabinoid concentration is less than 0.3% by dry weight, the 2018 Farm Bill permits the use of Delta 9 THC derived from hemp.  This restriction makes many potential products, such as hemp flower and vape carts, impractical on a commercial basis. However, there are some products, generally edibles, that do comply with this limit on THC. Right now, Delta 9 gummies are the most widely used product on the market.

The effects of THC, both psychoactive and psychotropic, can differ from person to person and based on how it is consumed.  Moreover, the way THC is taken can affect how long these effects last. For example, when THC is smoked or vaporized, its effects are felt almost immediately and can last for a few hours. When THC is consumed in an edible form, its effects can take longer to onset and last for a longer time period.

HOW TO USE THCA?

Consumers who wish to obtain the benefits of raw THCa should ensure that they do not purchase products that decarboxylate the cannabinoid during use. Tinctures and other products that are taken by mouth are the best solution to avoid converting THCa into THC.

However, if your goal is to get the psychoactive effects of THC from your THCa products, choose options that are heated when they are used. Heating THCa, either by smoking or vaping, will decarboxylate the compound and turn it into psychotropic THC. Such products, including THCa flowers, THCa carts, THCa pre-rolls, and THCa disposable vapes, will all get you high when they are used as intended.

You should always consult with a qualified healthcare professional about any medical condition you might be experiencing and check with them before trying THCa or any cannabinoid or supplement. It is recommended that you start with a small amount and increase the dose gradually as needed to achieve the desired effects.

HOW TO USE DELTA 9 THC?

You can consume THC in a variety of different ways, and each method can have somewhat different effects. The most common way to take Delta 9 THC is by smoking cannabis flower, either in a joint, pipe, or bong. Delta 9 can also be vaporized, either as a cannabis flower or by using cannabis extracts such as oil, wax, badder, crumble, and more. THC can also be ingested by mouth, either through cannabis edibles, beverages, or other oral products such as capsules. Furthermore, topical products contain THC that can be absorbed through the skin. 

The ways in which you ingest THC can affect how the compound feels. While edibles are processed in the stomach and liver, smoking or vaping cannabis causes Delta 9 THC to enter the lungs and be absorbed into the bloodstream. Compared to smoking, the effects of edibles typically feel stronger and last much longer. Eating THC-rich cannabis products such as Delta 9 edibles, including Delta 9 gummies, will produce a much stronger and more intense high while smoking the cannabinoid gives you a more predictable and manageable dose.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF THCA PRODUCTS

There is a great variety of hemp-derived THCa products available from online retailers and brick-and-mortar shops. Products that convert the THCa to Delta 9 THC as they are used are the most popular. These include smokable products such as THCa pre-rolls and hemp THCa flower. 

Products that vaporize THCa also activate it into THC, so THCa vapes, THCa carts, and THCa disposables are also popular. If you prefer the full-strength hit you can only get from dabbing, look for THCa live resin or THCa diamonds for your rig.

Remember that smokable THCa products and THCa vapes will convert THCa to Delta 9 THC when they are used. THC is psychotropic, so using these products as they are intended will get you high.

If you want to get the potential therapeutic effects of THCa without getting high, choose options that do not heat the product as it is used. THCa tinctures are most popular for this purpose, but capsules and other oral formulations can be found at some retailers.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF DELTA 9 PRODUCTS

As mentioned above, hemp-derived Delta 9 products are generally limited to edibles, including Delta 9 gummies. At The Hemp Collect, our Delta 9 caramels are a hit with our customers, who love their taste and effects.

Other Delta 9 products are available in states that have legalized medical or adult-use cannabis, but they are only available to adults at licensed cannabis dispensaries. Products at these retailers often are subject to high taxes, and access is limited to registered patients in states with medical cannabis only. The whole range of cannabis products, including edibles, vape pens, flowers, and more, are available at licensed dispensaries. 

HOW DO DELTA 9 AND THCA DIFFER?

Delta 9 Plants that produce cannabis contain two distinct cannabinoids: THC and THCa. The psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that produces a high is THCa. While THCa does not bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors, which is where cannabinoids get their psychotropic effects, it is not intoxicating.

As a component of the endocannabinoid system or ECS, delta-9 THC has a strong binding affinity for the body’s CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, which, among other things, causes a spike in dopamine and intense feelings of euphoria. THC can only be made euphoric by decarboxylating it, which can be done by heating it manually in an oven, smoking it, or vaping it.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF DELTA 9 VS. THCA

Although their potential therapeutic benefits are still unknown, delta 9 and THCA both have them. Delta 9. You should not use cannabis products, including Delta 9 and THCa, to treat any condition without the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. 

THC proved to be useful, according to research that was published in the Journal of Pain. According to a clinical review of studies that were written up in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, THC worked well. An analysis of the literature indicates that topical cannabis products have demonstrated promise in treating a range of skin disorders. Although this requires further research and study to confirm its results.

It is noteworthy that THC may have adverse effects in addition to its possible medicinal benefits.

THCa is often now used for the benefit of its psychoactive qualities when decarboxylated into THC, particularly in states that have not yet legalized recreational cannabis. THCa that is vaped or smoked is naturally decarboxylated, or activated, into THC and will thus be psychoactive and get you high. Although THCa in its natural, raw form will not get you high when ingested, decarboxylation converts it to nearly 90% THC, making the precursor nearly as powerful as THC. Decarboxylation of THCa also occurs as cannabis is dried and cured, although at a much slower rate.

SIDE EFFECTS OF DELTA 9 VS. THCA

According to a report from Healthline, delta-9 THC can have temporary side effects that one might find unappealing. Long-term use of Delta-9 THC has been linked to recurring adverse conditions, along with substance abuse disorders, according to Forbes. Like any other product out there, you should always use caution, and anything that is overused can be harmful.

The side effects are generally mild or nonexistent for THCa that is taken in its raw, natural form. That cannabinoid, THCa, is decarboxylated into Delta 9 THC when heated via smoking or vaping. Therefore, the potential side effects of taking THCa in these ways are the same as the side effects of Delta 9 outlined above.

IS THCA TRANSFORMED INTO DELTA 9 AFTER SMOKING?

Yes, THCA turns into Delta 9 when it is smoked or vaped. The process of decarboxylation, which involves subjecting cannabis to heat, light, or time, transforms THCa into THC. The process of decarboxylation converts the THCa molecule into THC by removing a small molecule known as a carboxyl group. This can happen when cannabis is smoked, heated, or vaped, and to a lesser extent and more slowly when it is stored for a long time or exposed to sunlight. 

Decarboxylation is necessary to release THC’s psychoactive effects. However, excessive heat can also degrade THC into less psychoactive compounds, so the optimal temperature and duration of decarboxylation may vary depending on the desired effects.

Is Delta 9 Not as Strong as THCA?

No, THCA does not have greater potency than Delta 9. When THCa is decarboxylated, it converts to about 90% Delta 9 THC. Therefore, Delta 9 is slightly stronger than THCa. 

IS THERE A LEGAL DELTA 9?

Yes, hemp-derived Delta 9 THC is allowed for use under the 2018 Farm Bill. Edibles are the most popular Delta 9 product, with the exception of states that have legalized cannabis for recreational or medical purposes. Products with Delta 9 must not contain more than 0.3% of the cannabinoid by dry weight. Check if Delta 9 and other hemp-derived cannabinoids are legal in your state before placing an order, though, as some states have taken action to regulate them.

IS IT LEGAL TO USE THCA?

Products made with hemp THCa are legal under federal law since hemp THCa is permitted by the 2018 Farm Bill. Therefore, shipping THCa and other hemp products to the majority of US addresses is lawful. On the other hand, regulated cannabis products are only available for purchase from authorized cannabis dispensaries or delivery services, and they are not permitted to be legally mailed or transported across state lines. As previously mentioned, since some states have taken action to regulate cannabinoids, consumers should always make sure that THCa products are legal in their area.

WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO BUY DELTA 9 PRODUCTS AND THCA PRODUCTS?

Top-quality Delta 9 and THCa products can be purchased from reputable online dealers such as The Hemp Collect. Our team consists of enthusiastic individuals, friends, and professionals in the field of cannabis who are dedicated to educating people and providing plant medicine to communities worldwide. When we were first established, our goal was to use our knowledge and experience with cannabis to produce the best products available.  We wanted to do better for customers in a sea of quickly-hashed options that were frequently dangerous or ineffectual. We have achieved this goal by adhering to a strict research and development process and by only utilizing superior inputs in the products we manufacture.

Verifying that the product you are purchasing has a certificate of analysis (COA) available is one way to make sure you are dealing with a trustworthy retailer. A certified analytical laboratory has tested the product for purity and potency, as evidenced by the COA. Be sure to check the COA and confirm that the potency of Delta 9 or THCa matches what is printed on the package and that the product has passed tests for contamination, such as heavy metals, pesticides, bacteria, or mold. 

When it comes to taste and effectiveness, when it comes to safety, and when it comes to purchasing products from ethical makers who have high standards and your best interests in mind, there is no better place to go for Delta 9 and THCa than The Hemp Collect. For all of our products, we provide a money-back guarantee. As a result of your input, we want to keep getting better. By taking what we have learned from your experiences, we want to make sure that we consistently meet your needs.

FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THCA AND DELTA 9

As you might imagine, many people are unsure about the differences between THCa vs. Delta 9. Many people understandably confuse the two. The most crucial thing to keep in mind is that THCa transforms into Delta 9 THC when smoked or vaped.  As a result, smoking or vaping THCa products makes them psychoactive and will make you feel high.

Another important difference between Delta 9 and THCa is accessibility. THCa products made from hemp are now legally permissible federally and are available for purchase in many states, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. On the other hand, in order for Delta 9 products to be allowed under the 2018 Farm Bill, their dry weight cannot contain more than 0.3% Delta 9 THC. Therefore, the selection of hemp-derived Delta 9 THC products is fairly limited, with edibles such as Delta 9 gummies the only option commonly available.

Concerning Delta 9 or THCa, do you have any inquiries? Check out the FAQs below, or find more articles on our blog. Still need more info? Contact us at (503) 438-6985 or via email at wholesale@thehempcollect.com . we’re here to help!

THCA VS. DELTA 9: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CANNABIOIDS: WHAT ARE THEY?

Chemicals called cannabinoids are created by the cannabis plant spontaneously. They engage with receptors in our body’s endocannabinoid system, which controls mood, appetite, and sleep, among other physiological functions.

HOW DO I PICK THE RIGHT CANNABINOID FOR ME?

The best cannabinoid for you will depend on your personal requirements and tastes. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before using any cannabis products to determine which cannabinoid and dosage would be best for you. 

WILL DELTA 9 AND THCA PRODUCTS MAKE ME FAIL A DRUG TEST?

Yes, using THCa and Delta 9 THC products can cause you to test positive for using cannabis. Since THCa converts to THC when it is vaporized, using THCa products can result in a positive test on most drug screenings for cannabis, including urine, blood, saliva, and hair tests. Those subject to drug tests for cannabis should avoid cannabis products, including THCa and Delta 9.

ARE DELTA 9 AND THCA SAFE?

Yes, when used in moderation, delta 9 THC and THCa are generally regarded as safe. While smoking cannabis has its own set of health risks, cannabis is one of the safest recreational drugs available. There have never been any confirmed cannabis overdose deaths. However, consuming too much cannabis at once can result in adverse effects. The side effects of using cannabis products can also differ based on the kind of cannabinoid used, the dosage, and the mode of ingestion. 

Cannabis was classified as a substance with a lower risk by the Department of Health and Human Services in August 2022. Nevertheless, using cannabis products may come with some risks.  The Centers for Disease Control state that using cannabis may have a variety of negative health effects. It should be noted that the long-term effects of vaping cannabis products are still unknown. Only buy THCa and Delta 9 products from ethical companies with a reputation for selling quality products.