THCA vs Delta 9
The latest addition to our store has been flying off the shelves these past few weeks. THCA is getting a lot of press lately, and for good reason. But how does this “new” cannabinoid compare to delta 9, the OG cannabinoid that started it all? Keep reading for the lowdown on THCA vs delta 9. Find out where these cannabinoids come from, and how they really stack up against one another. You may even learn some surprising facts about the relationship between the two.
In the meantime, if you’re curious to see how THCA compares to delta 9 for yourself, check out our store! Choose from THCA blunts (available in indica, sativa, and hybrid), or opt for our Tres Leches Indica prerolls. Skip the stress this holiday season and rest assured that our products are lab tested to ensure you get the best quality possible.
What is delta 9?
Before we delve into the specifics regarding THCA vs delta 9, we need to cover some basics. Without a doubt, you’ve heard of THC. THC actually refers to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Delta 8 is also a form of THC, but it is always specified as delta 8, and the terms aren’t used interchangeably the way they are with delta 9 and THC.
Though cannabis has been enjoyed across the globe for thousands of years, it wasn’t until the 1960s that scientists made real progress with delta 9. “Grandfather of Cannabis” Raphael Mechoulam and his team were able to identify the chemical structure of delta 9 in 1964. This research is the foundation of the knowledge we have today.
For years, this cannabinoid was given credit for being the ingredient in weed that produces a high. While it’s true that THC is an abundant naturally occurring psychoactive cannabinoid, we now know there are many other parts of the plant that contribute to the high that we feel after consumption. As a matter of fact, THCA content is also extremely relevant.
What is THCA?
Like delta 9, THCA is also a naturally occurring cannabinoid. THCA is actually the acidic form of delta 9 THC. Unlike THC, however, THCA is not psychoactive. This sounds like a bummer, but you probably have the tools at home to do a little chemistry of your own and “activate” the psychoactive potential in THCA. No, you don’t need a lab coat or any level of expertise. See, when you add heat to THCA, it converts to delta 9 THC. This heat can come from a lighter, the heat from a vape, or the oven when you decarb your flower before making edibles.
THCA vs delta 9 effects
If you want to enjoy pure, unaltered THCA, you need to keep it in its raw form. That means you would have to grind up some flower and sprinkle it in your food or ingest a specially made tincture. In its raw, non-psychoactive form, THCA seems to offer similar benefits as delta 9, but without the high. This means this cannabinoid has potential to be used medically for patients who want to remain sober.
Once you “activate” the THCA with heat, it becomes delta 9. Here, you can expect all the classic effects of THC. In case you’ve never been high before, these effects include euphoria, creativity boost, delayed reaction time, heightened senses, relaxation, increase in appetite, and potential drowsiness. Experiencing THCA in all of its activated, psychoactive glory, is as easy as smoking one of our THCA blunts or prerolls.
The bottom line
While both THCA and delta 9 are naturally occurring cannabinoids, there are a couple key differences between the two. When it comes to THCA vs delta 9, method of consumption makes all the difference. THCA is essentially a precursor to delta 9. When you add heat, this cannabinoid ceases to exist and transforms into that classic ingredient we all know and love: delta 9 THC. If you choose not to add heat and enjoy THCA in its pure form, you will not experience any psychoactive effects.