THCA Vs Delta 9

As the hemp and cannabis market continue to evolve, two cannabinoids have been receiving significant attention: THCA and delta-9 THC. While both compounds originate from the cannabis plant, their effects, legality, and use can vary widely. Read on to learn more about THCA vs delta 9.

In the meantime, if you’d like to experience the differences (and similarities) of THCA vs delta 9 for yourself, then check out our selection of THCA disposable vapes.

What is THCA?

THCA is the acidic, non-psychoactive precursor to delta-9 THC.  This cannabinoid is found in raw cannabis and doesn’t produce the “high” typically associated with cannabis use.  When cannabis is heated through a process known as decarboxylation, THCA converts into delta-9 THC, which is the compound responsible for most of cannabis’s psychoactive effects.  This heat can come from a lighter, a vape, or the oven.  You can learn more about decarboxylation here.  

Yes, converting THCA to delta 9 is as easy as smoking one of our THCA vapes.  By the time you inhale, the heat will have transformed the non-psychoactive THCA into the very psychoactive THC.

Those looking to enjoy the benefits of delta 9 THC without the high can enjoy THCA in its original form by ingesting raw flower, or consuming a specially made tincture.

What is delta 9 THC?

Delta-9 THC is the most well-known cannabinoid and is primarily associated with the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Unlike THCA, it binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain, which produces a high.  

Effects of delta 9 vary from person to person.  But, common effects include euphoria, altered sense of time, increase in appetite, relaxation, drowsiness, and boost of creativity.  Side effects can include red eyes, dry mouth, and for some people, paranoia or anxiety.  

Legality

Legality is an interesting aspect of the THCA vs delta 9 subject.  In 2018, the Farm Bill legalized hemp on a federal level.  Legally, hemp is defined as cannabis containing .3% or less delta 9 THC.  This means that, federally, both delta 9 and THCA are considered legal if they can be derived from hemp.  This is possible through cannabinoid conversion processes executed by chemists.  But, individual states have implemented their own legislation since the passing of the bill.  Some have imposed bans, restrictions, or regulations when it comes to cannabinoids derived from hemp.

Other states use something called “total THC” when determining if something is to be classified as hemp or cannabis.  Total THC takes THCA content into account when determining delta 9 THC percentages. 

Cannabis-derived THCA and delta 9 are also subject to state laws.  Currently, cannabis is fully legal in twenty-five out of fifty states, while several other states offer medical cannabis, or have decriminalized the plant.  However, cannabis is still totally illegal, or only legal to produce CBD, in several other states.  

Try THCA for yourself

If you want to play chemist and convert some THCA to THC, then look no further than our THCA disposable vapes.  You’ll be inhaling delta 9 by the time the vape heats up, and you can expect to experience the same effects that you normally would when you smoke delta 9 THC.  If you prefer a non-psychoactive experience, then these vapes are not for you.  

As always, you can count on us at DVNT to deliver quality, reliable, lab tested products.  We even share our lab results right on our site so you can shop safely, and with confidence.

The bottom line

What’s the difference when it comes to THCA vs delta 9?  In its original form, THCA is not psychoactive.  Thanks to decarboxylation, THCA becomes delta 9 THC post-heat.  Users who are not looking to experience a high from THCA need to skip the heat, and eat some ground up flower or take a THCA tincture.  The legality of both of these cannabinoids depends on which state you’re in, and whether the THCA or delta 9 are derived from cannabis or hemp.  Definitely stay aware with what’s going on in your state before indulging.  If hemp-derived THCA is legal in your state, then you’ll love our selection of lab-tested THCA disposable vapes.  Shop smart, and stay lit with DVNT.