Should You Try THCA Or Delta 8?
We all know that different cannabinoids have been popping off on the market in recent years. Where THC used to shine in a solo act, there are now several new players making themselves heard. With so much variety to choose from, how do you know which cannabinoid is right for you? Here I will explore two very popular cannabinoids: THCA and delta 8. Learn more about both of them, and make an informed decision next time you’re shopping.
If you’re looking for quick links to THCA and delta 8 products, you’ve found them! Check out our blunts, prerolls and edibles! Rest assured that all of our products are lab tested so you can shop smart and stay lit.
Where do they come from?
THCA and delta 8 are both cannabinoids, components of the cannabis plant. However, THCA is the more naturally abundant of the two. It’s the acidic form of THC, and can be found in both hemp and cannabis. Conversely, delta 8 only occurs in trace amounts. Most, if not all, of the delta 8 on the market is created from hemp-derived CBD. The process used is known as isomerization. Though delta 8 was initially discovered in the 1940s, this method of isomerization to create more usable quantities of delta 8 wasn’t patented until 2002.
Due to the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill which legalized hemp on a federal level, cannabinoids (both psychoactive and otherwise) are now legal federally as long as they are derived from hemp. For this reason, it’s beneficial to produce both THCA and delta 8 from hemp instead of cannabis. Legally, hemp is defined as cannabis containing .3% or less delta 9 THC. That being said, individual states have taken their own approach to hemp-derived cannabinoids, so definitely stay informed of what’s going on in your state.
Potency
In its original form, THCA is not psychoactive. This changes when you add heat from a lighter, a vape, or the oven. When the heat is added, THCA converts to the famously psychoactive THC, and becomes psychoactive. If you’re looking to ingest THCA and not get high, you would need to consume it in its raw, original form. This can be done by grinding up flower into your smoothie, or enjoying a specially made tincture. If a high is what you’re after, you can simply smoke one of our THCA blunts or prerolls. By the time the smoke hits your lungs, you’re ingesting THC, and you can expect to feel it.
Delta 8 has been described as “THC’s nicer younger sibling”. Its potency is perhaps half of delta 9 THC. While a reduced potency might not sound that appealing to everyone, it does have its benefits. Less potency means less potential for burnout, paranoia, or anxiety. In fact, participants in this survey agree. 74% responded that they did not experience anxiety, and 83% denied experiencing paranoia. In case you’re thinking they didn’t get high, that’s simply not the case. 68% reported feeling euphoria, and 71% felt extremely relaxed.
THCA vs delta 8
So, should you try THCA or delta 8? If you’re looking to experience the classic THC high that you know and love, then opt for THCA. I’ve tried THCA, and I can honestly say that I couldn’t tell the difference between THCA and the cannabis I would pick up from a dispensary. You can check out my THCA product reviews here, here, and here.
If you’re looking for a milder high, then delta 8 is the obvious choice. If you smoke enough of it, you can expect to feel just as high as you would from THC. But, serving for serving, delta 8 isn’t as intense. And in today’s fast-paced world, who can even afford to fully slow down? Delta 8 offers a buzz to brighten up your day, without sending you into an anxious pit of despair. Whether you’re someone with a lower tolerance, prone to anxiety, or you just have a lot of shit to do, delta 8 can be a beneficial add to your routine.
The bottom line
Whichever cannabinoid speaks to you, we’ve got you covered here at DVNT. Compare and contrast, decide which you prefer for yourself! Maybe delta 8 works for a daytime smoke, and THCA can help you unwind once you’ve crossed everything off your list. Whether you’re looking for the familiarity of THC, via THCA, or want to tone things down a little with delta 8, you’re in the right place.