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There are a lot of new buzzwords in the world of THC. One popular cannabinoid is THCa; although it’s not a new cannabinoid, it’s just more popular now. However, you might be wondering about the similarities between THCa and Delta 9. We’ll be covering how THCa compares to Delta 9.
What Type of High is THCA?
Although THCa is non-psychoactive (it doesn’t get you high), it becomes psychoactive once it heats up. The type of high that THCa produces is the same as Delta 9 THC, but the strains have a say on the kind of experience.
The THCa Decarboxylation Process
The decarboxylation process is when the THCa heats up, which then gets converted into actual THC. If you were to consume THCa on its own without heating it, it wouldn’t get you high. However, It’s not until heat is applied that the decarboxylation process begins.
When THC is extracted, it usually comes in as an acid which is then heated to activate the THC. You’ll find THC that’s been activated (heated) in edibles. However, when you heat the THC in a vape device, it activates it and makes it psychoactive.
Related Article: What is THCA?
THCa Strains
The type of high you get depends on the strain, and the same applies to Delta 9. If you haven’t already, you’ll discover that there are 3 main types of strains: Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid. However, some Hybrid strains can be either Incia dominant or Sativa Dominant.
Some strains are associated with certain characteristics such as relaxation, alertness, body highs, and head highs. If you’re looking for a certain experience, it’s best to look at the strain type before you purchase.
Note: You’ll eventually find your preference, but sometimes, even though a product says it’s a certain kind of strain, the THC can hit you differently.
Comparing THCa to Delta 9
When comparing THCa to Delta 9, you have to consider that THCa turns into Delta 9. So, when you’re comparing the two, it comes down to when the Delta 9 was decarboxylated.
THCa is Fresher
Have you ever been to a fast food restaurant with food sitting under heat lamps? When you see a fresh batch come out of the kitchen, you prefer that one over the batch that has been sitting there for a while.
However the food might taste the same, but the fact that it’s fresher is way more appealing. The fact that THCa has been converted into Delta 9 right when you hit it is the allure that many people will appreciate.
THCa High Vs. Delta 9 High
Because THCa gets decarboxylated when you hit the vape, it tends to feel fresher. Although the difference in high might be very small, it’s possible that THCa can be slightly more potent.
We believe THCa to be slightly more potent because it hasn’t had the change oxidize. On the contrary, Delta 9 distillate that’s been activated tends to lessen its potency due to oxidation. However, if you store your Delta 9 product properly, oxidation is minimal.
THCa Products Are Similar To Delta 9
You’ll find that THCa products are almost the same as Delta 9 products. This is because THCa is added to popular strains to enhance it and add potency.
When you find THCa Edibles, they are usually added for their reputation of having so many potential benefits. Once THCa has been activated, it is no longer considered THCa but just regular THC or Delta 9.
Differences Between THCa and Delta 9
The biggest difference between THCa and Delta 9 is on a molecular level. Although their chemical composition may look the same, it’s in the effects where the difference is notable.
CB1 and CB2 Receptors
In our Endocannabinoid System, certain receptors are responsible for regulating functions in our body. The two most dominant receptors are *CB(1) and CB(2). When we consume Delta 9, the THC binds to these receptors and delays our response to certain bodily functions.
When THCa is consumed before decarboxylation, it does not affect these receptors. Therefore, it doesn’t get you high. However, once the THCa is activated (Goes through decarboxylation), it becomes Delta 9, which does get you high.
*Source: Cannabinoid Receptors
Is CBDa the Same as THCa?
No, CBDa is the acid that gets turned into CBD, while THCa is the acid that turns into Delta 9, or THC. However, THCa does not turn into Delta 8. Instead, D8 comes from CBD, then converted to Delta 8.
THC and CBD are the two main cannabinoids in the Hemp plant, and all of our THC is Hemp Derived. Therefore, THCa is what THC is before it gets heated up and activated. But CBDa does not turn in regular THC, but it can turn into Delta 8.
Benefits of THCa and Delta 9
The biggest benefit of THCa and Delta 9 is that they can both get you high. However, THCa has to go through decarboxylation first; then, it becomes whatever strain is based on the terpene profile.
When comparing THCa and Delta 9, you must remember that THCa becomes Delta 9 but has less time to oxidize. Also, both cannabinoids are found in similar products and have different ways of enjoying them.
