Delta-9 THC? THCa? Delta-8?…weed used to just be weed, man. But over the last 30 years, scientists have learned a lot about the cannabis plant, and about cannabinoids, the compounds in the plant with the fun acronyms like CBD, THC, THCa. (Cannabidiol, Tetrahydrocannabinol, and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid if you’re nasty…)
Turns out, there are over a hundred cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, and even more are being discovered as we continue to do research. With all these new terms, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Which one is just “regular” THC? The “regular” THC you know and love is still around, it’s just also called Delta-9 THC (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). It’s the same compound that’s been getting people high for centuries, just with a more specific name to distinguish it from newer discoveries like Delta-8.
Raw cannabis actually contains mostly THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), not Delta-9 THC. THCa doesn’t get you high, but when heated – by smoking, vaping, or cooking – it converts to Delta-9 THC, which does. That’s why eating raw cannabis doesn’t have the same effect as smoking it, but eating cooked cannabis (say, in brownies…) does.
Delta-9 THC and THCa are both federally legal to purchase in the US. We’ll even ship Delta 9 gummies and THCa flower straight to your door. But first you need to decide which one’s right for you?
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In this article, we’ll break down the basics in simple terms, covering what these compounds do, their legal status, and why you might choose one over the other (or both).
Can THCa Get You High?
In short, yes THCa can get you high, but not in its raw form. THC gets all the attention, but THCa deserves some hype, too. It’s the non-psychoactive precursor to Delta 9 that naturally occurs in hemp-derived flower.
Hemp-derived flower contains a much higher percentage of THCa than Delta 9. However, if you heat the THCa flower up, a process called decarboxylation occurs. The heat causes THCa molecules (C22H30O4) to release CO2, resulting in the formation of Delta 9 THC (C21H30O2). This process is illustrated in the visual below.
That means when you smoke flower the THCa is being converted to Delta 9 THC, making you feel high.
Raw THCa has its own unique benefits though, like supporting healthy inflammatory response and supporting healthy digestion.
The Differences Between THCa and Delta 9
Whether you’re looking for a real trip or just want an easy cruise, these sections help you navigate the effective differences between THCa vs. Delta 9 THC.
Effects
Delta 9 gets you high because it binds to special CB1 cannabinoid receptors in your brain. They’re like tiny docking stations, and Delta 9 fits perfectly, creating a psychoactive effect — that’s science talk for getting blitzed.
It’s more potent than its Delta 8 and 10 cousins, which is why we like using high-quality, naturally extracted Delta 9 THC for our products (no funky, synthetic stuff here).
Activating CB1 receptors can also influence a whole bunch of body functions, from perception of pain and memory to mood and how you see the world — it’s a pretty busy molecule! But Delta 9 doesn’t stop there. It also interacts with CB2 receptors, which are like the body’s security guards, helping keep inflammation and immune function in check.
Meanwhile, THCa is a bit more reserved. It doesn’t bind as strongly to those CB1 and CB2 receptors, so it won’t get you high or have the same intoxicating effects (unless heated, where it converts to Delta 9). However, THCa can still be a superstar in its own right. Studies suggest it might influence cellular responses, potentially reducing inflammation and calming the immune system.
Pretty cool, huh? Who knew lighting up a J could actually be good for you? (Sorry, mom.)
Uses and Benefits
THCa and Delta 9 THC are gaining traction for their potential benefits, both recreational and therapeutic. Studies are showing promising results, and the FDA even approves drugs which use Delta 9 in medications to fight nausea caused by chemotherapy and to stimulate appetite.
But remember, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your wellness routine.
The benefits of THCa include:
- Supporting healthy inflammatory response: THCa has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, helping soothe aches and pains and support a healthy level of inflammation in the body.
- Supporting healthy digestion: Studies suggest THCa may help fight nausea, offering relief when you’re feeling queasy.
- May produce neuroprotective effects: Early research suggests THCa might have neuroprotective properties, so it could help protect your brain cells.
- May have anticonvulsant effects: While research is still being done on THCa’s anticonvulsant effects, one study showed that a combined Delta 9 THCa and THC mixture was anticonvulsant in the 6-HzT seizure model.
The benefits of Delta 9 THC include:
- Supporting physical comfort: Delta 9 THC is known for its ability to reduce discomfort for those with occasional aches and pains. It might be even more powerful when you combine it with CBD.
- Supporting sleep: Feeling restless? Delta 9 THC might help you catch some serious Zzz’s, promoting better sleep.
- Stimulating appetite: Got your snacks ready? Delta 9 THC can boost your appetite, so make sure you stock up before the munchies hit.
- Increasing happiness and relaxation: Delta 9 THC might just gently nudge your mood toward happy town, promoting relaxation and a sense of well-being.
Of course, with great potential comes a need for caution. While they offer a ton of potential benefits, the effects of THCa and Delta 9 can differ for everyone. While you may be searching for therapeutic effects or feelings of euphoria, some folks might experience side effects like feeling spacey, dizzy, anxious, or nauseous. There could also be some memory issues or mood swings.
The key? Whether you’re using THCa or THC, start low and slow, especially if you’re new to this. Take a small dose and see how you feel before hitting the gravity bong.
Potency
Now, let’s talk potency! Here’s the thing: Consumption methods for these cannabinoids can affect how strong they feel. If you chomp down on a Delta 9 edible, be prepared for a wait — it takes longer to feel the high because it needs to travel through your digestive system and get processed by your liver first, unless you are using a nano-emulsified THC like what is found in our Cruise Chews. On the flip side, this liver pit-stop actually creates a stronger form of THC called 11-hydroxy-THC, so expect a longer-lasting, more intense high compared to smoking.
Smoking or vaping THCa flower is a whole different ball game. THCa converts to Delta 9 when you light it up. The smoke enters your lungs and then your bloodstream quickly, so you’ll feel the effects in seconds to minutes. Remember, the effects of cannabis can be different for everyone, so if you’re new to the game, take it easy! Think short puffs if you’re smoking (like one to two seconds), or tiny nibbles (around 2.5mg to 5mg) to see how you feel before going to town on those special brownies.
Cruise Chews are perfect for newbies. With only 3 mg of THC and 30 mg of CBD you’ll enjoy a mellow, euphoric state without launching into outer space.
Chemical Structure
Alright, class is in session! Let’s break down the science behind the high.
THCa, also known as tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is like Delta 9’s not-so-wild cousin. It has one extra chemical group (carboxyl group) attached to its structure (C22H30O4), which acts like a party crasher, preventing it from binding strongly to those CB1 receptors in your brain. That’s why THCa in raw cannabis flower won’t get you high.
But here’s the twist: When you heat things up, science happens! The vaporizing or heating process causes decarboxylation, which kicks CO2 off the THCa molecule, transforming it into Delta 9 THC (C21H30O2).
This Delta 9 is the real party animal, binding to those CB1 receptors and creating the psychoactive effect — aka, the high. So, the heat used when smoking THCa flower activates that hidden potential, converting it into Delta 9 and giving you the desired effects.
Are THCa and Delta 9 Legal?
Though a lot has changed, the legalities of cannabinoids and cannabis products in general are still pretty confusing because federal and local laws may differ.
Here’s the deal: Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived products containing 0.3% Delta 9 THC or less on a dry weight basis are federally legal. That means the Delta 9 products we ship to most states (everybody but Idaho — sorry, man) are good to go.
But there’s a twist on its legal status: THCa itself is legal because the Farm Bill only focuses on THC levels, not THCa. However, we have to follow individual state laws, too. To keep things clear, we ship THCa flower to all states except Alaska, California, Idaho, Indiana, and South Carolina.
What Types of Products Contain THCa and Delta 9?
If you’re looking for these cannabinoids, here’s where to find ‘em.
Products Containing THCa
Non-psychoactive THCa products can be a bit trickier to find. This is because THCa is what scientists call “thermally unstable.” That means heat, including the heat from smoking or cooking, can turn it into Delta 9 THC.
Even just hanging out at room temperature or under bright lights can slowly convert THCa. Studies show that THCa levels can drop by 20% after 25 months at room temperature, though it’s much more stable when refrigerated. So, if you’re looking for non-psychoactive THCa, go for products like topicals and tinctures that are specifically designed to preserve it.
If you’re looking for non-psychoactive THCa your best bet is:
- Tinctures: These liquid extracts are often stored in dark bottles and refrigerated, helping to keep the THCa levels high.
- Patches: THCa patches deliver a steady dose of cannabinoids through your skin, and the patch material can help protect the THCa from degradation.
THCa products that will decarboxylate (or get you high) when you smoke them include:
Products Containing Delta 9 THC
The effects of Delta 9 THC is more psychoactive than its Delta 8 and Delta 10 counterparts and you can find it in a variety of different product types, so there are lots of ways to enjoy it.
Some of our favorite consumables include:
Will THCa and Delta 9 Show Up on a Drug Test?
Uh oh, drug test coming up? This is a heavy question, and the answer is yes — both THCa and Delta 9 THC can show up on a standard drug test.
But there’s one little caveat: Some employers might not specifically test for non-decarboxylated THCa, the kind that’s not psychoactive.
Still, it’s best to err on the side of caution. THC detection windows can vary depending on how often you use it, but generally a urine test can pick up on THC for up to 30 days, while a hair test can hold onto evidence for as long as 90 days. So, if you’re a frequent user, be prepared for a longer detection window. Remember, even if you’re a casual enthusiast it’s always best to check your company’s drug testing policy and play it safe!
Get Delta 9 THC and THCa Flower Shipped to You
Now that you’re a certified THCa and Delta 9 expert, ready to test them out for yourself? From flower to edibles, we’ve got a killer selection of stuff so good it’ll blow your mind. And if you want to learn about other cannabinoids, check out our articles on HHC vs. Delta 9 and Delta 8 vs. Delta 9. I mean, come on, who knows their weed better than Cheech and Chong?