THCa is the acidic precursor to delta 9 THC, while delta 8 THC is an isomer of delta 9. THCa is not psychoactive and will not create euphoria and relaxation, while delta 8 is and will create an uplifting, energizing high that’s about half as strong as that of delta 9.
In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the similarities and differences between THCa and delta 8, and we’ll talk about how they stack up to delta 9 THC.
Your new understanding will be of great help when flower shopping (or when you’re subjecting your friends to cannabis trivia).
What is THCa?
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa) is one of more than 100 cannabinoids that naturally occur in the cannabis sativa plant. Hemp is cannabis sativa containing less than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
THCa is the chemical precursor to delta 9 THC (THC) – in other words, all THC is just a converted form of THCa.
Unlike THC and many of its isomers, such as delta 8 THC and HHC, THCa is not psychoactive and will not create a head high.
Instead, it renders physical and mental therapeutic benefits without creating noticeable effects, similar to CBD.
What is Delta 8?
Delta 8 (delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, or delta-8-THC) is a naturally-occurring cannabinoid in the cannabis sativa plant.
However, it’s only found in very small amounts, so it has to be synthetically produced to be accrued in large enough amounts to make products like gummies and vapes.
Like delta 9, delta 8 is psychoactive and will get you high. However, the head high from delta 8 is just half as strong as that of delta 9 and tends to be more energizing and uplifting.
THCa vs. Delta 8: Differences & Similarities
How to THCa and delta 8 compare? Let’s take a look at their similarities and differences:
Source
THCa is found in live hemp plants, while delta 8 THC is not and is created in small amounts when THCa is decarboxylated.
Decarboxylation is a process in which acidic cannabinoids are heated and lose their acid ring, thereby turning into their non-acidic counterparts.
If this sounds confusing, stick with us.
All cannabinoids come from CBGa (cannabigerolic acid). As the hemp plant matures, most of the CBGa that is initially present is converted into THCa, CBDa, CBCa, and CBG.
THCa is then decarboxylated and turned primarily into delta 9 THC, but very small amounts of it also convert to delta 8 THC and other isomers.
That’s the relationship between THCa and delta 8 as they naturally occur in hemp.
However, because delta 8 THC is only found in small amounts, it’s synthetically produced from already-extracted CBD (cannabidiol) via a process known as isomerization.
In isomerization, CBD is combined with an acid that serves as a catalyst. This turns CBD into a delta 8 extract. This substance is then refined and purified, leaving the final product.
Effects & strength
THCa isn’t psychoactive, and it actually creates very few noticeable effects — you won’t really “feel” it if you use it in an edible or other product. Some people have noted slight feelings of energy or drowsiness after using it, but these effects aren’t consistent across users.
Delta 8, on the other hand, does have psychoactive properties, and you will feel high after you use it. The high from delta 8 is roughly ½ as strong as the high from delta 9 THC. Most people characterize delta 8 as euphoric and uplifting.
In comparison to classic THC (delta 9), delta 8 spreads its effects fairly evenly across your mind and body, rather than concentrating them in the head.
How they work in the body
THCa, delta 8, and other cannabinoids work by interacting with your endocannabinoid system (ECS), a receptor system in your body that regulates your vital functions, including your inflammatory and pain responses, mood and mental state, and sleep-wake cycle.
The ultimate purpose of your ECS is to keep your body in a state of balance. Normally, this bodily system works fine on its own.
But during times of mental or physical distress, you can support its function by consuming cannabinoids, which are, in a way, naturally “designed” to interact with your ECS and produce favorable sensations.
There are two main types of receptors in your ECS:
- CB1 receptors, which, when stimulated, render mental, or “head” effects
- CB2 receptors, which, when stimulated, render physical, or “body” effects
THCa doesn’t bind intensely to either type of receptor, so it doesn’t produce a head or body high feeling.
Instead, THCa likely renders its benefits by supporting your ECS in other ways — more research on how THCa is necessary to fully understand its mechanism of action.
Delta 8 interacts with both the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which enables it to render relatively even amounts of mental and physical effects.
On drug tests
THCa and delta 8 will both show up on drug tests, because they are both chemically similar to, or are isomers of, delta 9 THC.
Standard drug tests screen for THC due to its presence in cannabis.
Legality
As of the 2018 Farm Bill, all cannabinoids derived from the hemp plant are federally legal, including THCa and delta 8 THC.
The legality of THCa isn’t specified in many state codes, but if THC is legal in your state, THCa is, too.
Delta 8 is legal in some states and illegal in others – be sure to check your state’s laws before purchasing it online.
Benefits of THCa
Preliminary research and anecdotal evidence indicate that THCa, despite having no psychoactive effects, may offer therapeutic effects in a variety of areas:
- Relaxation: Anecdotal evidence suggests THCa may promote mental calming and relaxation without the psychoactive effects that THC has.
- Inflammation: In a 2017 study published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, THCa was found to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects [1].
- Neuroprotective properties: A 2017 study by researchers in Spain and Italy found that THCa has potential neuroprotective properties. The researchers stated that THCa should be studied further as a treatment for neurodegenerative disorders [2].
- Seizures: A 2017 research review noted that THCa has shown anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) activity in several studies [3].
Benefits of Delta 8
As of right now, there isn’t a lot of research on delta 8 THC’s therapeutic benefits.
However, in 2022, researchers examined the potential benefits of delta 8 THC by surveying 521 delta 8 users about their experience.
71% of users reported experiencing relaxation, 68% reported euphoria, and 55% reported pain relief after using delta 8 THC products.
Additionally, 74% of participants did not experience anxiety after using delta 8 and 83% didn’t experience paranoia.
Both of these side effects are common with delta 9; this survey lends credibility to the anecdotal claims that delta 8 offers a milder alternative delta 9 and is less likely to cause these effects [4].
Based on this survey, delta 8 THC may be beneficial in the following areas:
- Pain: Delta 8 THC may promote physical comfort. Compared to delta 9, delta 8’s effects tend to be more body-focused.
- Anxiety: Delta 8 is commonly used for anxiety due its euphoric, uplifting effects. And as the survey showed, it’s less likely than delta 9 to cause anxiety or paranoia as side effects.
- Sleep: In addition to supporting a relaxed mental state, delta 8 promotes a healthy, pain-free body, further contributing to restful sleep.
- Energy & Focus: Most people report that delta 8 gives uplifting and energizing feelings. Because of this, many people use delta 8 to boost creativity.
THCa vs. Delta 8: Side Effects
THCa’s side effects aren’t well-researched, and cannabinoids affect everyone differently, so it’s hard to say which side effects you’ll typically feel.
However, anecdotal evidence suggests THCa may cause some people to feel drowsy or tired while causing others to feel energized.
On the other hand, delta 8’s side effects mirror those of delta 9’s, but aren’t typically as prevalent or intense:
- Anxiety
- Difficulty thinking and speaking
- Dry mouth
- Increased appetite
- Memory loss
- Rapid heart rate
- Red eyes
- Slowed reaction times
Best Ways to Take THCa & Delta 8
There are many ways you can consume THCa and delta 8. Here’s a bit about the different types of THCa and delta 8 products.
(Bioavailability = the amount of a cannabinoid you consume that your body actually uses).
Edibles
Bioavailability: 10-20%
Onset Time: About 1 hour
The most common type of edibles are gummies. Gummies offer two main upsides when it comes to consuming THCa and delta 8: they offer fixed doses and they taste great.
Capsules
Bioavailability: 10-20%
Onset Time: About 1 hour
THCa or delta 8 capsules offer a low-sugar alternative to edibles. The downside of capsules is that they can’t be easily split if you need a smaller dose.
Oil
Bioavailability: 20-30%
Onset Time: 15-20 minutes
Oils are a very potent THCa and delta 8 delivery method because they can be taken under the tongue and swallowed, rather than having to pass through the digestive system as an edible would.
For therapeutic purposes, oils are also a great option because they allow you to customize your dose down to the drop.
Vapes & Flower
Bioavailability: 30-50%
Onset Time: 5-10 minutes
Vapes and flower, like oils, are higher-potency delivery methods. They deliver cannabinoids to your body through the lungs, rather than the digestive system.
However, there are a few caveats with THCa and delta 8 flower that you’ll want to be aware of (see the next section).
THCa vs. Delta 8 Flower
If you’ve been to a dispensary, you’ve no doubt seen flower labeled “THCa” or “delta 8.” But there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when you buy.
THCa flower contains THCa, but when heated (as when you smoke it), all of this THCa converts to THC. You cannot consume pure THCa in flower form unless you were to eat the buds raw.
There is also a detail to keep in mind with delta 8 flower: it cannot be grown naturally because delta 8 only occurs in very small amounts.
Instead, delta 8 flower is flower (typically high-CBD flower) that’s been dipped in delta 8 distillate. There is still high-quality delta 8 flower out there; it’s just important that you understand that it’s not a completely natural product.
THCa vs. Delta 8 vs. Delta 9: How Do They Compare?
In our opinion, the differences between THCa and delta 8 are best understood by comparing them both to delta 9 THC – the cannabinoid most people are referring to when they say “THC.”
THCa vs. Delta 9
THCa is the precursor to delta 9 THC. When it’s heated, it turns into delta 9 THC, which is like an “activated” form of THCa.
Whereas THCa is not psychoactive and will not get you high, delta 9 is, and renders the euphoric, relaxing effects commonly associated with cannabis.
Both THCa and delta 9 have therapeutic potential, but more research on both cannabinoids is needed before we understand their full benefits.
Delta 8 vs. Delta 9
Delta 8 THC is an isomer of delta 9 THC, and it differs in a few primary ways: effect strength, effect profile, and effect distribution.
Delta 8 is just half as strong as delta 9, and it tends to be more energizing and uplifting, whereas delta 9 is more relaxing. Delta 8 spreads its effects fairly evenly across the mind and body, whereas delta 9’s effects are concentrated in the head.
Another notable difference between delta 8 and delta 9 is the likelihood of them causing anxiety and paranoia as a side effect; delta 8 is less likely than delta 9 to do this.
Conclusion: Which is Right for You?
Most people don’t consume THCa raw. It’s primarily known because it’s the chemical precursor to delta 9 THC.
This isn’t the case for delta 8, which has emerged as a fan-favorite alt-cannabinoid among those looking for a more uplifting version of THC that’s less likely to cause paranoia or anxiety.
Different though they are, THCa and delta 8 both share a large commonality: they need to be researched more for their therapeutic potential to be understood. Only time will tell what these cannabinoids are truly capable of doing for people.
THCa vs. Delta 8: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about the differences between THCa and delta 8.
Which is stronger, delta 8 or THCa?
Delta 8 THC is stronger than THCa by far; while delta 8 renders a head high that’s half as strong as delta 9, THCa isn’t psychoactive and won’t get you high.
Can THCa products cause a high?
Raw THCa will not cause a high. However, THCa will turn to THC when decarboxylated (which happens when THCa flower is burned, for example), which will cause a high.
How powerful is THCa?
In terms of head effects, THCa is not powerful at all; it is not psychoactive and will not cause a head high.
What percentage of THCa is high?
Generally, if a flower has a THCa percentage of 15-20%, it’s considered potent.
Sources
[1] Nallathambi, Rameshprabu et al. “Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Colon Models Is Derived from Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid That Interacts with Additional Compounds in Cannabis Extracts.” Cannabis and cannabinoid research vol. 2,1 167-182. 1 Jul. 2017, doi:10.1089/can.2017.0027
[2] Nadal, Xavier et al. “Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is a potent PPARγ agonist with neuroprotective activity.” British journal of pharmacology vol. 174,23 (2017): 4263-4276. doi:10.1111/bph.14019
[3] Perucca, Emilio. “Cannabinoids in the Treatment of Epilepsy: Hard Evidence at Last?.” Journal of epilepsy research vol. 7,2 61-76. 31 Dec. 2017, doi:10.14581/jer.17012
[4] Kruger, Jessica S, and Daniel J Kruger. “Delta-8-THC: Delta-9-THC’s nicer younger sibling?.” Journal of cannabis research vol. 4,1 4. 4 Jan. 2022, doi:10.1186/s42238-021-00115-8
