THCA vs Delta 9 - Everything Consumers Should Know
The differences between THCA and Delta 9 are important to understand—whether you are new to cannabis consumption or have enjoyed cannabis-based products for some time. When you are informed about different products and the effects they could have, you’ll have a better idea of the kinds of products you might enjoy and what to expect after consuming them.
Whereas THCA refers to the acidic form of THC, Delta 9 is simply another name for “regular” THC, the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis. Depending on your personal goals, THCA or Delta 9 may be more appropriate for you because they affect your body's cannabinoid receptors differently.
THCA vs Delta 9: What Are the Main Differences?
Though these two compounds are similar in some ways and can be easily confused, they have some fundamental differences both in their chemical structure and their effects on the body. In short, THCA is the chemical precursor to Delta-9 THC; THCA converts into Delta-9 THC after a process called decarboxylation. This is the same process that’s responsible for the differences between CBDA and CBD.
THCA Is a Cannabinoid Acid
THCA is short for “tetrahydrocannabinol acid” or “tetrahydrocannabinolic acid.” It is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that’s present in all raw cannabis plants, including both marijuana and hemp plants. THCA contains potential therapeutic benefits that differ from THC and doesn't make you feel high. While THCA is present in the raw cannabis plant, once it's decarbed, the majority turns into Delta-9 THC.
Delta 9 Is the Most Common Form of THC
THC has three isomers that produce specific effects: Delta 8, Delta 9 (“regular” THC), and Delta 10. Of these three, Delta 9 is the most psychoactive, and Delta 10 is the least. When you smoke, dab, or vape cannabis, you're consuming Delta-9 THC.
The Medicinal Potential of THCA and Delta 9
Many recreational cannabis consumers enjoy the therapeutic benefits of weed and use it to relieve pain and discomfort. Some preliminary studies back up the wealth of anecdotal evidence that both THCA and THC offer benefits that go beyond simply feeling good.
Therapeutic Properties of THCA
Despite the huge potential for cannabis as a therapeutic medicine, clinical use is extremely limited due to the psychotropic effects of Delta 9. Although THCA is a non-psychotropic cannabinoid, its clinical use, and research into its therapeutic potential, are also limited.
So far, a few studies have revealed some of the potential benefits of THCA:
Palomares et al (2020) found a positive correlation between THCA use and a significant reduction in metabolic diseases caused by diet-induced obesity.
The National Library of Medicine has suggested THCA to be more effective at reducing lithium chloride-induced vomiting than THC.
Moldzio et al concluded in 2021 that THCA protects against MPP+, a neurotoxin that leads to cell death and Parkinson's disease.
Though the benefits of THCA are yet to be studied in greater depth, it seems that the therapeutic potential of THCA merits further study.
Therapeutic Properties of Delta-9 THC
While CBD is more commonly associated with medicinal and therapeutic qualities than THC, there is scientific evidence to suggest that Delta-9 THC may offer relief from several different maladies, quite apart from its ability to produce psychoactive effects.
Research conducted into nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy has concluded that THC can help to alleviate these unpleasant side effects. Moreover, prescription drugs such as Marinol and Syndros contain a synthetic form of THC that is used to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea. These drugs have also been found to be effective in stimulating appetite and countering weight loss in people with HIV/AIDs.
How to Consume THC and THCA
THC can be consumed by smoking, vaping, or dabbing cannabis or by consuming infused edibles and beverages made with THC that has already been decarbed.
If you’d like to try THCA for its therapeutic potential (it won’t get you high), there are several ways to consume this minor cannabinoid.
Topicals: THCA topicals are available in the form of patches and oils.
Tinctures: You can ingest raw cannabis tinctures by placing them under the tongue, or by adding them to food or drink.
Capsules: Taking capsules allows the plant's natural raw form to be preserved, meaning that you get all the benefits of THCA without feeling high.
Raw cannabis juice: In places like Seattle, WA where it’s legal for adults to grow a limited amount of cannabis at home (with a permit), you can make cannabis juice just like any other juice or smoothie. Mix some raw cannabis leaves with fruits and berries, add some green leaves like spinach or kale, and enjoy a healthy and delicious start to your day.
The Best Marijuana Strains for Juicing
You may prefer one strain over another because of its therapeutic benefits or simply because you prefer the taste. However, these strains could be a good place to start if you’re juicing raw cannabis leaves for the first time.
AC/DC: 0.9% THC and 19% CBD
Cannatonic: 23% THC and 23% CBD
Harlequin: 7% THC and 16.5% CBD
Avidekel: Less than 1% THC and 15% CBD
Charlotte's Web: Less than 1% THC and 12% CBD
Jamaican Lion: 6% THC and 9% CBD
THCA vs Delta-9 THC: Similar Compounds with Different Results
THCA and Delta-9 THC are closely related at a molecular level. However, the difference in their effects is vast. Though both offer therapeutic benefits, people who are looking for a mind-altering experience should opt for THC-based products, whereas people who want a therapeutic product without the high should go for something THCA-based instead.
If you’re not sure which products to purchase, ask the experts at your local dispensary. They can help you understand the difference between strains and their physical and psychological effects. Dispensary staff can also advise you about consumption methods and the best way to achieve the effects you’re looking for.