THCA vs. Delta 9 THC: What’s the Difference?

Even in the weird universe of minor cannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) stands out. It’s the most (or second-most) abundant compound in most marijuana plants, but if you try to vape or smoke it, it disappears before the vapor reaches your lips. And, while it’s the direct precursor to highly psychoactive delta 9 THC, THCA by itself is not intoxicating.

The reason it disappears when you vape or smoke it is that THCA is extremely volatile and instantly converts into delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9 THC) with exposure to heat (and converts more slowly with exposure to oxygen).

THCA is the acidic precursor to delta 9 THC, but other cannabinoids in hemp and marijuana plants also have acidic forms too—most notably, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), the precursors to CBD and CBG. Which cannabinoid is most abundant varies depending on the cannabis strain.

THCA carts and disposables are slightly more controversial than other hemp-derived cannabis products. This inactive cannabinoid is closely linked to THC, but their properties and uses overlap less than you’d expect.

What are the differences between THCA and THC?

Chemical structure

Because its carboxyl group is easily shed with heat, oxygen, or age, THCA is far less stable than THC and many other cannabis compounds. It only takes temperatures in excess of 230° F (110° C) to decarboxylate (i.e. strip a carboxyl group from) THCA molecules. Higher heat is required to extract essential benefits from oils or bud.

Also of note, THC weighs 87.7% as much as THCA. Since THCA is heavier than delta 9 THC, it doesn’t convert into an equivalent amount after shedding its carboxylic acid group. A product with 5 mg of THCA will contain about 4.4 mg of delta 9 after it’s heated and decarboxylated (plus any THC that was already available).

Psychoactivity

Delta 9 THC has a high binding affinity for the body’s CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. When THC molecules bind to those receptors, they trigger a surge of dopamine and strong feelings of euphoria. That’s the THC high we know and love.

However, THCA molecules are too large to bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors. It still enters the bloodstream and interacts with the central nervous system, but it won’t get you high. The only way to get high from THCA is by decarboxylating it, either through vaping, smoking, or heating it manually in an oven—or waiting a long time for oxygen and light to do the job. Even after these efforts, you aren’t getting high from THCA itself. You’re now consuming delta 9 THC.

Therapeutic effects

Over the past few years, especially, THCA has been at the center of a few promising studies:

• Neuroprotection: It’s possible that THCA, along with its cousin CBDA, has neuroprotective qualities. Unprocessed THCA may be a useful addition to Alzheimer’s or dementia care in the future.
• Anti-inflammation: Research suggests that THCA may have significant anti-inflammatory properties, and it could offer relief from irritable bowel disease (IBD) symptoms.

Delta 9 THC has undergone more research than THCA, and shows promise as a treatment for many conditions. The possible benefits of delta 9 THC include:

• Anti-inflammation: Delta 9 THC may downregulate inflammatory responses, including those associated with respiratory distress and contact dermatitis.
• Pain reduction: THC appears to reduce certain kinds of chronic pain, including neuropathic pain; these benefits may be amplified when delta 9 is administered along with CBD.
• Antiemetic: Results have been mixed over the years, but several studies indicate that THC could reduce nausea.
• Neuroprotection: As an antioxidant, THC appears to prevent glutamate-induced death of neurons.

In short, both THC and THCA seem to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, just with separate applications. Some of THC’s medicinal effects, however, are unique.

Commercial availability

Remember, delta 9 THC is far more chemically stable than THCA. Although THC can be destroyed or converted into CBN with poor storage, this is a slow process and won’t occur as you vape or smoke.

The conversion of THCA into delta 9 THC is rapid. By the time vapor hits your lungs, the THCA has already activated and transformed into THC. Production of truly THCA-rich hemp products is extremely challenging. Conversion will occur during most typical manufacturing processes, which use heat.

Generally, THCA products are available in bud, capsule, or tincture form. While the bud can be juiced, blended into smoothies, or sprinkled onto a salad, you must ingest it raw to reap any rewards unique to THCA. Vaping or smoking means you’re consuming standard bud—because the THCA turns to THC before you inhale it.

Legality

Hemp products are legally required to contain under 0.3% delta 9 THC by dry weight. Any hemp bud, tinctures, or edibles containing THCA are tightly bound to this restriction. It’s easier for carts and disposable vapes to adhere to the THC limit since they usually contain other cannabinoids, too. Truly high-THCA hemp products take a good deal of care and patience to create without exceeding the delta 9 THC limit.

Marijuana (and delta 9 THC) is a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States. You can only purchase legal delta 9 products if you live in a state that explicitly permits them.

How are THC and THCA similar?

• Byproducts of CBGA: Acidic CBGA—sometimes called the mother cannabinoid—is a precursor to both THC and THCA. The fate of CBGA comes down to the enzymes it interacts with. If transformed by THCA synthase, it becomes THCA; that same THCA is later converted into delta 9 THC.
• Nervous system interactions: Both THC and THCA penetrate the blood-brain barrier after consumption. And despite differences in behavior and binding, both interact with the central nervous system.
• Medicinal potential: Delta 9 THC and THCA may be useful in certain areas of medicine, including anti-inflammatory treatments. More research is needed to confirm the effects.

Additionally, both cannabinoids are composed of hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon. THCA simply has an extra carboxyl group.

Which is better: THCA or THC?

High-THCA bud and certain THCA carts are handy if you live in a region without legal marijuana. Just check the COA to confirm safety and THCA content, as well as the presence of other cannabis oils.

FAQ: Delta 9 THC vs. THCA

Does THCA get you higher than delta 9?

As true THCA hemp products are difficult to produce, it’s more likely that the THCA product you’re using is actually a blend of several extracts. Numerous “THCA” carts are packed with delta 8 THC oil and garnished with a dash of THCA. Although THCA becomes delta 9 THC with heat, delta 8 is not a precursor and won’t convert into something more potent.

Delta 8 THC is about half as psychoactive as delta 9 THC. Not only does this render THCA products weaker, but their strength varies widely. Marijuana products, no matter the strain, are highly regulated, and results are more consistent.

Is THCA safer than delta 9 THC?

Legal marijuana is subject to rigid production, quality, and testing standards. Hemp products are unregulated, so there are no safety or third-party testing requirements for sellers. It’s up to the buyer to investigate the product before using it.

Only buy THCA hemp from trusted retailers with transparent safety testing. Third-party testing ensures that the product contains the listed ingredients in the correct amounts. Don’t rely on packaging, either; many sellers make misleading claims about THCA hemp products, and certificates of analysis (COAs) could contradict marketing.

Is THCA flower the same as marijuana bud?