Posted on May 21, 2023 by Munchies

What if we told you that one of the most common compounds in raw cannabis isn’t psychoactive at all? Until something alters it, of course. Well, here’s an open secret in the industry. A transformation occurs when this compound (THCA) is exposed to a specific trigger. This led to another level of potency that every user goes to. So, does THCA turn into Delta 9 THC? Stick around because the simple science behind it might just change how you see cannabis!

Key Takeaways 

  • THCA is non-psychoactive until it’s exposed to heat, meaning raw cannabis won’t get you high.
  • Decarboxylation is the key process that transforms THCA into Delta 9 THC, unlocking its psychoactive effects.
  • Heat sources like smoking, vaping, and baking trigger this conversion, making Delta 9 THC the dominant compound.
  • Optimal decarboxylation temperatures range from 220°F to 250°F (104°C to 121°C), balancing potency and preservation of other compounds.
  • Understanding the change from THCA to Delta 9 THC allows users to control the psychoactive effects based on their consumption method.

Does THCA Turn Into Delta 9 THC? 

Yes, THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) turns into Delta 9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) when exposed to heat through decarboxylation. This transformation is crucial for understanding the effects of cannabis consumption and the science behind its psychoactive properties. 

THCA is a non-psychoactive compound found in raw and live cannabis plants. It’s the most abundant cannabinoid in fresh cannabis and doesn’t produce the “high” associated with cannabis use. On the other hand, Delta 9 THC is the main psychoactive component responsible for the euphoric effects of cannabis. Heat, regardless of source,  is the sole factor that turns THCA into its psychoactive form, Delta 9 THC. 

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Does THCA Turn into Delta 9 THC When Smoked?

Yes. When cannabis is smoked, the high temperatures involved trigger a rapid decarboxylation process. This process converts THCA, which is non-psychoactive, into Delta 9 THC, which is psychoactive. 

The heat from smoking causes THCA to lose its carboxyl group, transforming it into THC. The rapid conversion of THCA to Delta 9 THC during smoking leads to immediate psychoactive effects. As the user inhales the smoke, the newly formed Delta 9 THC enters the bloodstream through the lungs and quickly reaches the brain, binding to cannabinoid receptors. 

How THCA Becomes Delta 9 THC

THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) transforms into Delta 9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) through decarboxylation. This conversion process is the key to comprehending the psychoactive effects of cannabis anchored to its various consumption methods. 

The Decarboxylation Process

Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction that removes a carboxyl group from the THCA molecule, converting it into Delta 9 THC. This process is primarily triggered by heat and can also occur slowly over time due to exposure to light or air.

Heat-Induced Conversion

Temperature plays a critical role in converting THCA to Delta 9 THC. The decarboxylation process typically occurs when cannabis is heated to 100°C to 160°C (212°F to 320°F). At these temperatures, the carboxyl group is removed from the THCA molecule, transforming it into the psychoactive Delta 9 THC.

Methods of Decarboxylation

Several methods can facilitate the conversion of THCA to Delta 9 THC:

  • Natural Heating—This happens during the post-harvest phase of the raw plant material when either the sun or the high temperature inside a controlled room triggers decarboxylation. This process usually has the least impact than other methods. 
  • Smoking – When cannabis is smoked, the high temperatures instantly decarboxylate THCA into Delta 9 THC.
  • Vaporizing – Vaping cannabis oil containing THCA converts it to THC due to the heat applied.
  • Cooking/Baking – When making cannabis edibles, the heat used in cooking or baking triggers the conversion of THCA to THC.
  • Oven Heating – Cannabis can be decarboxylated in an oven at about 220°F (104°C) for approximately 30 minutes.
  • Dabbing – Using a dab rig to consume THCA concentrates also converts it to THC due to the high heat applied.

What Temperature Does THCA Turn into Delta 9 THC?

The conversion of THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) to Delta 9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) occurs over a range of temperatures, with the process becoming more efficient at higher temperatures. Let’s explore the specific temperature ranges and factors that influence this transformation:

Onset of Decarboxylation

The decarboxylation process, which converts THCA to Delta 9 THC, begins at relatively low temperatures:

  • Initial Conversion –  THCA starts to convert into Delta 9 THC at temperatures as low as 220°F (104°C).
  • Minimum Effective Temperature – Research indicates that the minimum temperature range where decarboxylation occurs effectively is around 220°F to 240°F (104°C to 116°C).

Optimal Temperature Range

For efficient conversion without degrading other cannabinoids, the following temperature ranges are often cited:

  • Lower Temperature  Range – Decarboxylation occurs at around 220°F (104°C), but significant conversion may take 30-45 minutes.
  • Mid-Temperature Range – Temperatures between 230°F and 250°F (110°C to 121°C) are often considered optimal for balancing conversion efficiency and preservation of other compounds.
  • Higher Temperature  Range – At temperatures above 300°F (149°C), decarboxylation happens almost instantly, but there’s a risk of degrading other beneficial compounds.

Efficiency at Different Temperatures

The rate and efficiency of conversion vary with temperature:

  • Low Efficiency – At lower temperatures, like 320°F (160°C), about 70% of THCA may be converted to Delta 9 THC.
  • High Efficiency – At temperatures above 392°F (200°C), the conversion rate can be as high as 95%.

Time and Temperature Relationship

The duration of heat exposure also plays a critical role in converting THCA to Delta 9 THC:

  • Room Temperature – At about 68°F (20°C), decarboxylation occurs very slowly, potentially taking months or years.
  • Boiling Point of Water –  At 212°F (100°C), significant decarboxylation can occur in 30-45 minutes.
  • Smoking Temperatures – When cannabis is smoked, temperatures can reach up to 1000°F (538°C), causing near-instantaneous decarboxylation.

Jar filled with cannabis next to a grinder and grinded cannabis in the shape of a heart.

Pexels Photo by Randy Wiggins

Practical Applications

Different consumption methods utilize various temperature ranges:

  • Vaporizing – Many users prefer vaporizing at lower temperatures (around 315°F to 340°F or 157°C to 171°C) to preserve terpenes while still achieving efficient decarboxylation.
  • Smoking – The high temperatures involved in smoking (up to 1000°F or 538°C) ensure rapid and nearly complete conversion of THCA to THC.
  • Oven Decarboxylation – For making edibles, many recipes recommend heating cannabis at about 240°F (116°C) for 30-40 minutes to achieve optimal decarboxylation without degrading other compounds.

While THCA begins to convert to Delta 9 THC at temperatures as low as 220°F (104°C), the most efficient conversion occurs at higher temperatures, with near-complete conversion at temperatures above 392°F (200°C)​. However, the ideal temperature for decarboxylation depends on the desired outcome, balancing conversion efficiency with preserving other beneficial compounds in cannabis.

Considerations on Potency and Terpene Preservation

The conversion of THCA to Delta 9 THC significantly affects the potency of cannabis products. While THCA is non-psychoactive, Delta 9 THC is responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis use.

It’s worth noting that while higher temperatures increase the rate of decarboxylation, they can also degrade other beneficial compounds in cannabis, such as terpenes. 

Many terpenes, which contribute to the flavor and potential therapeutic effects of cannabis, begin to evaporate at temperatures around 315°F (157°C). Some consumers prefer lower-temperature methods like vaporizing, which may preserve more of the plant’s natural compounds. To add to this effect, Excessive heat can cause THC to degrade into CBN (cannabinol) or other less desirable compounds.

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

THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) and Delta 9 THC (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) are two important cannabinoids. While closely related, they have distinct chemical structures, effects, and use differences. 

Chemical Structure and Conversion

THCA is the precursor to Delta 9 THC. It’s found in raw and live cannabis plants. When cannabis is heated through a process called decarboxylation, THCA loses a carboxyl group and converts into Delta 9 THC. This conversion can occur naturally over time as cannabis dries and ages or more rapidly when the plant material is heated, such as through smoking, vaping, or cooking.

Psychoactive Effects

The most significant difference between THCA and Delta 9 THC lies in their psychoactive properties:

  • THCA – It is non-psychoactive in its raw form. This means consuming raw cannabis or THCA products won’t produce the “high” typically associated with cannabis use.
  • Delta 9 THC – This is the primary psychoactive component in cannabis. It’s responsible for the euphoric and mind-altering effects commonly experienced when using cannabis products.

Medical and Therapeutic Potential

Both compounds have shown potential for therapeutic use, but in different ways:

  • THCA – Research suggests several therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. It’s being studied for its potential in treating various medical conditions. Some users report that consuming raw cannabis with THCA provides a subtle, non-intoxicating sense of well-being and relaxation.
  • Delta 9 THC – It has a longer history of medical use and research. Studies have focused on its effects on pain, appetite, mood disorders, and its potential in treating conditions like chronic pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea.

Legal Status

The legal status of these compounds can vary significantly:

  • THCA – Often legal or less regulated due to its non-psychoactive nature. However, it’s important to note that THCA can convert to THC over time or when heated.
  • Delta 9 THC – Faces stricter controls and regulations in many areas due to its psychoactive properties. Its legal status varies widely across different regions and countries.

Consumption Methods

The ways these compounds are consumed differ:

  • THCA –  Often consumed in its raw form, such as in cannabis juices or raw cannabis products. It’s preferred by those seeking potential health benefits without psychoactive effects.
  • Delta 9 THC – Consumed through various methods, including smoking, vaping, edibles, and tinctures. These methods involve heating, which activates the psychoactive properties.

Safety and Side Effects

The safety profiles and potential side effects of these compounds differ:

  • THCA – Generally considered safe with few known side effects. However, research into its long-term effects is still ongoing.
  • Delta 9 THC – Known for more pronounced effects, which can include altered mental state, dizziness, and sometimes anxiety. It also carries a risk of psychological dependence for some users.

While THCA and Delta 9 THC are closely related, they offer distinct experiences and potential benefits. THCA is non-psychoactive and often used for its potential therapeutic benefits without the “high.” At the same time, Delta 9 THC is known for its psychoactive effects and is used both recreationally and therapeutically. Understanding these differences is crucial for informed usage and compliance with legal standards.

Does THCA Have Delta 9 THC in It?

No. THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) does not inherently contain Delta 9 THC, but it is the parent to Delta 9 THC. THCA is a distinct compound from Delta 9 THC. It is found naturally in raw and live cannabis plants. In its original form, THCA does not contain Delta 9 THC.

Final Thoughts 

​The transformation of THCA to Delta 9 THC is a crucial process in cannabis consumption.​ Understanding this conversion helps users make informed decisions about consumption methods and allows for better control over the desired effects. Whether through smoking, vaping, or cooking, the application of heat is the key factor in activating the psychoactive properties of cannabis by converting THCA to Delta 9 THC.

(Disclaimer reminder: This article is not medical advice. It is based on anecdotal user experience alone. If you are thinking about incorporating cannabis (delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, CBD, etc) into your medicinal routine, please consult a healthcare professional. Do not stop taking any prescribed medications without first consulting your doctor.)

Disclaimer: This article reflects the laws of the United States at the time it was written. Because cannabis laws in the United States laws are subject to change at any time, please make sure that you are always staying up to date on your federal, state, and local county’s cannabis laws. Additionally, we are NOT encouraging anyone to break the law––we are simply showing people ways to legally and discreetly bring their cannabis products along with them on their travels so that they may have access to those products when they reach their intended destination.

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