THC and CBD are just the tip of the iceberg. There are countless other cannabinoids you should know about if you’re looking to tap into the therapeutic benefits cannabis has to offer or just catch a buzz. We’ll compare and contrast two of the more obscure ones today: THCO and THCA.
There are quite a few differences between these cannabinoids. THCA is naturally derived, while THCO is lab-made. THCA converts to Delta-9 THC through decarboxylation for an authentic cannabis experience, while THCO can be up to 3x as potent as traditional THC.
We’ll unpack every subtle difference between THCA and THCO in this guide, from consumption methods to legal status.
What is THCA?
Short for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, this naturally occurring compound found in raw cannabis is actually the acidic precursor to Delta-9 THC. That’s the real THC most people think of when associating a high with cannabis.
Here’s where things get interesting in comparing THCA to Delta-9, though. THCA has zero psychoactive potential on its own. It won’t do anything. That all changes when you heat it, though.
Whether you smoke it, vape it, or bake it into edibles, THCA converts to Delta-9 THC and, at that point, offers the exact same experience as traditional cannabis products.
In this sense, there are also potential therapeutic benefits of THCA since it acts like THC. Those include anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, and neuroprotective properties, along with simple relaxation, creative support, and a whole lot more.
What is THCO?
THCO, or THC-O-acetate, is a lab-made cannabinoid that does not exist in nature. It’s created through a multi-step chemical process that starts from hemp-derived CBD. That cannabinoid is converted into Delta-8 THC (the milder cousin to Delta-9 THC). Then, manufacturers add acetic anhydride in a controlled lab environment to create THCO.
Why, though? What’s the appeal of smoking or vaping something synthetic? Potency. Many users report that THCO feels significantly stronger than regular THC.
It's also known for having a slower onset, with effects kicking in 20 to 45 minutes after use. People feel like THCO produces that notorious “edible high” even when it’s vaped.
However, the manmade nature of THCO does raise red flags for many people. There’s limited research on how the body metabolizes THCO, and some of the compounds used during its synthesis can be hazardous if not fully removed from the final product.
While this can be minimized to some extent with smart sourcing, there’s always going to be a level of uncertainty in dealing with synthetic cannabis products.
THCO vs THCA: Understanding the Differences
Ultimately, the main difference between THCA and THCO is: do you want to enjoy something from nature or a lab? THCA is just like traditional Delta-9 THC (the good stuff) when you smoke or vape it whereas THCO is a manmade cannabis product.
Natural or Synthetic?
Remember, THCA is the raw form of THC found naturally in fresh cannabis flower. You’ll find it concentrated in trichomes, which are the sticky, resinous parts of the plant. It’s actually one of the most prominent cannabinoids as far as concentration goes.
On the other hand, THCO is 100% synthetic. You won’t find it in raw hemp or marijuana, regardless of strain or genetics. This is one of the biggest reasons people consider THCA better than THCO.
Now, the process to create THCO can be perfectly safe in the right setting. But the process can also leave behind residual solvents or byproducts if not done properly, and you definitely don’t want to smoke or vape those.
THCA is safe as long as you can confirm its potency and purity through lab tests. You have little to nothing to worry about with this natural cannabinoid!
Chemical Structure
There’s a dramatic difference between THCA and THCO from a structural standpoint. THCA has a carboxylic acid group, which is what keeps it from getting you high until it’s heated. The moment you expose it to heat, that extra carboxyl acid group disappears, and you’re left with Delta-9.
THCO contains an acetate group, which makes it more bioavailable once consumed and is responsible for the heightened strength. This leads to all the differences between THCO vs THCA in terms of potency and effects, which we’ll explore below.
Potency and Effects
THCA won’t do a thing to you on its own. But thanks to decarboxylation, the potency of THCA is more or less the same as that of Delta-9 THC. Some say the conversion rate is essentially 1:1. In other words, an 85% THCA vape pen will basically act like an 85% Delta-9 THC vape pen.
You’ll feel all the familiar effects of traditional cannabis: euphoria, relaxation, appetite stimulation, and more. But THCO takes things up a notch. It hits harder and lingers longer since it can sometimes take up to 45 minutes to really peak.
For the right user, though, it’s worth the wait. Expect a heavier body feel, mental fog, and in some cases, mild psychedelic effects.
Legality
Saying that THCA is legal sounds too good to be true, but there is a legal loophole left in the 2018 Farm Bill that allows you to legally buy THCA products.
As long as the THCA products are hemp-derived and contain under 0.3% Delta-9 by dry weight, they’re all good.
THCO’s legal status is more complicated, though. The DEA announced that THCO is a controlled substance due to how it’s made back in 2023. Since then, it’s basically been banned at the federal level, even though it’s derived from hemp too.
The THCO vs THCA debate often ends with one simple truth: THCA keeps you on the right side of the law.
Types of Products
There are so many great ways to enjoy cannabis these days. THCA flower, prerolls, tinctures, vapes, dabs, and more. You can also choose to consume it raw through juicing to tap into its therapeutic potential without getting high! Most people decarb it for the true cannabis experience, though.
In contrast, THCO is found mostly in vapes, edibles, tinctures, and concentrates. You won’t find any flower since it doesn’t exist in nature. Remember the concerns with product quality and legality if you do decide to use THCO.
From our perspective, the THCA vs THCO comparison speaks for itself. One is natural, legal, and delivers a genuine cannabis experience. So why bother with the uncertainty of THCO?
Closing Thoughts on THCA vs THCO
The truth is, THCO and THCA couldn’t be more different. Even though their origins can both be traced back to the cannabis plant, only one is found in nature. That’s enough for us!
There are other subtle differences as well, like potency, product availability, legality, and more. We hope this comparison of THCA products vs THCO products has left you with clarity on the matter.
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