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What do you think of when you hear the words cannabis or marijuana? Chances are, it’s either THC or CBD. These are the most prominent cannabinoids, but they’re actually just the tip of the iceberg.
In fact, there are many forms of THC. Today, we’ll compare and contrast two types that typically fly under the radar: THCa vs delta 8 THC. While they share some similarities, there are distinct differences you need to know about if you’re looking to tap into all that cannabis has to offer.
The short answer is that delta 8 THC is known as the milder form of delta 9 THC – which is the real deal. We like to think of our Delta 8 products as a good entry point for newcomers to cannabis or anyone looking for something that won’t get them too high.
On the other hand, THCa actually has zero psychoactive properties – in its raw form, that is. Once it’s decarboxylated through heat (be it smoking, vaping, or baking into edibles), it converts into delta 9 THC. In this sense, our products containing THCa for sale offer an authentic high.
We’ll unpack all the nuances you need to know surrounding delta 8 vs THCa below, but just know that both of these cannabinoids are here in our catalog for you. From vapes and dabs to edibles and more – why not try both and see which you prefer?
Otherwise, we’ll take a closer look at THCa vs delta 8 THC below.
What’s the Difference Between THCa and Delta 8?
Ultimately, the main difference between THCa and delta 8 comes down to molecular structure – and from that, variances in effects, legal status, consumption methods, and more. That’s not to say one is inherently better than the other, though.
The truth is, cannabis is meant to be enjoyed as nature intended – with all cannabianoids, terpenes, and flavonoids working in synergy with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). But since so many products isolate cannabinoids out, let’s see where THCa vs delta 8 differ.
What is THCA?
So, what is THCa? Short for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, this naturally occurring cannabinoid is the precursor to delta 9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the primary psychoactive compound you associate with the high of cannabis.
But here’s the kicker – THCa is non-psychoactive in its raw form, meaning it won’t get you high. It must first undergo a process known as decarboxylation, as we touched on earlier. This is where heat or aging removes a carboxyl group from the molecule to convert into THC.
This process happens when cannabis is smoked, vaporized, or cooked, and once THCa transforms into Delta-9 THC, you’ll enjoy the authentic cannabis experience as you’ve come ot know and love.
What is Delta-8?
Now, let’s introduce the other half of the THCa vs delta 8 debate. This minor cannabinoid closely resembles Delta-9 THC, but with a slightly altered chemical structure.
Delta-8 is derived from Delta-9 THC through molecular rearrangement. It’s become much more popular thanks to the fact that it’s legal in some areas where delta 9 THC is not legal. That being said, delta 8 won’t produce the same effects as THCa or delta 9 THC for that matter.
Although it’s structurally similar to Delta-9 THC the double bond on its 8th carbon atom (instead of the 9th) is why Delta-8 THC is less psychoactive than delta 9 THC. This is where the names delta 8 and 9 come from.
This subtle difference can actually be a good thing for those who find delta 9 THC induces anxiety or paranoia. Think of it as “diet” weed. But is it right for you, or should you stick with THCa instead? Let’s compare and contrast delta 8 vs THCa below.
THCa vs Delta-8: Which is the Better Cannabinoid for Your Personal Preferences?
As we said from the start THCa and Delta 8 THC share a few similarities. They’re both forms of THC, they both have the ability to produce psychoactive effects (to some extent), and may even provide some of the same therapeutic benefits.
But that’s where the similarities end and the differences begin. Let’s take a closer look at the exact effects you can expect from THCa vs delta 8.
Effects
Remember, THCa is non-psychoactive when raw, so it won’t get you high – unless it’s heated or decarboxylated. There’s reason to consider leaving it in its raw form, though. THCa has been linked to various potential therapeutic benefits.
It may improve the inflammatory response, for instance, helping to manage conditions associated with chronic pain and discomfort. It’s also known for anti-nausea effects, and early studies suggest that it may even have neuroprotective properties. There’s still a lot to learn about the cannabinoids full potential, though.
Once THCa is converted to Delta 9 THC, though, everything changes. It’s no longer THCa at all! You’ll experience feelings of euphoria, happy, and content. It’s also famous for boosting your appetite—cue the “munchies.”
THC’s relaxing effects work on both your body and mind, helping to reduce stress and tension. You might notice nuanced changes in how you perceive things, like brighter colors or a different sense of time. Things sound slightly different, and food and drink just seem to taste better. THC can also improve your mood by melting away anxiety and depression.
Some people find that THC sparks their creativity and makes it easier to focus and come up with new ideas, whether for artistic projects or solving problems. In this sense, it works great for pushing through writer’s block or mid-day lulls at work.
Now, how does delta 8 fit into the equation? It’s psychoactive in its raw form, unlike THCa. That means you can enjoy it through edibles without having to bake them – more on delivery methods later.
The key difference in effects is that delta 8 brings out a much milder sense of euphoria, promoting a sense of happiness and relaxation without the intensity of traditional THC.
It can help ease physical and mental tension, a great way to manage anxiety without overwhelming effects. Some people find that delta 9 THC can actually make their anxiety worse.
Delta 8 can also trigger the munchies and improve sleep quality, especially for those with insomnia. It can boost focus and clarity, too, for creative or intellectual work. Some find that delta 8 is the better choice for this specific use case because it doesn’t get you as intoxicated.
Potential Side Effects
Now, is THCa safe? What about delta 8? We want to be clear in saying that cannabis is typically well-tolerated when you source your products from a trusted brand and use them responsibly.
But even though raw THCa is non-psychoactive, it may still cause digestive issues (nausea, vomiting) when consumed raw. THCa could interact with medications processed by the liver as well, so you should talk to a healthcare provider before using it.
But the main concerns with THCa are getting too high – leading to red eyes, paranoia, drowsiness, the munchies, etc. This is less of a risk with delta-8 THC since it’s milder than Delta-9.
However, it can still cause common cannabis side effects such as dry mouth, red eyes, and drowsiness. It can also increase heart rate and may cause anxiety or paranoia in those sensitive to THC.
With either form of THC, it’s important to avoid operating heavy machinery or driving your car until you fully understand how the cannabinoids affect you.
Best Ways To Use
There are countless ways to enjoy cannabis, and choosing between THCa vs delta 8 can come down to your desired consumption method to some extent.
Again, there are similarities here. We have both THCa vape pens and Delta 8 vape pens, for instance. But one way to enjoy delta 8 that is not possible with THCa is through Delta 8 edibles.
It’s not really possible to produce THCa edibles that do anything because if you just mix in raw THCa material, it won’t produce any psychoactivity. If you bake the edibles, though, you don’t have THCa anymore – you have delta 9 edibles.
That being said, raw THCa does have its place. Juicing fresh cannabis leaves, adding them to smoothies, or incorporating them into recipes preserves THCa in its raw form and thus unlocks its potential therapeutic benefits without the high.
Another popular method is using THCa tinctures or oils. These are taken sublingually (under the tongue) or added to food and beverage for a more controlled dosage. However, most people using THCa are doing so for its psychoactive potential – which means you’ll want to use vapes, flower, or even THCa dabs.
Potency
This is the biggest difference between THCa vs delta 8. As we’ve said continuously throughout this guide, THCa has zero potency in its raw form. But the moment it’s decarbed through heat, it becomes highly potent THC.
So if you have a 95% THCa vape cart, every puff actually delivers 95% delta 9 THC as the conversion rates between the cannabinoids is almost one to one. Of course, the strain and manufacturing method influence potency as well. Top-shelf cultivars can produce plants with THCa levels over 30%.
Just keep in mind that THCa’s therapeutic benefits don’t necessarily align directly with its potency. Even less potent strains bring benefits to the table through their unique combinations of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
The method of consumption also influences how effectively THCa’s benefits are delivered, as dabs are going to feel more potent than a vape pen.
Delta-8 THC, on the other hand, is called diet weed for a reason. It’s far less intense, which can actually be a good thing if you’re looking for something chill. Like we said from the start, we encourage you to try both THCa and delta 8 to see which aligns with your preferences.
Legal Status
Let’s address the elephant in the room: how is THCa legal? The 2018 Farm Bill made these products federally legal provided they’re hemp-derived and contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC.
However, state laws dictate what you can have shipped to your doorstep. The only states in which THCa is banned are Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, and Vermont.
Meanwhile, delta 8 THC is looked at with a bit more scrutiny – which doesn’t make much sense when you think about it, since it actually has less psychoactive potential than THCa. Cannabis regulation rarely follows logic, though. Here are the states in which delta 8 THC cannot be delivered:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Mississippi
- Montana
- North Dakota
- Rhode Island
- Utah
So to a certain extent, your choice between delta 8 and THCa may come down to what you can legally acquire in your state. If you’re fortunate enough to have access to both, then you’ll need to weigh your options a bit more.
Cost
We want to be clear in saying you shouldn’t shop for cannabis products based on price alone – you ultimately get what you pay for. Still, this is an important lens to look at THCa vs delta 8 through.
That being said, we can compare our own THCa and delta 8 products for a better comparison of which is more affordable. Our delta 8 THC vapes are $30 each whereas our THCa vapes are $35 – so slightly more expensive.
This reflects the extra high you’re getting. THCa may actually be more cost-effective in the long run for those trying to get high, since you can take shorter (and fewer) puffs to get where you want compared to delta 8 vapes.
Where To Purchase
What matters most in choosing between delta 8 vs THCa is figuring out where you can buy products legally without compromising on safety or quality. The good news? Your search for both ends here at MUNCHIES!
Some of our most popular products are our THCa prerolls, which bring together premium Delta-8 flower and THCA diamonds for a potent and refined experience. They’re crafted with sustainably grown cannabis and lab-tested for purity.
You also gain access to a range of Delta-8 products, including gummies, disposables, and cartridges. No matter what you buy from us, you can rest assured you’re getting the quality you deserve with detailed lab results are available for transparency and peace of mind.
So, try both delta 8 and THCa and see which you prefer today!
Wrapping Up Our Comparison of Delta 8 vs THCa
Hopefully this deep comparison of THCa vs delta 8 has left you with a confident grasp of where they overlap and where they differ. In closing, think of delta 8 as diet weed, whereas THCa is the real deal since vapes, flower, or dabs containing it convert to delta 9 THC through heat.
We have a similar comparison of THCa vs delta 9 in our blog if you’d like to learn more about the wide world of cannabinoids. Otherwise, spoil yourself at Delta Munchies today, where you’ll find the best delta 8 and THCa products online, shipped legally to your doorstep!
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