How much do you know about cannabinoids? When you hear various titles like THCa or Delta-8, these terms are typically referring to different cannabinoids that come from the cannabis plant.
That being said, there are also hybrids and various cannabis strains so the terms can quickly get confusing and overwhelming.
Right now, both THCa and Delta-8 THC are gaining a lot of interest in the cannabis industry. That is because they have only mild psychoactive effects and may even be more likely to be legal in some areas.
They are quite unique, though and have varying properties and potential benefits to be aware of.
In this guide, we look at THCa vs Delta-8 THC to better understand the key differences. Let’s take a look!
THCa
Let’s start with THCa. The best way to truly understand each cannabinoid and its unique differences is to just dig right in. Once we cover THCa, we will go over Delta-8 THC, and then round up the differences that are the most obvious in comparison.
THCa is actually an acidic form. The long name is tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. It is an acidic precursor to THC.
As such, it has no THC and therefore none of the psychoactive compounds that THC is known for. That being said, with decarboxylation or a heating process, it converts naturally into THC, specifically Delta-9 THC.
But we digress. THCa is the precursor to THC and it is best used in raw form unless you want to convert it. Those who seek THCa for its medicinal benefits will use it in raw form. Any other use could potentially give them more than what they bargained for.
That also means that if a user decides to vape THCa, they are going to be converting it to THC in the process. It’s just a detail to be aware of so nobody is blindsided by the potential side effects.
THCa chemical structure breakdown
The part of these cannabinoids that affects our mental capacity is the CB1 receptors of our brains. THCa interacts with the endocannabinoid system in a very different way. It has a chemical structure that is part of the carboxyl group.
The process of decarboxylation is removing a carbon atom from the strain. That is what causes the conversion to THC. Decarboxylation is a heating process that is unique and most closely associated with THCa.
This is not something you have to consider for Delta-8 THC. Decarboxylation will ultimately turn THCa into Delta-9 THC, which is high in THC and can be quite potent.
In its raw form, THCa is nonpsychoactive. It will remain that way unless it is heated or decarboxylated.
THCa effects and benefits
THCa is typically used for one of two purposes:
Someone seeking strong medical benefits for antiemetic properties, neuroprotective properties, or anti-inflammatory relief.
Someone who knows it converts to THC and becomes potent when doing so, creating strong psychoactive properties from what was formerly nonpsychoactive.
THCa has been studied closely for its medicinal benefits. The potential benefits include treating nausea, neurodegenerative diseases, anti-inflammatory issues, or chronic diseases.
It communicates with the endocannabinoid system and effectively works to relieve symptoms that cause heavy discomfort. It provides therapeutic benefits and it’s reliable as such.
Because THCa is a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid, it does provide a legal loophole in a sense. It is legal on the federal level because of this particular detail.
However, it can be easily manipulated to become THC and used as a means to work around that legality in some cases.
THCa consumption
Here is where it can get a little iffy. You see, THCa can be consumed in different ways. The important detail to remember is that it should be used in raw form or as parts of tinctures and capsules that can be made without applying decarboxylation.
Consuming it raw is the key here. Some people will add THCa to smoothies or salads. This allows them to experience the potential benefits without having to worry about the psychoactive effects.
Others will use oils and tinctures that incorporate the raw form of this cannabinoid.
Some people choose to vape or smoke THCa. It can also be made into gummies. However, this is where it is important to remember the decarboxylation process. In each of these categories, heat will be applied.
That will transform the THCa into Delta-9 THC. It can be consumed in these ways, but a cannabis user should know the potential side effects to be certain that is what they desire with use.
THCa common uses
Technically speaking, THCa is preferred by users who want the therapeutic benefits it can provide. These benefits come with no psychoactive effects at all, which is where it stands apart.
The cannabinoids can contribute to overall wellness and can provide potential benefits in the medical areas we mentioned above.
Before use, it is important that people understand decarboxylation and what it might do to this particular product.
