2024 Cannabinoid Matchup: THCA vs. Delta 8 THC

The hemp market has evolved a lot in recent years to offer us many, many ways to experience a legal psychoactive high through various intoxicating cannabinoids. And, two specific cannabinoids that continue to reign supreme are delta 8 THC and THCA. Both are closely related to delta 9 THC in different ways, and we’re going to compare the two today to help you figure out which one you might want to try first.

What is THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)?

THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is the acidic and raw precursor to delta THC (delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol). THCA is the most abundant chemical compound in raw weed, and hemp also produces THCA.

THCA is pre-decarboxylated, which means that it’s yet to be heated to a specific temperature that converts it into delta 9 THC. Once THCA is exposed to a specific amount of heat, changes occur within its chemical structure, and it becomes delta 9. THCA and delta 9 ultimately have different effects, due to their different properties.

What’s the High Like?

When THCA is left raw it will not get you high, because raw cannabinoids’ chemical structures are very different from their post-decarboxylated counterparts. THCA is unable to attach to the brain’s CB1 receptors like delta 9, and it’s those receptors that are responsible for the high we get from THC.

Because of this, some types of THCA products can get you high because they’re giving you delta 9, and some can’t. THCA products like tinctures and gummies won’t get you high, because the THCA does not undergo heating as part of the process of using these products. But, for products that must be heated to be consumed, like THCA flower, THCA dabs, and THCA vapes, the cannabinoid decarboxylates and converts into delta 9 THC, and so what you’re actually consuming is THC, which is the same as the THC high you get from weed.

Does THCA Have Benefits?

By and large, most THCA products being sold come in vape, flower, and concentrate form, which means that the benefits associated with them are actually the benefits of delta 9 rather than THCA. And, luckily, delta 9 THC has been studied extensively for many decades now, and is one of the most well-understood cannabis compounds of all time. Because of that, we’re pretty clear on its potential benefits, which include:

• Anti-inflammatory effects
• Anxiolytic effects
• Antiemetic effects
• Appetite-boosting effects
• Neuroprotective effects
• Analgesic effects
• Sleep-enhancing effects

Does THCA Have Side Effects?

Of course, just about anything can give a person side effects, but fortunately when it comes to THCA products, the possible side effects are known to be mild and non-life-threatening, not to mention short-lived. THCA and delta 9 THC are nontoxic to the human system, which is good to keep in mind. The side effects that you might experience after taking a THCA product are:

• Dry mouth
• Dry eyes
• Dizziness
• Forgetfulness
• Drowsiness
• Clumsiness
• Paranoia
• Anxiety

One thing to know is that these side effects are largely dose-dependent, and tolerance-dependent. In other words, the higher your dose, the more likely you’ll experience side effects, and the same applies to those who have a low tolerance. So, the key to avoiding them is simply pacing yourself by taking a relatively low dose if you’re a beginner, and working your way up.

Who Would Prefer THCA?

It’s clear that the biggest selling point of THCA is that it’s a legal workaround to restrictions on placed on delta 9 THC products, as federal law prohibits products that contain more than 0.3% delta 9 THC, but has no restrictions on THCA at all, despite the fact that most THCA products that you’ll find for purchase are intended to provide you with a high dose of delta 9.

What is Delta 8 THC (Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol)?

Delta 8 THC is a minor cannabinoid that accounts for about 0.1% of the hemp plant’s chemical composition, and it was first isolated in the early 1960s. Delta 8 forms by delta 9 oxidizing naturally in cannabis as the plant ages, and through this process, its chemical structure changes, which dictates how it attaches to cannabinoid receptors in the brain.

What’s the High Like?

Delta 8 THC is going to give you a high that’s different from that of delta 9 THC. One thing that’s been established is that delta 8 is actually one of the mildest intoxicants in cannabis, being 30% less intoxicating than delta 9 THC. This means that the high is a lot more like a buzz – but keep in mind that if you have zero THC tolerance, you can still get really high off of it as a first-timer. Also, delta 8’s high is known for being quite relaxing rather than stimulating, and people describe it as blissful and soothing to the mind and body.

Does Delta 8 THC Have Benefits?

Again, delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid that was discovered decades ago, and so there are actually a solid number of studies on its potential benefits. Those benefits include:

• Anti-inflammatory effects
• Anxiolytic effects
• Analgesic effects
• Appetite-boosting effects
• Sleep-enhancing effects
• Neuroprotective effects
• Anti-nausea effects

Does Delta 8 THC Have Side Effects?

The potential side effects associated with delta 8 are the same as the ones we talked about earlier with THCA/delta 9 THC. However, since delta 8 is overall milder, the side effects will likely be milder as well. Again, those side effects are:

• Dry mouth
• Dry eyes
• Dizziness
• Forgetfulness
• Drowsiness
• Clumsiness
• Paranoia
• Anxiety

Who Would Prefer Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 THC is a great cannabinoid for someone who prefers a milder and more chill type of THC high. Its soothing buzz is perfect for those who just want to mellow out without feeling extremely intoxicated. And, as you can see, it comes with lots of potential benefits that make it totally worthwhile aside from its ability to get you high.

Is THCA or Delta 8 the Right Cannabinoid Choice for You?

Both THCA and delta 8 offer legal ways to get high off of THC, and both cannabinoids are absolutely worth checking out. The Delta 8 products and the THCA products that we carry offer all kinds of delivery methods, strains, and more, so that you can customize your experience and find your own version of cannabinoid-induced bliss.