2024 Cannabinoid Matchup: THCA vs. Delta 9o

Two new cannabinoids on the hemp market are THCA and delta 9o. While these sound vastly different from one another based on name, you’ll find that they have more in common than you might have guessed. THCA and Delta 9o are two very different cannabinoids in terms of chemical structure, and yet, they can deliver virtually the same exact effects as one another depending on how they’re taken.

Let’s compare them to one another since they’re both very new to the market, and easy to confuse with one another.

Contender #1: THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)

THCA, also known as tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is the raw, acidic cannabinoid that is the precursor to delta 9 THC, existing in cannabis that’s left raw – aka flower. Because the THCA hasn’t been decarboxylated (a process of heating THCA to a certain temperature to convert it into delta 9), the way it interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), and its effects are quite different from those of delta 9. THCA can only be found in in raw cannabis, since once the cannabinoid has been decarboxylated, it turns into delta 9 and takes on new properties, including psychoactive effects. Hemp naturally yields about 0.3% THCA, while it’s the dominant cannabinoid in raw marijuana.

THCA is also legal under federal law (2018 Farm Bill), as the United States only bans products containing more than 0.3% delta 9 THC, and THCA, despite becoming delta 9 when heated, isn’t classified as delta 9. This means that even products like THCA flower and vapes are legal. But, there are 5 states that have banned products that contain more than 0.3% “total” THC – aka a combination of delta 9 and THCA.

What’s the High Like?

When it’s consumed in its raw form, rather than decarboxylated, THCA does not have any psychoactive activity, which means that it won’t get you high. That’s because raw cannabinoids do not bind to the brain’s CB1 receptors to result in intoxication. But, products that must be decarboxylated to be consumed, like THCA vapes, dabs and flower, allow the THCA to chemically convert into THC, which means you’re then consuming delta 9, and not THCA.

What are THCA’s Non-Psychoactive Properties?

THCA does not bind to either CB1 or CB2 receptors, nor do any raw cannabinoids, because that is only possible with cannabinoids post-decarboxylation. Still, THCA is a powerful antioxidant, and can regulate COX-1 and COX-2, two enzymes that impact the body’s inflammatory response. COX-1 and COX-2 are responsible for the release of prostaglandins, which cause the pain and discomfort associated with inflammation.

THCA also has a part in supporting two endocannabinoid proteins in the body known as TRPA1 and TRPV2, which’re channels that support our body’s endocannabinoid system function.

• TPRA1 regulate for pain, itching, tolerance to cold and sensitivity to irritants in the environment.
• TRPV2 regulates body temperature.

Plus, THCA is shown to increase anandamide uptake. Anandamide is a cannabinoid produced within the body that has a powerful influence on mood regulation, as well as sleep.

Does THCA Have Benefits?

The research on THCA is still in its early stages, and many of the potential benefits we will be covering are based on preliminary studies. More extensive clinical trials are needed to fully understand the effects and potential therapeutic uses of THCA. So, some potential benefits are:

• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: THCA has shown potential as an anti-inflammatory agent. This could be beneficial for conditions like arthritis and lupus.
• Neuroprotective Effects: Early studies indicate that THCA may have neuroprotective properties, which could be useful in treating neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
• Anti-Proliferative Effects: Some research suggests that THCA may inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, though this area requires much more research before any firm conclusions can be drawn.
• Anti-Emetic Effects: THCA might help in reducing nausea and vomiting. This can be particularly beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
• Analgesic Properties: There's some evidence suggesting THCA might help in pain management, though it's not as strong as THC in this regard.

Does THCA Have Side Effects?

THCA itself is non-psychoactive, but it can have some potential side effects, though they are generally mild compared to THC. Some potential side effects of THCA include:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Dry Mouth
• Hunger/Munchies
• Drowsiness

Who Would Prefer THCA?

In its raw form, THCA is not recreational, and so it’s used therapeutically. Like we said, it has anti-inflammatory properties, and can help with sleep and mood, while also being a potent antioxidant. But, when THCA is consumed in the forms of products that are meant to be heated, like dabs, flower and vapes, it’s enjoyed because of the fact that the THCA will turn into delta 9o.

Contender #2: Delta 9o

Delta 9o is semi-synthesized cannabinoid, made to mimic delta 9 THC as identically as possible. Delta 9o is delta 9 THC which has been treated with an acetate, creating an entirely new way in which the body metabolizes it, in which the acetate molecule is metabolized quickly so that all that remains in the body is delta 9.

Delta 9o is also legal federally, because of the 2018 Farm Bill. However, in some states, it’s banned.

What’s the High Like?

Delta 9o’s high is no different from delta 9 THC’s, because once the cannabinoid absorbs into the body, it becomes delta 9 THC.

Does Delta 9o Have Any Benefits?

As of now, there are no studies to refer to about the properties of delta 9o, because the cannabinoid just came out. But, as delta 9o is said to absorb into the body exactly as delta 9 THC, then we can guess that all of its effects are the same as those of delta 9. So, delta 9o is likely useful when it comes to getting relief from physical discomfort, nausea, low appetite, neurological irregularities, negative mood, poor sleep and pretty much everything else we’ve come to associate with delta 9.

Does Delta 9o Have Any Side Effects?

Simply put, the side effects of delta 9o would be the same you would get from delta 9.

Purpose for Taking Delta 9o

Delta 9o is used specifically for those who want the effects of delta 9 THC, legally. Because the cannabinoid becomes delta 9 in the body, it’s great for those who don’t have legal access to delta 9 THC – and that’s something that it has in common with certain types of THCA products.

The Winner Is…

Both Delta 9o and THCA offer legal ways to enjoy high strengths of delta 9 THC – with the latter only doing so in forms like vapes, flower and dabs – and because of that, their effects are identical. But, THCA in its raw form also has its own unique value. So, you can consider taking them both to see what each one can offer you.