Delta 8 saw a surge in popularity since the 2018 Farm Bill, as more cannabis enthusiasts discovered various cannabinoids, like THCA (a non-psychoactive cannabinoid) and Delta 8 THC (a milder, less potent variant of Delta 9 THC). Comparing THCA and Delta 8 is the focal point of this blog post, from differences and similarities to legalities and more. Let’s start from the basics.
What Is THCA?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA) is the precursor to THC, and it is a naturally occurring compound in cannabis plants. While both have a similar chemical structure, a carboxylic acid group in THCA makes it non-psychoactive. Smoking flowers, vaping THCA vapes, or cooking it removes this carboxylic acid group and, as a result, makes it non-psychoactive. This process of heating and converting THCA into THC is called decarboxylation.
THCA is extracted from the trichomes of cannabis flowers, leaves, and stems. Product manufacturers cultivate and harvest cannabis plants and use cold extraction to separate the THCA from the source without exposing it to heat and light.
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What Is the Best Way to Take THCA?
THCA products are available in various forms, including gummies, flowers, vapes, and prerolls. Your chosen product and method will determine your experience.
For example, if you want to get high, you can use THCA disposables or smoke THCA flowers, THCA hash, or prerolls—ultimately, you need to heat THCA to get high. If you want only the potential wellness benefits of THCA, consume edibles like gummies.
Is THCA Safe to Smoke?What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 is a toned-down version of Delta 9. It is mildly psychoactive, providing a more balanced experience, as minor chemical differences make them slightly different. It got the name Delta 8 because it has a double bond on the 8th carbon chain (you can guess how Delta 9 got its name).
Products like Delta 8 prerolls and tinctures have become popular among those who want a more enjoyable experience than the highly potent Delta 9.
Delta 8 occurs naturally in small amounts in cannabis plants. Since it is found in trace amounts, manufacturers convert Delta 9 or CBD into Delta 8 through isomerization. Then, the product is purified, and the substance becomes the base for Delta 8 products.
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What Is the Difference Between THCA and Delta 8?
The differences lie in their potential effects. Raw THCA won’t get you high, but when heated, it turns intoxicating. Delta 8 is a weaker version of Delta 9.
● Potential Effects
THCA, in its raw form, is non-psychoactive. If you add THCA in smoothies and drink it, you won’t get high, but if you smoke, vape, or even cook it (any kind of heat exposure), euphoric effects will kick in.
Delta 8 is known for producing a mild high. Whether you eat Delta 8 THC gummies or smoke Delta 8 joints, expect a euphoric sensation that is mildly psychoactive and more manageable for beginners.
● Legality
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp (cannabis with less than 0.3% THC), so even though THC is still considered a Schedule 1 controlled substance, buying products from a reliable source provides a 3rd-party Certificate of Analysis (COA) with every product. This document ensures the product, whether THC or THCA for sale online or offline, is federally legal and safe.
Is THCA Stronger Than Delta 8?
Both compounds’ potencies vary, and since individual responses to these cannabinoids play a significant role in determining perceived strength, it’s hard to say which will turn out to be stronger for you.
Generally, when THCA is transformed into THC, it surpasses Delta 8 in terms of euphoric sessions. However, Delta 8 may be a good nighttime support because of its balanced euphoric effects.
Delta 8 THC is approximately 40% less potent than Delta 9 THC. If you want to understand THCA’s potency, multiply its value by 0.87 to get an estimate of the THC percentage you will receive once you heat it.
The Verdict: Which is Better?
Whether you want to experience mild sensory upliftment with Delta 8 cigarettes or dive into the euphoric state with potent THCA hemp flower for sale, the choice is yours. Both are effective choices for enjoying a good buzz to make your mood. Each compound offers distinct characteristics and benefits, so it is essential to explore responsibly and choose what resonates most with your preferences.
