Delta 8 rose to popularity with the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill. Since then, more and more cannabis enthusiasts have discovered the different benefits of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, including the recent rising star THCa. Within this article, I will compare THCa vs. Delta 8. The differences, similarities, legalities, chemical structures, potential effects, potential benefits, and history of Delta 8 and THCa will be covered. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cannabis user, there is a lot to know. Let’s begin by answering the most basic questions.
What Is THCA?
THCa, or tetrahydrocannabinol acid, is a naturally occurring compound found in raw cannabis plants. It is the precursor to THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for the high you feel when smoking or vaping. THCa, in its raw form, is potentially supportive but not psychoactive. Chemically, THCa and THC are alike but different in the presence of a carboxylic acid group. When you smoke or vape THCa, you remove the carboxylic acid group, turning the THCa into THC. This process is known as decarboxylation. The process of decarboxylation can be known as either smoking, vaping, or simply applying heat to raw cannabis.
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THCa Live Resin$49.99 – $499.99 – or subscribe and save up to 25%
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THCa Isolate$25.99 – $299.99 – or subscribe and save up to 25%
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THCa Diamonds$29.99 – $399.99 – or subscribe and save up to 25%
How Is THCa Made?
THCa is found on the Trichomes of cannabis flowers, leaves, and stems. The process of making THCa starts by cultivating and harvesting cannabis plants. After harvesting cannabis, the CBD and Delta 9 from the plants separate via cold extraction. Cold extraction is the favored method during THCa extraction; THCa is sensitive to light and heat, and added heat or light can change its molecular structure into THC. The cold extraction effectively separates the THCa from the plant material without adding heat, resulting in the extract of THCa. These extracts are available in edibles, vapes, distillates/isolates, or live resins.
Best Way to Take THCa
Well, it depends. Do you want to be high? THCa must be decarboxylated to turn into Delta 9 THC. The common forms of using THCa are using edibles, smoking pre-rolled joints, or vaping. There are lots of different products that you can try when talking about THCa. Here at Vivimu, we offer seven different forms of THCa. For beginners, start with pre-rolled joints or gummies, and for the advanced, you can try our THCa Diamond Sauce or our THCa Live Resin. Add one of these two to your dab or vape setup and experience 99.9% pure THCa.
What Is Delta 8?
Nicknames like Diet Weed and Light Weed reveal its moderate potential effects. Delta 8 has similar characteristics to Delta 9 THC (Delta 9 is known as THC), but the chemical differences between Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC are so minor. Delta 8 has a double bond on the 8th carbon chain (hence delta 8), and Delta 9 THC has a double bond on the 9th carbon chain. This subtle variation causes Delta 8 to have milder effects and potency. This unique high offers a unique effect for users who wish to have a moderate experience. Typical Delta 8 products include vapes, gummies, live resin, edibles, or distillates/isolates.
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Delta 8 THC Distillate$6.99 – $799.00 – or subscribe and save up to 25%
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Delta 8 Live Resin$13.99 – $274.99 – or subscribe and save up to 25%
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Delta 8 Gummies$29.99 – or subscribe and save up to 25%
How Is Delta 8 Made?
While Delta 8 naturally occurs within cannabinoid plants, it does so in small amounts. Producing Delta 8 starts by converting Delta 9 or CBD into Delta 8 via isomerization, and starting materials are needed for the isomerization process. Usually, CBD or Delta 9 THC are the starting materials. By using time, heat, and a catalyst, the activated cannabinoids (CBD and Delta 9 THC) undergo a rearrangement of their molecular structure into Delta 8. After isomerization, the product undergoes purification. This purified substance is the base for Delta 8 products.
Best Way to Take Delta 8
Honestly, it comes down to your preference. The typical uses for Delta 8 are smoking, vaping, or using edibles. Remember that Delta 8 is found in minimal quantities within cannabinoid plants, so the available products aren’t the same as THCa. For beginners, we at Vivimu recommend starting small with either Delta 8 edibles or our Delta 8 Disposable Vapes. Delta 8 has less potency than Delta 9, but be careful, as overuse is still a factor. We recommend using our Delta 8 Live resin or Delta 8 Distillates/Isolates for the advanced.
What Is the Difference Between THCa and Delta-8?
Is THCa the same as Delta 8? The answer is no. When discussing the differences between THCa and Delta 8 THC, the significant differences are the potential effects. Delta 8 THC is known to be weaker and milder compared to Delta 9 THC. THCa in its raw form will not get you high, but it turns into THC when decarboxylated. What we are comparing is Delta 8 THC vs. Delta 9 THC. Both are intoxicating, but Delta 9 is more intoxicating than Delta 8. While THCa can be used in its raw form and is often used in juices for its medicinal properties, most people will use it for smoking, vaping, or edibles.
Delta 8 vs. THCa: Potency Percentage
The question is this: is THCa stronger than Delta 8? Delta 9 THC comes from decarboxylating THCa. THCa is non-intoxicating unless decarboxylated, so THCa’s raw form has a zero potency percentage. However, you can estimate its potency when decarboxylated by multiplying the THCA by .877, calculating its potency when decarboxylated (smoked, vaped, or edible). The formula for calculating THCa into THC is:
Total THC = (THCA x 0.877) + THC
The double bond placement on the eighth chain of Delta 8 ever so slightly changes the effects you feel using Delta 8 THC. Both Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC influence the Endocannabinoid system. Their differences in impact on the Endocannabinoid system are experienced differently for each person and cannabinoid. Generally, Delta 9 THC will affect the endocannabinoid system significantly and provide a more potent, intense high, while Delta 8 will have a mildly potent and moderate high. Remember to take into account the dosage and amount used. Delta 8 used in large amounts, can have adverse side effects, just like Delta 9 THC.
THCa Potential Effects
As I’ve mentioned, THCa in its raw form is non-intoxicating. If you ingest THCa, you are likely not to feel anything. Currently, there needs to be more evidence to report the benefits of raw cannabis, but there is research that reports otherwise.
THCa, smoked or vaped, will give you that classic THC high. The quintessential effects of euphoria, appetite stimulation (Munchies), red eyes, and deep thoughts may occur. For some, feelings of anxiety or paranoia may also be side effects of using decarboxylated THCa.
Delta-8 Potential Effects
Delta 8 has a reputation for being a mild high. Euphoric and loosely intoxicating, users experience the potential effects as manageable, even for beginners. Delta 8 is relatively new and needs more research to support its benefits, but if you use Delta 8, expect a clear and more focused high with similar effects to regular THC.
Legality of THCa and Delta-8
THC is still considered a Schedule 1 controlled substance; however, the 2018 Farm Bill legalized marijuana under the condition that hemp-derived products have a Delta 9 THC content below 0.3% on a dry weight basis. Here at Vivimu, we have 3rd Party Certificates of Analysis (COAs) on all our products. All of our products are for sale legally and are guaranteed to have less than 0.3% THC on a dry-weight basis. Check out our article “Is THCa Legal?” to see if your state has laws that change the legality of THCa.
Delta 8 THC is considered legal under the Farm Bill of 2018. The Farm Bill legalized hemp and its derivatives. Delta 8, as a derivative of hemp, can be sold as long as the dry weight is less than 0.3% THC. While Delta 8 is legal federally, we advise checking any state and local legislation regarding Delta 8. Some states, like Idaho, have taken stances to ban Delta-8 THC sales.
THCa vs Delta-8: Which One Is Best?
It comes down to personal preference. THCa decarboxylated is the OG high we all know, while Delta 8 is a milder and tamer high. When considering which one to use, ask yourself where you will use it. Delta 8, for general purposes, can enhance working out, resting at home, taking a knap, or walking. So, in my opinion, I recommend using Delta 8 when you want a mild high. Both Delta 8 and THCa, either smoked, vaped, or used via edible, are popular usage methods. Delta 8 can be a good substitution if you desire a less potent high but still want the effects of THC.
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THCa Diamond Sauce$36.99 – $549.99 – or subscribe and save up to 25%
THCA and Delta 8 Cost Comparison
The cost comparisons for THCa and Delta 8 THC can quickly become confusing, considering the different potencies, qualities, and available options.
Vivimu offers various products, including Edibles, Gummies, Pre-rolls, Isolates, Distillates, Terpenes, Live Resins, and Vapes. Both THCa and Delta 8 THC options are available. Consider your objective when comparing costs. Do you want edibles or flower? Do you prefer the highest quality, or do industry standards suffice? Do you prefer highly potent or mildly intoxicating?
THCa Products are available for $10-200 for the typical dispensary visit, and for Delta 8, products are available for $15- 200.
Can THCA and Delta 8 Cause You To Fail A Drug Test?
In my experience, if you worry about failing a drug test or have a drug test coming up, it is best to avoid using cannabinoids altogether. Smoking and vaping THCa and Delta 8 THC can cause you to come up positive on a drug test. If you enjoy using raw THCa on its own, there is a possibility you will also fail your drug test. Two crucial factors will affect your drug test outcome if you must pass a drug test—the timing and frequency of your usage. Daily use can require several weeks for the THC to be eliminated from the body. Infrequent use may only take 2-5 days for THC to leave the body.
Is THCA Synthetic or Natural?
THCa is natural! THCa is naturally and abundantly occurring in raw cannabis. THCa is the precursor to THC – the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. THCa can be synthetically made in a lab, but most THCa is natural and found in raw cannabis plants.
Different Types of THCa products
Exploring the different available options is the best part of the process. When purchasing THCa products, consider the various forms of THCa. Vivimu offers many THCa products, such as THCa Pre-Rolls, THCa Live Resin, THCa Badder, THCa Crumble, THCa Diamonds, and THCa Isolates. The most important question is how you wish to use your THCa. Do you want to smoke it (THCa Pre-rolls), or do you prefer to vape it (THCa Live Resin and Badder)? Or you could eat your THCa (Delta 9 THC edibles)? Think about your preferred method of use when making a purchase!
Different Types of Delta 8 THC Products
Understanding that Delta 8 is not abundantly available in raw cannabis, the availability of Delta 8 Products is surprisingly broad. Delta 8 Products are available in most stores, especially at Vivimu. Available products include Delta 8 Disposable Vapes, Delta 8 Edibles, Delta 8 Gummies, Delta 8 Live Resin, Delta 8 Isolates, and Delta 8 Distillates. When considering what type of products to buy, think about how you prefer to use your cannabis. Do you like to vape, smoke, or use infused products? Edibles may be nice for walks and runs while smoking or vaping can be practical in a social setting.
Where Can I Buy The Best Delta-8 THC and THCa Products Online?
Before making any purchase of cannabinoids online, make sure to check for a COA (Certificate of Analysis). The best cannabinoid products available online will ALWAYS come with a COA. A COA allows you to know precisely what is and isn’t in your cannabis, protecting you and providing peace of mind when shopping.
You can buy THCa and Delta 8 products online from us here at Vivimu. Every product we sell has a COA. Our products are third-party, lab-tested, and do not contain GMOs, fillers, or pollutants. Explore our THCa and Delta 8 products and find your favorite strain or flavor!
More questions about THCa or Delta 8?
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned enjoyer, Vivimu offers an experience that aims to educate and provide for the cannabis community. This post covered the differences between THCa and Delta 8 and commonly asked questions. Reference our blog and website to enhance your purchase decision-making.
To learn more, visit our blog section or email us at support@vivimu.zendesk.com. You can also call us at +1 720-955-1667 to clarify your doubts. Our expert support team is here to help.
Do you have more questions related to THCA and Delta 8? Here are a few THCA and Delta 8-related articles :
THCa vs. THC: What Is The Difference?
THCa vs. Delta 9: Your Ultimate Guide