Which Is Stronger: THCa Or Delta-9 THC?

Weed can be confusing. With all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds in the cannabis plant, knowing what to look for (and what to avoid) can be a hassle.

Say you’ve stumbled upon products labeled “THCa.” You might be wondering, is it real? Is it safe? And is it anywhere as strong as the classic psychoactive cannabinoid, Delta-9 THC?

Well, the answers to these questions might surprise you. Read on to learn more about THCa, Delta-9 THC, and how these two cannabinoids compare in strength. 

First off, let’s start with THCa. This is a real cannabinoid that’s present within the cannabis plant. But here’s where it gets interesting.

THCa, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is the non-psychoactive precursor to Delta-9 THC. Think of it as THC’s raw form. THCa is abundant in fresh, raw cannabis, and it doesn’t get you high on its own.

However, when you apply heat—like when smoking or vaping—it undergoes a process called decarboxylation, converting THCa into the psychoactive Delta-9 THC.

This is why eating raw cannabis won’t make you feel the same effects as consuming it after it’s been heated. THCa needs to convert to Delta-9 THC to produce the beloved, euphoric effects.

On the other hand, let’s ensure you’re familiar with the classic psychoactive cannabinoid. Delta-9 THC is the cannabinoid most cannabis users are familiar with.

It’s the compound that provides the classic high associated with weed by interacting directly with the body’s endocannabinoid system, particularly with CB1 receptors in the brain.

As THCa converts to Delta-9 THC with heat, only then will it produce effects. So, it’s safe to say that THCa and Delta-9 THC are incredibly similar.

From what we’ve learned above, comparing the strengths between THCa and Delta-9 THC isn’t straightforward because they don’t function in the same way.

THCa is non-psychoactive in its natural form, meaning it doesn’t produce a high. However, when it’s converted into Delta-9 THC through decarboxylation, its effects are incredibly potent because THCa becomes Delta-9 THC.

Theoretically, if you were to eat raw THCa flower, you wouldn’t get high because THCa hasn’t been heated to convert to psychoactive Delta-9 THC.

But since THCa turns into Delta-9 THC with heat, it’s safe to say that THCa products (which will eventually be heated, like with the spark of a lighter) and Delta-9 THC produce effects of the same strength.

The effects of Delta-9 THC are well-known: euphoria, altered sensory perception, relaxation, and increased appetite, among others. It’s the go-to cannabinoid for recreational cannabis users looking for a psychoactive buzz.

On the other hand, THCa produces those same effects once it’s been decarboxylated and converted to Delta-9 THC. But, again, if you were to eat raw THCa flower, it might have some potential anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-emetic properties. Some users consume raw cannabis juice or THCa tinctures to harness these benefits without the high.

But in reality, shopping for THCa products gives users a legal way to experience the same buzz as Delta-9 THC, as THCa is legal to ship to most states nationwide.