Most of us think of THC as the compound of the cannabis plant that helps you relax, take the edge off, or get high.

That’s not entirely true. Learning about different forms of THC can answer questions you have about flower and vape products you come across as a cannabis user.

Throughout this guide, we’ll focus on THCa and Delta-8 THC, breaking down their differences, similarities, and benefits.

We’ll introduce you to some Mood products that feature THCa and Delta-8 THC and hopefully help you discover some new cannabis products and find your happy place.

An Introduction To THCa

Short for “tetrahydrocannabinol acid,” THCa is THC in its acidic form. It’s also the form of THC most commonly found in the raw cannabis plant.

Derived from cannabigerolic acid (CBGa), THCa also possesses an evolutionary ability that makes it stand out.

While the effects of THCa on its own are non-psychoactive, the acidic cannabinoid converts to Delta-9 THC when heated or smoked. Delta-9 THC is the form of THC that’s most commonly known for helping cannabis users take the edge off.

Where Delta-8 THC Comes From

Delta-8 THC is another cannabinoid, but unlike THCa, it does not occur in large amounts in the hemp plants in their raw form.

Delta-8 THC is used in higher concentrations for cannabis products like flowers, concentrates, and edibles.

For these uses, it’s derived from either CBD or Delta-9 THC, which is a product of THCa.

Delta-8 THC has a reputation for delivering a clear and focused high that might not feel as intense as one brought on by consuming Delta-9 THC. Because of its slightly more mellow effect, Delta-8 THC serves as a choice for cannabis enthusiasts looking for a lighter experience.

What THCa and Delta-8 THC Have In Common

Before we get into the key differences between these cannabinoids, it’s worth explaining what they have in common.

The Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (also known as the Farm Bill) removed hemp from the federal government’s list of controlled substances.

A key metric from that bill defined hemp as a dry cannabis product containing no more than 0.3 percent of Delta-9 THC.

THCa and Delta-8 THC, on the other hand, can exist at any concentration in a harvested dry cannabis product while maintaining its federally legal status as hemp.

Depending on state laws, this offers cannabis users an avenue to enjoy the psychoactive effects of Delta-8 THC legally and to purchase THCa products that will convert to recognizable levels of Delta-9 THC when smoked or vaped.

While united in their proximity to Delta-9 THC and mutual legality, these two cannabinoids have more than a few key differences that we’re going to break down here.

THCa vs Delta-8 THC: Five Main Differences

1. Psychoactive Properties

Delta-8 THC

Despite being permissible at any concentration under federal law, Delta-8 THC is still a psychoactive compound. As we touched on earlier, the high associated with Delta-8 THC is a more toned-down version of what you might expect from Delta-9 THC.

THCa

On its own, THCa doesn’t possess any psychoactive properties. When you smoke it or vape it, the THCa converts to Delta-9 THC and delivers the high you might expect from a typical cannabis product.

Therefore, it’s safe to say you can expect to feel it more when smoking THCa products because the Delta-9 THC you’re converting it to should be stronger than the Delta-8 THC you might find with comparable products.

2. Chemical Structure

THCa and Delta-8 THC are both cannabinoids that exist with a wealth of others in the cannabis plant.

THCa

As a precursor to Delta-9 THC, which can be a precursor to Delta-8 THC — THCa differs because it has an extra carboxyl group.

It’s not proven exactly why THCa on its own isn’t a psychoactive cannabinoid, but a common belief is that the cannabinoid acids it contains prevent it from bonding with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain.

Delta-8 THC

Without the carboxyl ring maintained by THCa, Delta-8 THC is a more simple cannabinoid.

It’s closer to Delta-9 THC. The only difference is that on the chain of carbon atoms making up a Delta-8 THC compound, you can find a double bond on the eight carbon. With Delta-9 THC, you can find a double bond on the ninth carbon.

Its slightly varied chemical structure distinguishes Delta-8 THC from the more popular Delta-9 and is potentially responsible for its more mellow effects.

3. How Each Relates To Delta-9 THC

You could make an argument that we are here talking about Delta-8 THC and THCa because of their relationship to Delta-9 THC. Of course, that relationship differs.

THCa Gets You Delta-9 THC

THCa turns into Delta-9 THC through a process called decarboxylation. This makes it the acidic precursor Delta-9.

Delta-8 THC is Different But In The Same Ballpark

On the other side of the coin, labs can get Delta-8 THC from Delta-9 THC through a process called isomerization.

So, if THCa is like Delta-9 THC’s parent, then Delta-8 THC could be considered its kid. And then, if you want to go a step further, Delta-8 THC is like the grandchild of THCa.

4. Consumption Methods

Looking at THCa vs Delta-8 THC, you might see appeal in experimenting with both.

Here are some of the different types of hemp-derived products they’re used for and where to find them:

Smokeable and Vapeable THCa and Delta-8 THC

You can enjoy psychoactive effects from THCa smokeables that will convert to Delta-9 THC upon burning. These include your classic cannabis flowers, pre-rolls, concentrates — i.e. THCa diamonds — and disposable vapes.

Discover American-grown THCa flowers for every mood today.

Delta-8 THC Gummies and Edibles

Because you need to heat up THCa to activate it, you’re not going to find it in our edibles, which instead use Delta-8 THC and classic Delta-9 THC in legal amounts. With its clear, high, and less intense onset, Delta-8 THC is a great cannabinoid for easy and mellow edibles like gummies.

Check out Mood’s selection of THC gummies for every mood today.

Legal Delta-9 THC Gummies and Edibles

All of our Delta-9 THC gummies contain legal amounts of Delta-9 THC.

Within these limits, we can offer a highly curated collection of gummies, caramels, and other assorted edibles with dosages up to 15mg.

To try for yourself, consider picking up 30 Rapid Onset Delta-9 THC Gummies for $65 today.

5. Reputation and Popularity

While THCa and Delta-8 THC are unknown to many cannabis users and seemingly indistinguishable, they’re also clearly unique in their own rights.

In terms of how the world of cannabis views these cannabinoids, there seems to be slight variation in how they are approached based on their legality and psychoactive effects.

THCa: A Legal Avenue To Consuming Delta-9 THC

Because of TCHa’s ability to convert to Delta-9 THC, it exists as a legal resource for cannabis enthusiasts who love THC levels and highs they’re used to.

While legally an alternative to buy in higher concentrations, THCa offers an avenue to actually enjoying more potent Delta-9 THC highs than you could with dry cannabis products with 0.3 percent Delta-9 THC and no THCa.

Delta-8 THC: A True Delta-9 THC Alternative

Also legal in any concentration, Delta-8 THC is technically different than Delta-9 THC. For seasoned cannabis users and new ones, choosing this slightly more mellow cannabinoid might better suit your taste.

On the flip side, you can also legally buy highly concentrated Delta-8 THC products legally for more potent and recognizable effects.

Enjoy a blend of Delta-8 THC and CBD with these 50mg Delta-8 Gummies —30 gummies for just $79.

Try These THCa Cannabis Products

Ready to dip your toes in the THCa waters?

Here are some examples of the expertly curated THCa-focused products at the Mood Shop — all derived from American hemp.

THCa Flower

Containing 22.3 percent THCa, these familiar cannabis flowers become more potent when smoked or vaped because of that Delta-9 THC conversion process. This sweet and citrus-forward strain is an Indica-dominant hybrid and fantastic for those who want to enjoy the benefits of THCa.

For a happy and easy-going high, pick up an eighth of Gushers today for just $54.

THCa Dab Badder

In the same way that THCa flower falls under the legal definition of hemp, so do THCa concentrates. This dab badder comes in a stylish little jar and contains 27.56 percent THCa that will convert into Delta-9 THC when heated up with your dab rig or pen.

Enjoy a potent, creative high with 1g of THCa Ice Queen Badder for only $49.

THCa Vape Pens

Start your day on the right foot with a Mood’s THCa disposable vape pens (no need to worry about screwing in vape cartridges). Rechargeable and draw activated, it’s an easy, discrete, and convenient mechanism for vaping legal THCa into Delta-9 THC with its famously intoxicating effects.

Featuring 50.84 percent THCa, this 1G THCa Sour Diesel Disposable Vape is available for $60.

Try These Delta-8 THC Products

For Delta-8 THC users and cannabis enthusiasts who are just learning about the cannabinoid, you can enjoy a light high or dive in with more of our more potent concentrates.

Here are a few of our favorite Delta-8 THC products available at the Mood Shop.

Delta-8 THC Gummies

Delta-8 THC is a great cannabinoid for edible gummies. Popular for their sweet bite-sized composition, gummies complement Delta-8’s clearer and more relaxed reputation. These 50mg gummies combine Delta-8 THC with CBD for a delicious, non-GMO product.

Grab a 30-count of 50mg Delta 8 Gummies for only $79 today.

Delta-8 THC Moonrocks

Described as the “absolute caviar of cannabis,” these moonrocks feature Delta-8 flower doused in a THC distillate and then covered in CBD kief. Delicious, potent, and a unique blend of a potent concentrate and more mellow Delta-8 THC side effects — these moonrocks are worth a try for any cannabis lover.

Delta-8 THC Gel Caps

You can find a similar variety of Delta-THC products with Mood as you’ll find with other cannabis products at dispensaries. These 25mg gel caps offer a relatively low dose compared to other Delta-8 THC products, and with the cannabinoid’s more low-key psychoactive effects, these are ideal for a chill, long-lasting high.

Pick up a 30-count bottle of 25mg Delta-8 THC Gel Caps for just $50 today.

THCa vs Delta-8 THC: Which One is Right for You?

Understanding the differences between THCa and Delta-8 THC can help you make informed choices about your cannabis consumption. Whether you seek the potent effects of THCa or the milder, clear-headed high of Delta-8 THC, both offer unique benefits and experiences.

Check out Mood’s online dispensary and discover more deals on THCa and Delta-8 flowers, disposable vapes, pre-rolls, concentrates, and more.

Prices subject to change.