Understanding the Differences between THC-A and Delta 9
THC-A and Delta 9 are both cannabinoids found in cannabis. However, they differ in their psychoactive properties. THC-A is the acidic precursor to THC and requires decarboxylation, usually through heat, to convert into THC. On the other hand, Delta 9, also known as Delta 9-THC, is the main psychoactive component in cannabis, responsible for the 'high' feeling.
What Is THC-A?
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A (THCA-A) is the acidic precursor of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound found in Cannabis sativa. It is biosynthesized and accumulated in glandular trichomes present on flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant. There it aids in protective functions and can represent up to 90% of the total THC contained in the plant [1].
During the storage and fermentation of THCA-A, it decarboxylates to form THC. It can further degrade to cannabinol. This decarboxylation also happens rapidly during “baking” of edibles, smoking or vaporizing. These are also the most common ways in which the general population consumes Cannabis [1].
Contrary to THC, THCA-A does not elicit psychoactive effects in humans. However, in vitro studies (in laboratory cells) indicate that THCA-A interacts with several molecular targets and shows a robust pharmacological profile which potentially may include antiinflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective and antineoplastic properties [1].
What Is Delta 9?
Delta-9 is a chemical found in cannabis and hemp plants. It's one of the many cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are chemicals that affect the body in different ways and are present in these plants [2].
Delta-9 is the most abundant form of THC, which is the compound responsible for the intoxicating effects associated with the consumption of cannabis [2]. Oftentimes when people refer to the effects of THC, they are usually talking about delta-9 [2]. However, the chemical formula of Delta-9 is C₂₁H₃₀O₂. This is similar to other forms of THC like delta-8, except for the position of one of the carbon-carbon double bonds [2].
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On the other hand, Delta-9 THC has also been associated with potential medical benefits. It has been used to help with conditions like anxiety, glaucoma, insomnia, low appetite, muscle spasticity, obstructive sleep apnea, nausea and pain.
In fact, a synthetic form of Delta-9 THC is used in the drug dronabinol (Marinol). This drug is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and it helps to stimulate appetite in people undergoing chemotherapy, people with HIV or AIDS and those with anorexia [3]
What Is The Difference Between THC-A And Delta 9?
Both Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A are compounds found in the cannabis plant. However, they have different properties and effects on the human body.
THC-A is the acidic precursor of Delta-9.
THC-A is non-psychoactive, which means that alone it does not produce the feeling of “high” associated with cannabis consumption [1]. THC-A can slowly decarboxylate to form Delta 9 [1]. Unlike THC-A, Delta 9 is psychoactive and is known for making people feel intoxicated/ high [3].
Delta-9 is very well studied and is also known for its potential to help with anxiety, glaucoma, insomnia, low appetite, muscle spasticity, obstructive sleep apnea, nausea and pain [3]. Therefore the main difference between THC-A and Delta 9 is in their psychoactive properties.