Are you someone who has an interest in the hemp plant? If so, you’ve likely noticed that the hemp market has expanded like never before in the last year or so. Seemingly out of nowhere, a large variety of new, individual hemp-based cannabinoids has been popping up in the forms of vapes, THC gummies, and other popular products, promising to offer distinctive effects to the body and mind.
Two particularly popular cannabinoids at the moment are delta 8 THC and THCV, which, having come from the same plant, do share many things in common. But, each of these cannabinoids can produce different effects and can serve different purposes, thus suiting different individual needs.
It’s important to know the key differences between delta 8 and THCV, as one may be far more suitable for you than the other. Many of us have a specific purpose for taking a hemp product, and one of these two cannabinoids may be a lot more capable of helping you reach your goals.
Where do Delta 8 and THCV Come From?
Delta 8 THC (Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol) is a minor cannabinoid found in the hemp plant, making up about 0.1% of the plant’s chemical structure. THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) is also a minor cannabinoid, making up somewhere around the same amount of the plant’s chemical composition. In other words, both of these compounds are naturally occurring rather than synthesized in any way.
THCV is a homolog of delta 9 THC, meaning that it maintains a lot of structural similarities despite having ultimately different effects. It was only discovered in 1973, while delta 8 was discovered in 1965. Delta 8 is also structurally similar to delta 9, but for a different reason. Delta 8 is the result of delta 9 which has naturally oxidized while aging within the plant’s chemical structure, thus partially converting into delta 8.
Psychoactive Properties
Delta 8 THC and THCV are two psychoactive cannabinoids, meaning that they can get you high when consumed internally. But, the nature of their highs is quite different from one another, so you shouldn’t assume that one will feel just like the other, as this is completely not the case.
Delta 8 THC is about 70% as intoxicating as delta 9, and therefore the high is milder. This has to do with the cannabinoid losing some of its psychoactive properties as it is converted from delta 9 THC. Many find the high to be quite mellowing, in both the body and the mind, with fewer instances of paranoia or brain fog than the high associated with delta 9 THC.
Then, there’s THCV, which has a much more complicated psychoactive profile. THCV is an antagonist to CB1 receptors at low dosage levels. This means that it won’t get you high, and it may be capable of blocking the full psychoactive effects of other cannabinoids when taken alongside them. However, when THCV is taken in higher doses, it switches over to being an agonist to CB1 receptors, meaning that it does produce an intoxicating effect, which is milder than delta 9 THC. The exact amount required to experience the psychoactive properties of THCV is not yet known and likely varies from one individual to the next. Also, THCV’s high lasts about half as long as THC and requires a higher boiling point – 428 degrees rather than 315.
No matter which cannabinoid you take, other factors like strain, dosage; and delivery method can all influence the high that you experience.
Non-Psychoactive Properties
Both delta 8 THC and THCV offer properties that go beyond their ability to get a user high as they are cannabinoids that work with the endocannabinoid system to regulate processes throughout the body. Delta 8 has been studied here and there over the last few decades, along with THCV, and there hasn’t been as much interest in either until recently. This is why we expect more studies to come out in the near future.
The purpose of taking Delta 8 and THCV
Many people take delta 8 THC because it’s a federally legal cannabinoid that can deliver psychoactive properties; making it an easy-to-access alternative to delta 9 THC which remains federally legal. Being able to enjoy a high without breaking the law is obviously appealing; many actually enjoy the fact that the high is mellower and therefore easier to manage. Beyond that, delta 8 offers a lot of desirable properties that aren’t psychoactive; as shown earlier, which can be extremely useful to those with certain personal needs.
THCV, meanwhile, is psychoactive, but getting high off of it is more complicated for reasons stated earlier. While people may buy it to see what its psychoactive properties are like; as you can see, it offers a lot of value beyond this one effect which can appeal to many people.
THCV vs. Delta-8 THC: Are They Legal?
Both delta 8 and THCV are federally legal as a result of the passing of the Farm Bill in 2018. However, 12 states have criminalized delta 8 THC and due to the wording in the legislation, it’s likely that THCV is illegal in these states as well:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Delaware
- Texas
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Utah
Be aware that both delta 8 and THCV can result in a failed drug test because both use THC-COOH to metabolize. THC-COOH is an enzyme that is released to metabolize THC compounds, including delta 9 THC; and standard drug tests are looking for this enzyme in the urine rather than delta 9 THC itself. Also, note that both cannabinoids can impair driving due to their intoxicating nature so never drive while under the influence of either.
Products That They Come in
Delta 8 THC and THCV both exist in various product forms since they’re both converted into extracts that can easily be blended into just about any type of formula.
- Delta 8 Vape Carts: Vape carts are 510-threaded cartridges that come in many strains, and attach to standard low-wattage vape pen devices.
- Disposable Vapes: Disposable vapes are vaping systems that come fully assembled, never needing to be changed or refilled with vape oil.
- Tinctures: Tinctures are sublingual oils that come in various strengths, and are easy to administer below the tongue.
- Edibles: Edibles are ingested to produce long-lasting effects, and are known for producing a unique body high.
- Flower: Flower refers to raw hemp flower infused with a pure cannabinoid extract. You can find lots of great strains to choose from.
- Dabs: Dabs are extremely potent concentrates used for dabbing, and are best for advanced users.
- Capsules: Capsules introduce the effects of a cannabinoid in encapsulated form.
Delta 8 and THCV: Which One is Right for You?
Delta 8 THC and THCV each offer a wide array of useful properties to the body and mind; each one is worth exploring since the effects are so different while being equally valuable. Also, each one has a unique psychoactive effect that can be enjoyable in its own way. Check out all the goodies available here at CBDDY!
