THCV vs. Delta-8 THC: What’s the Difference?

THCV and delta-8 THC may sound similar in terms of terminology, but these two compounds are incredibly unique across the board.

In case you’re not familiar with THCV or delta-8 THC — or both — we’re here to make their unique properties clear. From composition to results, and even potency, we’re covering the strict differences between THCV and delta-8 THC.

Let’s get started. 

Table of contents:

• What is THCV?
• Is THCV a Natural Cannabinoid? 
• Is THCV Safe?
• Various Types of THCV Products 
• What is Delta-8 THC?
• Is Delta-8 THC a Natural Cannabinoid?
• Is Delta-8 THC Safe?
• The Differences Between THCV and Delta-8 THC
• Is THCV Stronger Than Delta-8? 
• Various Types of Delta-8 Products 
• Where to Buy Delta-8 THC and THCV Online

What is THCV?

THCV is short for tetrahydrocannabivarin, and it’s a cannabinoid found within the cannabis plant family. This compound is considered a “minor” cannabinoid because it’s not present in very high amounts within the plant. However, there are some strains that naturally produce much higher levels of THCV than others if that’s something you’re seeking.

As you can tell by the name, THCV is a relative of THC. These compounds both have similar molecular structures and they both produce psychoactive results; but, they vary significantly in terms of potency and benefits.

While THCV is technically psychoactive, it’s not going to get you high unless you consume a significant amount. In low to moderate doses, THCV doesn’t produce any psychoactivity. Instead, it emits purely therapeutic results, instead. Theoretically, if you consume a large enough dose of THCV, you may become slightly high. Despite this, this isn’t recommended and will probably leave you more uncomfortable than anything else.

Even though THCV is considered a minor and rare cannabinoid, you can find THCV products on the market today. 

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We’ll talk more about these products in detail later, but you can purchase anything from THCV gummies to THCV distillate and everything in between. 

Is THCV a Natural Cannabinoid? 

There may be a handful of synthetic cannabinoids on the market today, but THCV is not one of them. THCV is an organic, naturally occurring cannabinoid within the cannabis plant. This compound is produced without lab interference, and cultivators can even breed high THCV strains without relying on man-made processes or chemicals.

THCV is not a cannabinoid you have to worry about being synthetic. Companies don’t have to resort to crafting this cannabinoid; instead, it’s present in enough strains to easily work with. 

Is THCV Safe?

Because of its general lack of psychoactive activity and strong supportive results, many people consider the cannabinoid to be worry-free when consumed.

Of course, no matter what type of cannabinoid product you’re buying, it’s always smart to look into the product’s quality and safety before buying — and the same goes for THCV. Before making a purchase, you should always check the results of third-party lab tests. These COAs will demonstrate whether or not the company has taken the time to have the products tested by third parties for purity and potency.

Testing for purity and potency is key to producing the best possible products, and you don’t want to buy from any brands that don’t have this information readily available for potential customers. But, if a company has updated, comprehensive COAs, that’s a wonderful way to tell that they place safety and quality at the forefront of their brand — and that’s something you should look for in any cannabinoid company.

Along with looking for detailed test results, another great way to stay safe while consuming THCV is to consume responsibly.

As we’ve mentioned, in regular doses THCV isn’t going to be psychoactive. But, if you’re not careful about your dosing and consume too much THCV at once, you may find yourself slightly intoxicated and slightly uncomfortable. Thus, it’s always best to start with a very low dose and then slowly make your way up to the amount that works best for you. 

Various Types of THCV Products 

Just because THCV is a rare cannabinoid doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of THCV products for you to choose from.

In fact, here at ALTRx, we sell a large selection of some of the tastiest THCV gummies around. THCV gummies are a great option for consumers who want a consistent dose of THCV but maybe don’t want to taste the extract. These products will remind you of your favorite candy, coming in all sorts of flavors.

Keep in mind that with THCV gummies, you’ll have to be a bit patient when waiting for the results to kick in. Edibles of any kind have to first be digested in the stomach, so they take longer to kick in. THCV gummies may take 45 minutes to two hours to show results.

Along with THCV gummies, you can also purchase products like THCV distillate or other concentrates. THCV distillate is great for cooking with, filling your vape, or placing it onto some flower. THCV isolate is a great option, too, if you’re interested in pure THCV and no other compounds, terpenes, or flavonoids.

Of course, you can also get your hands on THCV flower or THCV pre-rolls if you’d like to puff on some THCV-rich strains. Strains like Durban Poison, Doug’s Varin, and Tangie all have high levels of THCV if you’re wanting to check them out. 

What is Delta-8 THC?

Now that we know what THCV is, let’s talk about delta-8 THC. Specifically, what is this cannabinoid and what’s it like?

The delta-8 THC in cannabis is another cannabinoid. As a minor cannabinoid, THCV is also present in cannabis. However, delta-8 THC is present in even smaller amounts than THCV, making it nearly impossible for extractors to work with naturally.

This cannabinoid is related to delta 9 THC, both being psychoactive and a THC variant. In terms of potency, delta-8 THC is about half as potent as delta-9 THC, making it a good option for those who want to experience a subtle high without being overwhelmed. The cannabinoid is also known for producing clear supportive results that are great for making you more balanced and comfortable.

It’s important to note that delta-8 THC is technically legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, as long as the cannabinoid is produced from hemp and doesn’t contain more than 0.3% THC. However, many states have imposed laws regulating or outright banning delta-8 THC, so the cannabinoid may not be legal in your area. Make sure to check the state laws regarding the cannabinoid before making a purchase to ensure that your product will actually show up at your doorstep as you deserve. 

Related Article: What is Delta-8 THC?

Is Delta-8 THC a Natural Cannabinoid?

Cannabis plants naturally contain delta-8 THC. But, as we mentioned, it’s only present in trace amounts; this amount is large enough for extractors to easily work with. Thus, the delta-8 THC that you come across when buying is, unfortunately, partially synthetic.

Delta-8 THC is made through isomerization, a process that rearranges the chemical structure of CBD to create a new cannabinoid – delta-8.

Thankfully, this process doesn’t require any chemical additives or anything of such to create. Because of this, many people consider delta-8 to be “semi-synthetic,” and not fully synthetic, because isomerization is pretty non-invasive. However, the fact is that delta-8 THC has to be made in a lab in order to make the products that you find on the market.

Delta 8 flower, for example, is not flower that’s been grown with high levels of delta-8. Instead, it is hemp flower that’s been coated in delta 8 THC distillate. This is because cultivators simply cannot breed strains with high levels of delta-8 the way they can with THCV, for example.  

Is Delta-8 THC Safe?

The simple fact is that delta-8 THC is unregulated in the US. It’s also made in a lab. These factors create a level of risk that’s important to be aware of. However, if you purchase delta-8 THC from reputable manufacturers who take the time to prove the quality and purity of their products, you can reduce these risk factors a bit.

To ensure you’re being as safe as possible when consuming delta-8 THC, make sure to only buy from trustworthy retailers that have been working with cannabinoids for a reasonable amount of time. These brands should have high ratings and customer reviews that reflect satisfaction. But, more important than anything, you should only buy from brands that test their products for purity and potency.

Like THCV products, always check for an updated COA for the D8 product you’re interested in. These COAs should demonstrate the exact cannabinoid levels in your product, as well as if it has been tested for impurities like heavy metals, pesticides, microbials, and more. This is crucial in knowing just how safe your product is.

If you can’t find COAs for your delta-8 THC product, or the COAs are outdated or not detailed, it’s best to turn to a better, more reputable cannabinoid brand — just like ATLRx.  

Related Article: Is Delta-8 THC Safe?

The Differences Between THCV and Delta-8 THC

Now that you understand what both THCV and delta-8 THC are, let’s talk about how these cannabinoids differ — starting with potency.

Technically, both THCV and delta-8 THC have psychoactive properties. However, delta-8 THC is much more likely to get you high. A small dose of delta-8 THC is going to have much more prominent psychoactive properties than THCV; in fact, a small dose of THCV isn’t going to get you high at all.

Because of this, THCV is a better cannabinoid for those seeking purely therapeutic results, while delta-8 is good for those who don’t mind experiencing a gentle high alongside their support.

Another huge difference between THCV and delta-8 is their composition. Again, both are minor cannabinoids; however, THCV is not synthetic in any way. Cultivators can grow THCV-rich strains, while this is not yet possible for delta-8 THC. Instead, delta-8 relies on man and lab procedures to become the product that it is today. So, if you’re someone concerned about natural properties and organic nature, stick to THCV. 

Is THCV Stronger Than Delta-8? 

It is difficult to compare the potency of delta-8 THC to THCV, because these cannabinoids are just so different. When talking about psychoactivity specifically, delta-8 THC is going to have a stronger impact. It will get you high, unlike most THCV products.

However, the overall results and therapeutic nature of THCV appear to be a bit stronger than delta-8 THC. People may find that THCV’s properties are more pronounced than delta-8 THC.

In general, though, this is highly debated and typically depends on the consumer, the product they’re enjoying, and the strength. For some, delta-8 THC is going to produce better results than THCV; for others, it will be the other way around. The best way to see which cannabinoid works better for you is to try them both at the same milligram level and go from there. 

Various Types of Delta-8 Products 

There are so many different types of delta-8 products you can buy in-person or online (if you’re in a legal state, that is). From delta-8 gummies to delta 8 concentrates and even delta 8 moon rocks or delta 8 distillate, there’s something for everyone.

The most popular D8 products are Delta 8 gummies, which are easy to consume and provide enjoyable results. The high may take a little while to kick in, but consumers love how tasty these products are and how long the results linger. With a delta-8 gummy, you may find yourself energetic and giggly for anywhere from 4-8 hours.

If you’re a more experienced consumer, delta-8 concentrates make a great option. These products can be dabbed, placed in a refillable vape pen, or even just placed on top of some flower. Delta-8 concentrates are highly concentrated (as the name suggests) and produce stronger results than most product types, so make sure to only try these products if you’re comfortable with a more powerful high.

A delta-8 tincture is a great option if you’re new to delta-8 THC and want to see how it affects you in gentle doses. Hold the dosage under your tongue for 20-30 seconds before swallowing. Then, the results will kick in just a few minutes later. How easy is that?

Finally, you can also buy delta-8 flower, delta 8 pre rolls, or even delta-8 moon rocks if you enjoy smoking. These products are all hemp flower that’s been coated in delta-8 distillate for ideal results, and they smoke just like your favorite cannabis strain. 

Where to Buy Delta-8 THC and THCV Online

Interested in buying THCV or delta-8 online? We don’t blame you. But, with so many places to choose from, it can be tough to figure out which retailer is right for you. That’s why turning to ATLRx is always the best choice.

ATLRx offers a huge selection of THCV and delta 8 products online, ensuring you find the ideal product for your mind and body. Whether you’re interested in THCV gummies or delta-8 moon rocks, we’ve got the high-quality THCV or D8 products for you. Getting started is as simple as starting to shop and ATLRx will take care of the rest.