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

Recently, a variety of alternatives to THC have become available online. Everyone’s aware of delta 8 at this point, but THCV is another impressive contender for the title of “best hemp THC.”

Even though many hemp users don’t know the differences between THCV and delta 8, these two forms of hemp-derived THC have distinct chemical structures and offer subtly different effects. Learn what to expect when vaping both THCV and delta 8 in this guide.

THCV vs. Delta 8: the basics

Let’s start with a basic rundown of the differences between THCV and delta 8 as cannabinoids:

• The THCV molecule has an additional structure at its end
• Delta 8, on the other hand, simply has a carbon bond in a different place
• Delta 8 and THCV are both psychoactive
• Both cannabinoids are commonly defined as hemp derivatives
• THCV and delta are both widely available online
• Users report that the effects of THCV and delta 8 are subtly different
• THCV and delta 8 have been studied for different applications
• THCV has been the target of extensive appetite reduction research

What is THCV?

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is a variant of THC distinguished by its additional chain of carbon atoms. Most cannabinoids appear to have “varin” forms, and THCV is different enough from delta 9 THC to be considered a separate substance from a regulatory perspective. The effects of THCV are generally reported as being very similar to those of delta 9 THC, but scientific research and anecdotal testimony agree that THCV is the milder of the two cannabinoids.

Where does THCV come from?

THCV is not usually present in cannabis in sufficient concentrations for extraction. As a result, this cannabinoid is often converted from delta 9 THC, CBD, or another abundant cannabinoid. The THCV conversion process is simple and does not add any adulterants to the finished extract.

Is THCV a natural cannabinoid?

Yes, THCV is a natural cannabinoid, meaning it is naturally found in hemp. Some cannabinoids can only be made synthetically in a lab, but THCV is present in many strains of cannabis—albeit in very small quantities. The vast majority of THCV molecules consumed may be converted from another cannabinoid, but THCV is ultimately a product of nature, not science.

What is Delta 8?

Delta 8 THC is a very close analog of delta 9 THC. The only difference is the location of a single carbon double-bond, but from a regulatory perspective, this slight variation is enough to declare delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol to be a unique substance. Like THCV, delta 8 is commonly considered to be a hemp cannabinoid, and it’s also similar to THCV in that the effects of delta 8 are generally reported to be more mild than those offered by delta 9 THC.

Where does delta 8 come from?

Delta 8 is found naturally in hemp and cannabis in small concentrations. Some strains of hemp now contain more than 1% delta 8, but it will still be a while until this cannabinoid can be produced naturally in high concentrations. For the time being, most delta 8 is converted from another cannabinoid, usually CBD due to its wide availability.

Is Delta 8 a natural cannabinoid?

Yes, delta 8 is a natural cannabinoid since it is naturally found in Cannabis sativa. The majority of delta 8 present in extracts and finished products is, however, converted from another cannabinoid. This doesn’t make delta 8 any less natural since it still comes from hemp, but this conversion structure does “synthesize” or alter the structure of delta 8 at the molecular level.

THCV vs. Delta 8: effects & benefits

The effects of THCV and delta 8 may both be different than those of delta 9 THC, but these two hemp alternatives to THC are remarkably similar to each other in terms of experienced effects. Both cannabinoids have been described as “light” forms of THC with the effects of THCV usually described as being the milder of the two. Let’s take a look at the effects and benefits of THCV and delta 8 in more detail:

What are the effects of THCV?

Due both to research into its appetite-suppressing properties, THCV is often called “THC lite.” This alternative to THC is also light in terms of its buoyant, bubbly effects. Based on anecdotal testimony, THCV appears to have inherently uplifting attributes that make it excellent to pair with sativa terpenes. THCV is usually recommended for daytime use due to numerous reports supporting the energizing effects of this alternative form of THC.

What are the effects of Delta 8?

Like THCV, delta 8 is often described as offering less-intense effects that are notably devoid of the paranoia and anxiety that can sometimes occur when you use the delta 9 form of THC. Users don’t consider delta 8 to be particularly energizing—in fact, this cannabinoid is often described as being similar to CBD in its relaxing properties. Delta 8 THC pairs just as well with sativa terpenes and indica terpenes, though, and it would certainly be inaccurate to describe this THC alternative as soporific.

What are the benefits of THCV?

THCV has been researched for its potential to suppress appetite, and scientists have also looked into this THC analog’s benefits for diabetes and anxiety. Many people use THCV just as much for its medical potential as its enjoyable effects.

What are the benefits of Delta 8?

Compared to THCV, the effects of delta 8 don’t appear to differ as much from those of delta 9, THC’s conventional form. What researchers and users note with equal enthusiasm, however, is delta 8’s reduced psychoactive potential, which appears to coincide with a decreased potential to cause anxiety.

What are the best THCV vapes?

THCV is still a relatively new cannabinoid, and there aren’t a lot of options out there when it comes to THCV vapes. Many THCV vapes you can buy online consist merely of THCV isolate combined with artificial flavoring, but the best THCV vapes contain naturally converted cannabinoids combined with live resin cannabis terpenes.

You shouldn’t even consider buying a THCV vape product unelss it’s accompanied by a third-party lab report. Also, keep an eye out for verified customer reviews as you pick the right THCV vape.

THCV vape reviews

Even though it has hardly been in stock since its launch due to high demand, the Secret Nature THCV Vape Cartridge has already received dozens of positive reviews. Customers regularly praise the quality and flavor of all Secret Nature vapes, and they’re especially blown away by THCV’s unique effects. Let’s take a look at a couple of Secret Nature THCV certified customer reviews:

• Secret Nature THCV Hemp Vape Cartridge review - Francisco F. “Awesome Product” ★★★★★ “It tastes good, feels good, and looks good! Nothing better!”

• Secret Nature THCV Hemp Vape Cartridge review - Nathan W. “Pleasant Step Up from Traditional CBD” ★★★★★ “Quality is great! Taste like flower, yummy! The effects are great for non D8 users - stronger than CBD but not overwhelming like D8.”

What are the best delta 8 vapes?

Just as is the case with THCV vapes, delta 8 vape cartridges often consist of delta 8 isolate combined with low-quality filler ingredients. The best delta 8 vapes, however, consist of naturally converted delta 8 distillate combined with cannabis-derived, live resin terpenes.

Delta 8 vape reviews

The Secret Nature Super 8 Delta 8 THC Vape Cartridge is available in a variety of different flavors, and across all the terpene profiles offered, this live resin delta 8 vape has received more than 400 verified reviews. Customers describe this vape cartridge as a solid, reliable solution to their delta 8 needs, and they praise the relaxing yet uplifting effects of Secret Nature’s delta 8.

• Secret Nature Super 8 Delta 8 THC Vape review - Cody S. “Pure Delta 8. The real no need to worry product” ★★★★★ “As soon as you hit these carts you can tell it's quality. No harsh undertones. No frontal headaches like with others that use cutting agents. A real artisan product that I intend to make my go to d8 cart as long as supply can keep up.”

• Secret Nature Super 8 Delta 8 THC Vape review - Christian C. “Excellent and Clean Product” ★★★★★ “Very much enjoy the products from this company and appreciate not having extra impurities or ingredients added to the formulation.”

THCV vs Delta 8 vapes: the bottom line

At the end of the day, should you choose THCV or delta 8 for your vaping needs? Each form of hemp THC offers unique attributes, and with both THCV and delta 8 vapes widely available online, there’s nothing holding you back from exploring the benefits of inhaling either cannabinoid.

Vaping THCV might be the right choice if you’re exploring the usefulness of this cannabinoid for specific conditions. If you’re on the hunt for the most uplifting, energizing form of THC, you might also want to give THCV a shot first.

Delta 8, on the other hand, seems to offer many of the same benefits as THCV while offering effects that are more relaxing than energizing. There’s still a lot we don’t know about delta 8 and THCV from a chemical perspective, but based on anecdotal testimony, delta 8 might be the best form of THC to reach for when you’re in search of chill vibes free from paranoia and anxiety.

Since THCV and delta 8 will never be quite the same, it might make sense to keep both alternatives to delta 9 THC in your stash. Contribute to the conversation by trying both cannabinoids and reporting on your experience in the form of a product review.

THCV vapes vs. delta 8 vapes FAQ

Deepen your understanding of the differences between THCV and delta 8 vapes in the FAQ section below:

1. Is THCV stronger than delta 8?

Estimates regarding the comparative potency of these two cannabinoids vary and are ultimately subjective, but most users contend that THCV and delta 8 offer relatively similar potency. Some sources say that THCV is stronger than delta 8 while others are convinced it’s weaker — ultimately, it would be safe to peg both THCV and delta 8 as somewhat less potent than conventional delta 9 THC.

2. What is delta 8 plus THCV?

If you come across a product described as “delta 8 plus THCV,” that means it contains both cannabinoids. While delta 8 and THCV are chemically distinct, they might complement each other via the entourage effect, a theorized form of synergy designed to explain the potency boost observed in full-spectrum cannabis extracts. Products that combine delta 8 and THCV still offer the individual benefits of each cannabinoid but also blend them together into unique neurochemical harmony.

3. Is THCV more potent than delta 9?

No, almost all users and authoritative sources agree that THCV is considerably less potent than delta 9. The two cannabinoids are hard to directly compare, though — each Cannabis sativa compound is unique, leading THCV to offer unique effects that are simply different, not better or worse, than the effects of conventional THC. Nonetheless, one of the two cannabinoids is almost guaranteed to get you less high, and the cannabinoid in question is undoubtedly THCV.

4. Does THCV help with pain?

Yes, there is limited evidence that THCV might be helpful with pain. In a study entitled “The plant cannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin can decrease signs of inflammation and inflammatory pain in mice” published in the British Journal of Pharmacology in June 2010, researchers found that THCV reduces inflammation and increased attenuation of pain-related neuroreceptors in murine models. To our knowledge, though, the results of this study have not been replicated, and no clinical research has been conducted into any potential relationship between THCV and pain reduction.

5. Does THCV help with sleep?

Since no studies have been conducted into the subject, there’s no concrete evidence that THCV is useful for sleep. Many people who have tried this cannabinoid, however, are convinced that it helps them get to sleep at night.

6. How long does the high from vaping delta 8 last?

When inhaled, the high provided by delta 8 or any other cannabinoid will last approximately 1-2 hours. Inhaled cannabinoids process through your system faster than orally ingested cannabinoids, which usually provide effects of reduced intensity for 3-4 hours.