THCVA (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid) is an acidic cannabinoid that acts as the direct precursor to THCV. It is part of the “varin” (C3 side chain) cannabinoid family.

Is THCVA psychoactive?

In its acidic form, THCVA is not typically considered intoxicating. Intoxicating effects are associated with the neutral form after heat-driven decarboxylation converts THCVA into THCV.

What is the vaporizing temperature for THCVA?

THCVA does not have a meaningful standalone vaporizing temperature because cannabinoid acids can decarboxylate (convert) with heat before they would vaporize as intact acids. Practical vaporizer guidance focuses on controlled temperature strategy for conversion and extraction.

THCVA - Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid

THCVA (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid) | what it is, how it becomes THCV, and vaporizer temperature strategy

This is THCV’s “before” form. Acid on the molecule. Heat removes it. The result is THCV.

Compound: THCVA Category: cannabinoid acid Family: varin (C3) Converts to: THCV

THCVA (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid) molecule infographic showing conversion to THCV and vaporizer temperature strategy

What THCVA is

THCVA stands for Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid. It is the acidic precursor to THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin). The “varin” family is the C3 side chain lane of cannabinoids, built from divarinolic acid chemistry instead of the classic C5 path.

Quick facts

Full name: Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid
Short name: THCVA
CAS number: 39986-26-0
Molecular formula: C20H26O4
Formula weight: 330.42 g/mol
What it becomes with heat: THCV (decarboxylation)

THCVA vs THCV

The difference is the acid group. THCVA is the acid form with a carboxyl group (–COOH). THCV is the neutral form after decarboxylation removes that group as CO₂. In real vaporizer sessions, conversion and extraction happen together.

Simple rule: acid first, neutral after. Heat is the switch that changes the molecule and the experience.

Decarboxylation: why acids do not behave like “boiling point charts”

People love a single number. Cannabinoid acids do not cooperate. In the real world, acids can decarboxylate before they would vaporize as intact acids, especially in a moving-air environment like a dry herb vaporizer. So you do not chase a mythical THCVA “vape temp.” You run a controlled temperature strategy that supports conversion and extraction.

Vaporizing temperature for THCVA

Honest answer: THCVA does not have a meaningful standalone vaporizing temperature. It can decarboxylate into THCV with heat before it would vaporize as an intact acid. Use a stepped session instead of chasing one number.

Practical dry herb vaporizer temperature strategy

Warm-up / early conversion: 365–375°F
Main extraction: 385–400°F
Finish if needed: 405–410°F (avoid combustion territory)

If your goal is THCV-forward extraction, many guides cite THCV around 220°C / 428°F. Use that as a reference point, not a religion.

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Why THCVA matters

It explains “varin” chemistry: C3 cannabinoids follow a different biosynthetic lane than classic C5 THC.
It upgrades customer education: acids are precursors; heat changes the profile.
It makes temperature advice smarter: real devices need strategy, not one number.

FAQ

Is THCVA the same as THCA?

No. THCA is the classic THC acid in the C5 family. THCVA is the THCV acid in the C3 varin family. Similar concept, different lane.

Does THCVA show up on lab tests?

Some detailed COAs list THCVA separately, especially when testing is set up to resolve minor cannabinoids and acids. Many reports do not, because it is often present at low levels.

What temp should I vape THCVA at?

Use a controlled stepped session like 365–410°F. That supports conversion and extraction without chasing a fake “acid boiling point.”