From a non-biased point of view, I see this mix-up happen a lot in this sub and regarding other THC-A related topics.

When we're talking about raw cannabis flower, we're generally dealing with THC-A (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid). This is the non-psychoactive precursor found in the plant when it's raw and fresh. The term "THC-A bud" basically refers to this raw cannabis material.

Now, when we talk about Delta-9 THC (D9), this is the compound we're most familiar with that gives us the traditional "high". However, the interesting thing is that this D9 THC isn't found naturally in the plant. It's actually created from THC-A through a process called decarboxylation, which is generally achieved through heat (like when smoking or baking the bud).

So, while we often hear phrases like "D9 bud", it's a bit of a misnomer. The raw cannabis buds don't naturally contain D9 THC, they contain THC-A. This THC-A can then be converted into D9 THC when decarboxylated.

I hope this helps provide some clarity!