THCA or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is a chemical compound found in a cannabis plant and is often mixed up with THC – another compound in hemp plants which produces psychoactive effects. Despite the similar names, they have different characteristics and have different effects on the mind and body. In this article, we will explore what is THCA, its potential benefits and the differences between THC and THCA.
What is THCA?
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in raw cannabis plants. THCA has a range of potential health benefits when used in its raw form. It is the precursor to THC, which is well known for its psychoactive effects in marijuana products. THCA is primarily found in the flowers of the cannabis plant, with significantly higher levels in fresh cannabis, particularly in raw cannabis buds, compared to dried plants
What’s the difference between THC and THCA?
THC and THCA are two different chemical compounds that are found in the cannabis. As mentioned above, THCA is the precursor of THC and has very different effects from THC. THC is the main psychoactive compound in the cannabis that produces psychoactive effects when consumed. Unlike THC, the acidic form of THCA will not provide that euphoric ‘high’ feeling. This is because the THCA molecule is bigger than the THC molecule and does not fit into certain cannabinoid receptors therefore does not produce psychoactive effects that lead to the ‘high’ feeling.
How is THCA converted to THC?
THCA becomes THC during the process of decarboxylation (the process of heating THCA) when the carboxylic acid is removed from the molecule. This happens when THCA is heated. Decarboxylation is important because it activates the psychoactive effects of cannabis; without it, raw cannabis won’t make you feel ‘high’.
What are the potential health benefits of using THCA?
The research is still in its early stages as THCA only recently started getting popular. However, preliminary research shows that even though the are no psychoactive properties, THCA can offer a range of therapeutic properties.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Some studies suggest that THCA has anti-inflammatory properties which is a common effects in most cannabinoids, making it potentially useful for conditions like arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other inflammatory disorders. It may help reduce inflammation and alleviate related pain and discomfort.
Neuroprotective Effects
It also showed potential in neuroprotective effects and supporting the central nervous system, however, more research need to be done to confirm these benefits.One study explored the effects of THCA’s potential to treat diseases like Alzheimer’s. The findings were promising as THCA demonstrated neuroprotective effects. The research indicated that THCA, along with CBDA can directly affect the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Early studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that THCA may become significant in medicinal cannabis research.
Anti-Emetic Properties
Some people report that THCA stimulates appetite and reduces nausea. This potential benefit could be useful for patients undergoing chemotherapy or those suffering from severe nausea.
Side effects of THCA
THCA in its raw form is generally safe and some people even add raw cannabis extracts to morning smoothies for its potential benefits. However, as mentioned above, more research is needed as side effects are not well-researched yet. Some people report that they may feel drowsy and tired after consuming it, but more side effects arise when THCA is heated up and converted into THC. That can happen if cannabis consumers smoke raw cannabis flowers. The side effects may include dizziness, fatigue and red eyes.
How to take THC-A?
Raw Cannabis Flowers
Consuming raw cannabis is one of the easiest ways to ingest THCA. Fresh cannabis leaves and buds can be juiced to create a nutrient-rich beverage. This way of consuming cannabis preserves the THCA content and provides other beneficial compounds found in raw cannabis. You can also add leaves and buds to smoothies to mask the taste.
THCA oils
THCA oils and tinctures are made by soaking raw cannabis in alcohol or another solvent, which extracts the THCA without converting it to THC. These THCA oils are taken sublingually (under the tongue) for fast absorption or it can be added to beverages.
Topical creams
THCA-infused creams, balms, and lotions can be applied directly to the skin. These products can help with localized pain and inflammation without any psychoactive effects.
Is THCA legal?
Since THCA does not have psychoactive properties, it is not illegal. The United States Federal Bill in 2018 legalised cannabis and their derivatives like the use of cannabis flower or acidic form cannabinoid THCA if they do not have more than 0.3% THC. However, individual states might ban the use of THCA, so check your local laws before purchasing any THCA products.
The United States Farm Bill in 2018 legalised cultivating cannabis plants and its derivatives like hemp-derived CBD, as long as the hemp products have > 0.3% THC. HHC products like gummies or vapes meet this requirement, however, individual states might ban the use of HHC, so check your local laws before purchasing any THC or HHC products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does THCA produce a high?
THCA is found in raw cannabis and is not psychoactive and will not produce a ‘high’ feeling, because it doesn’t bind to cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system. However, if THCA is heated, for example if raw cannabis is smoked, vaped or cooked, it will convert to THC, which is a psychoactive compound. Consuming raw cannabis delivers THCA, which offers potential therapeutic benefits like anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects without the high associated with THC.
Is THCA considered CBD?
No, THCA is not considered CBD (cannabidiol). CBD and THCA are two different cannabinoids found in a cannabis plant and they have different chemical structures. THCA is the non-psychoactive, but converts to THC when heated, and CBD remains non-psychoactive and does not convert to THC. While both cannabinoids offer therapeutic benefits they are distinct compounds with different effects and roles in the cannabis plant.
What’s the difference between THC-V and THC-A?
THCV and THCA are distinct cannabinoids with different structures and effects. THCV can be psychoactive and is known for its appetite-suppressing and potential weight management benefits, while THCA is non-psychoactive and known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Understanding these differences can help users choose the right cannabinoid for their needs.
References
- Baron, E.P., 2018. Medicinal properties of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in cannabis, and benefits in migraine, headache, and pain: an update on current evidence and cannabis science. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 58(7), pp.1139-1186.
- Maroon, J., & Bost, J. (2018). Review of the neurological benefits of phytocannabinoids. Surgical neurology international, 9
- Swan, D., Featured Cannabinoid: Tetrahydrocannabinol Acid (THCA).
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