If you’ve ever enjoyed marijuana, you’re likely aware that it’s packed with various cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. So far, researchers have discovered more than 100 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Of the many cannabinoids discovered, tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCa) has gained the spotlight for having therapeutic properties similar to cannabidiol (CBD).
Now, most of us are familiar with THC, the star player in the cannabis world. But have you heard about THCa? It’s kind of like THC’s lesser-known cousin and is usually found in very minor or small quantities. Despite its relative rarity, THCA can have a noteworthy therapeutic impact you may find surprising.
If you haven’t yet tried THCa products, maybe you should give it a try. You might just find yourself loving THCa products, perhaps even mastering the art of using THCa carts. But remember, THCa and THC are not the same. They are two different cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. So, what exactly is THCa? Let’s dive in and discover!
What is THCa?
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, commonly known as THCa, stands as one of over a hundred cannabinoids that naturally occur in the cannabis plant. In its raw, unprocessed form, THCa is non-intoxicating, meaning it doesn’t induce a high. However, the story changes when heat is applied, as through smoking or vaping. In these instances, THCa undergoes a transformation into THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) – the renowned cannabinoid that’s synonymous with the psychoactive effects commonly associated with cannabis.
One of the major reasons why you should try THCa is that even when you’re using fresh and unheated THCa, you will not feel the effect of its high. Therefore, unlike most of the cannabinoid usage, THCa will not produce the ‘high’ effect.
THCa differs from THC on a wide scale, especially in terms of chemical structure. While THCa features a carboxylic acid group, THC does not. It’s the carboxylic acid group that impacts how the different receptors of the body bind with the molecules.
A lot of people have often called THCa, the precursor to THC, mostly because the decarboxylation of THCa leads to the formation of THC. During the decarboxylation process, the cannabis buds need to be heated so that the chemical reaction can work and break the acid group thereby leading to formation of THC.
How is THCa converted into THC?
THCa undergoes decarboxylation to produce THC. The process either requires to heat the THCa compound or age the cannabis plant. During the harvest time, the cannabis plant contains THCa in high amounts, but THC is present either in traces or not at all.
Thus, when the cannabis plant is exposed to heat via smoking, baking or vaping, the THCa molecules experience a loss of the carboxylic group which indeed results in the conversion to THC. The heating process further activates the psychoactive elements of the compound, thereby increasing its bioavailability and potency.
If decarboxylation is not done artificially, there are also chances of it to occur naturally when the cannabis plant begins to age without exposure to sunlight. This is one of the major reasons why some of the cannabis products tend to have higher THC levels than the plants that are freshly harvested.
However, it is extremely important to balance the amount of heating the cannabis plants. If it is not done appropriately, then an increase in heat would lead to additional breakdown of THC to less desirable products. Similarly, if it is under heated, it will produce lower levels of THC, thereby resulting in some ineffective products.
THCa vs THC: Differences
Some of the major differences between THCa and THC are as follows:
1. Chemical Structure and Properties
THC and THCa exhibit slight disparities in their chemical compositions.
THCa, the precursor to THC, possesses an additional carboxylic acid group that disintegrates upon exposure to heat, transforming into THC. A comparison of their structures highlights the influence of the carboxylic group on the psychoactive attributes of these molecules.
2. Psychoactive Effects
THC is renowned for inducing psychoactive effects like mood alteration, increased appetite, and diminished perception of pain. These effects contribute to THC’s popularity in recreational usage.
Conversely, THCa molecules do not instigate the psychoactive impacts characteristic of THC. However, THCa holds promise for potential medicinal advantages, such as anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
3. Legal Status
The legal standing of THC and THCa can fluctuate depending on geographical location. THC is classified as a controlled substance in numerous countries, legal solely for specific medical or recreational purposes in certain states or nations.
In contrast, THCa is typically unregulated or not subject to control measures due to its lack of psychoactive effects similar to THC. In several regions, products derived from THCa sourced from hemp represent a legal pathway to access cannabis’s psychoactive properties, residing within a legal gray area. Typically available as a lawful purchase in the form of raw cannabis extracts or hemp flowers, THCa can be converted into THC simply by applying heat, like using a lighter.
How to Consume THC and THCa?
Considering the similarities and differences that THCa and THC share, here’s how you can easily exhale THCa carts or even consume it as per your preferences:
1. Inhalation
The most prevalent approach for consuming THC and THCa involves smoking or vaporizing. This method offers rapid onset of effects, but smoking may be harsh on the lungs, especially for individuals with respiratory issues.
2. Edibles
THC and THCa are commonly ingested in various foods or beverages, such as baked items, candies, and tinctures. Edibles take longer to take effect (usually 30 minutes to an hour), but the impact tends to last longer. It’s important to be cautious with edibles as dosing can be tricky, potentially leading to unexpected effects if consumed excessively. While THCa gummies and capsules exist in their non-psychoactive acidic form, exposure to heat will convert them into psychoactive THC. To retain THCa in its acidic form, consume the product raw.
3. Topicals
THCa and THC can be applied externally through creams, balms, and lotions. This method is favored for localized pain relief or skin conditions as it does not induce psychoactive effects.
4. Sublingual
THC Oil and THCa Oil can be taken sublingually, placed under the tongue and absorbed through the mucous membranes for swift onset and accurate dosing. THCa, when consumed this way, remains in its original form, eliminating the risk of unintentional conversion into THC.
5. Suppositories
THC and THCa can be administered rectally or vaginally in the form of suppositories. This method may be preferred by individuals who find oral consumption or inhalation challenging. It can offer quicker effects to specific areas and potentially lead to longer-lasting effects.
Final Thoughts
The diversity of cannabinoids, especially THCa and THC, underscores cannabis’s versatility. While THCa lacks psychoactive properties and boasts potential medicinal benefits, THC’s popularity in recreation is undeniable. Understanding their differences and consumption methods empowers users to explore cannabis’s diverse effects, balancing therapeutic and recreational preferences responsibly.