It’s likely that by now you are familiar with the effects of THC, CBD, terpenes and the entourage. What is the endocannabinoid? Problem solved. Then we will throw a wrench to that equation with THCa – helpful resources!
Cannabis plants contain over 100 distinct cannabinoids. Each one affects the experience of smoking, vaping edibles, and topical applications. THCA can be found in cannabis plants, but you might not know it.
What Is THCA?
THCA is the acidic form of THC, full name: tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. As the cannabis plant grows and matures, terpenes begin to appear. CBGA (also known as ” mom of all cannabinoids”) is the very first cannabinoid a plant will produce.
THCA will not make you intoxicated if taken orally. Chemically, the molecule has a carboxyl molecular ring which stops it from binding receptors within the brain that are responsible for feeling high.
If you’re not a smoker, then what’s the use? Without THCA THC would never exist, nor would the health benefits linked to it.
When THCA comes into contact with heat (such as from smoking, vaping or dabbing), it transforms into THC.
THC vs. THCA
The major difference between THCA versus THC lies in the fact that THCA is not as potent. THCA has to be heated up in order for it to become THC. You can do this by smoking, vaping or dabbing. This alters the molecular structures of THCA, by removing a ring carboxyl. THC can then be binded to CB1 receptors.
THCA has similar effects to THC. THCA’s potential for treating inflammation is far greater than THC’s. THCA doesn’t cause intoxication, so some users may find that it has less of an effect on sleep compared to activated THC. THCA, however, may be able to help with seizure disorder.
Which is more effective, THCA- or THC-levels?
For all the states who have medical or recreational marijuana programs, operators and cannabis brands must test their product at a lab of a third-party to make sure it is safe and compliant before selling to the public. You can determine the potency of a cannabis product and how it will affect you by checking its THCA and/or THC content.
You may want to have a large THC content, but if you heat the THC directly you may lose some of its cannabinoid contents and end up wanting more.