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Wondering about the benefits of THC vs THCA?
Cannabis legalization is rapidly increasing and more people are becomoing aware of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is only one of several cannabinoids present in marijuana.
While many people are familiar with the most popular cannabinoids, THC and CBD, only a few are aware of the benefits of THCA and it’s effects.
In this post, we’ll discuss the benfits of THC vs THCA and what you can expect when trying THCA for the first time!
Table of Contents
What Is THC?
The cannabis plant has many different cannabinoids, each different in chemical structure and with different effects.
THC is the most popular cannabinoid because of its ability to induce a potent high.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is the most well-known form of THC and can be found in leaves, flowers as well as the stem of the cannabis plant.
What Is THCA?
THCA stands for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, which is just the acidic form of THC.
There are hundreds of cannabinoids in marijuana, but THCa is particularly significant since THC can’t exist without it.
THCA and THC have a similar chemical composition, with the only difference being the presence of an additional carboxyl group in THCA.
This small structural difference gives THCA different properties compared to THC.
THCa is an inactive compound and is present in raw, unprocessed, and freshly-picked parts of the plant.
Meaning that on its own, it doesn’t produce a “high” like regular THC.
Therefore, when marijuana is exposed to heat or burned, a chemical reaction takes place that converts THCA into THC.
Simply put, without THCA there can be no THC.
Is THCA Legal?
The law surrounding THCA isn’t that clear.
When looking at the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived products that contain no more than 0.3% THC are legal.
Thus, THCA products are indeed technically legal since they follow the guidelines.
However, when heated, THCA quickly transforms into THC producing a high, meaning that there is not much difference between smoking “regular weed” and THCA.
Nonetheless, the legality of this product depends on the regulations of the state you are located in.
In some states like Arkansas, Minnesota, and Hawaii, THCA products are illegal.
Whatever the case, make sure to check your local laws before purchasing cannabis products.
THC Vs THCA
When talking about the difference between THC and THCA there are quite a few things to consider.
Psychoactivity
THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, which produces the euphoric “high” associated with marijuana use. In contrast, THCA lacks psychoactivity and does not cause any significant mind-altering effects.
Chemical Structure
THCA is an acidic form of THC, meaning that it contains a carboxyl group attached to the molecule. Upon decarboxylation, which can occur through heating or light exposure, THCA converts to THC.
Medical Benefits
While both THC and THCA have demonstrated medicinal benefits supported by cannabis research, each compound’s specific effects can vary. THCA has anti-inflammatory properties, whereas THC is more renowned for its pain-relieving and anxiety-reducing effects.
Availability
Although THC is readily available in many forms, such as edibles, tinctures, and concentrates, pure THCA can be more challenging to find.
How Does THCA Convert To THC?
THCA can be transformed into THC with a process called decarboxylation, which involves eliminating carboxylic acid from the compound.
Heat exposure, usually at temperatures above 230 degrees Fahrenheit, starts this conversion.
For many users, the most prevalent way of decarboxylating THC is by smoking it.
However, some individuals prefer to decarboxylate their cannabis before they ingest it.
Disposable THC-A Vape
from: D8 Super Store
This process is used to create THC edibles.
Spread your THCA flower evenly on a baking sheet and heat it in a 230-degree oven, stirring occasionally for about 40 minutes until the material turns a medium brown color.
Lastly, THCA may get converted to THC if left in the sun, or a hot place for too long.
If you are looking to get all the benefits of consuming cannabis without getting high, THCa can be a good way to go.
However, stay cautious because it can easily convert into regular THC.
If you’re planning on trying THCA, consult with a medical professional.