What makes THC and THCA different from one another? Which is more powerful?
What is THCa?
THCa can be converted into delta-9 THC (THC), which is among the many cannabinoids present in cannabis/hemp. Unlike its isomers, THCa does not induce a head high, instead providing a mild cognitive impact.
What is THC?
THC is one of the 100+ cannabinoids present in both cannabis and hemp plants. Its main effect is producing a psychoactive "high", and it can be found in both recreational and legal forms of cannabis. While commonly used for recreational purposes, THC has also been extensively studied for its potential medical benefits, making it a crucial component in medical cannabis research.
THCa and THC: Key Differences
THCa and THC differ in three major ways: its origin, strength/effects, and side effects.
Hemp's original source
The primary distinction between THCa and THC is where they come from.
THCa is present in living hemp plants, whereas THC is not. The decarboxylation process, which involves heating, is necessary for THCa to lose its acidic structure and convert into THC.
To understand this, you should be familiar with another cannabinoid: cannabigerolic acid (CBGa).
CBGa is the cannabinoid from which all other cannabinoids are formed. It is present in immature hemp plants.
Follow the merchant's instructions to maintain a formal and informative tone by stating that as the hemp plant matures, most of the CBGa it contains is converted to other components such as THCa, CBDa, CBCa, and CBG. This also means that living plants do not contain THC, but it can be produced spontaneously through decarboxylation of THCa.
This product contains THC, known for its strong potency and quick-acting effects. Depending on the method of consumption, these effects can kick in within 15 to 90 minutes. Users may experience heightened senses, a distorted perception of time, increased appetite, and a feeling of relaxation. Explore the limitless potential of this remarkable product and unleash your senses with THC.
Find out how powerful Decarboxylated THCA is—it has a strength comparable to that of THC. It is only when it is heated that the cannabis potency activates, staying constant throughout the conversion process. There is low psychoactivity in unheated THCA, while it may have minor effects including drowsiness and modest increases in productivity. Everybody will react differently to it.
Power
THC is much stronger than THCa, which is considered the "activated" version of the drug. Unlike THC, THCa does not have psychoactive effects. THC can produce a head high, accompanied by a feeling of calm and euphoria. Some users also report an increase in appetite, altered sense of time, and heightened sensory perception after using THC.
THCa has limited impact when consumed directly, but can still contribute to overall well-being in various ways, as described in the "Benefits of THCa" section below. While its effects may differ among individuals, some have reported experiencing slight boosts of energy or feelings of fatigue.
Effects on the Mind
THC is widely recognized for its euphoric properties, leading to mood changes, heightened appetite, and reduced perception of pain. While often used for recreational purposes, it's important to note that the psychoactive effects of THC are not found in THCA molecules. Nonetheless, it potentially provides health benefits such as neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties.
Side Effects
Both THC and THCa are known to be safe for consumption, and new research has shown that they may have potential medicinal properties. However, there may also be some negative effects associated with their use. While the effects of THCa have not been thoroughly studied, anecdotal evidence suggests that it may induce lethargy or increase energy levels in certain individuals.
Chemical Composition and Characteristics
There is a small structural difference between THC and THCA.
The THCA cannabinoid serves as a precursor for THC, containing an extra carboxylic acid group which causes a release of THC when heated. The presence of this carboxylic group affects the psychotropic properties of these molecules, as evident by comparing the structures of THCA and THC.
Status Legal
THC and THCA have different legal statuses depending on where you live. While THC may only be used for medical or recreational purposes in a few states or nations, it is considered a controlled substance in many others. On the other hand, THCA is typically unregulated and not monitored due to its lack of psychoactive effects. In jurisdictions where cannabis laws are unclear, THCA can be obtained legally through products made from hemp. These products, such as hemp flower or raw cannabis extract, can be easily converted into THC using a lighter.
The following are possible side effects of THC:
Anxiety
Dry mouth.
Memory loss.
Difficulty thinking and talking
Red eyes.
Delayed reaction time
Heart rate rises.
Increased appetite.
THC carries a much higher potential risk compared to THCa, but proper dosage can effectively reduce or eliminate these adverse effects.
The Conversion: How THCa Turns into THC
Experience the powerful, transformative effects of cannabis flowers (both hemp and marijuana) with the euphoric head high induced by the cannabinoid THC. However, while living plants do not contain THC, they do produce CBGa-derived tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa) which converts to THC through decarboxylation as the plant matures.
THCa is naturally found in cannabis and during the process of decarboxylation, it undergoes a transformation into its neutralized form, THC. This conversion is also seen in CBDa to CBD. Although some decarboxylation may occur during storage, it is primarily activated through heating when using products such as prerolls, vapes, and dab rigs to consume THC. When THCa is heated, it becomes THC and its psychoactive properties are released. However, in consumables like gummies and drinks where no heating occurs, the THCa is first converted to THC before being added to the product. For individuals who prefer the raw form of THCa, they can opt for products like gummies and tinctures that allow them to enjoy it without undergoing the decarboxylation process.
What Is A Good THCa Percentage?
Dispensaries may use THCa levels instead of THC as the primary classification system. Keep in mind that when THCa is burned, it converts to THC and may result in a slightly lower THC level. Quality cannabis typically contains 15 to 25 percent THC, so look for strains with similar levels. It's advisable to ask the budtender or online seller for guidance on understanding the potency of various strains available for purchase.
Benefits of THCa
Preliminary studies and anecdotal data indicate potential therapeutic benefits of THCa in various areas, without causing intoxication.
Relaxation: According to anecdotal evidence, THCa may promote mental calmness and relaxation without the psychoactive effects of THC.
Seizures: Based on a thorough analysis of various studies conducted in 2017, THCa has been proven to be effective in treating seizures, showcasing its anticonvulsant properties.
Potential neuroprotective effects of THCa were discovered by researchers in Spain and Italy in a 2017 study. The experts recommended more research on THCa as a neurodegenerative disease treatment.
Inflammation: According to a 2017 study, THCa has been found to possess anti-inflammatory effects. This information was published in the scientific journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.
Benefits of THC
Although commonly associated with producing a "high", THC has been linked to various potential therapeutic uses based on studies and personal experiences.
Stress & Anxiety: Based on dosage amounts, research has shown that THC may have both positive and negative effects on those with anxiety. A Yale School of Medicine study suggests that lower dosages could potentially reduce anxiety levels, while higher dosages may lead to feelings of anxiety.
Appetite: The term "munchies," referring to the increased appetite experienced after consuming cannabis, is derived from THC's ability to induce hunger. This effect has been studied by researchers for medicinal use, as demonstrated in a 1994 study by the Cleveland Clinic, which found that THC can stimulate hunger.
Nausea: Results from a 2010 study at a well-regarded research facility in Barcelona, Spain, demonstrate that a combination of THC and CBD has shown promising antiemetic properties in treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The study suggests that further investigation into the use of THC for this purpose is warranted.
Sleep:According to three Australian researchers, the use of medical cannabis may potentially increase both the quality and duration of sleep, possibly due to the euphoric and calming properties of THC. In a 2022 study, it was observed that medical cannabis showed promising results in promoting a peaceful sleep.
Pain: Multiple studies have indicated that THC possesses analgesic properties, which can be partially attributed to its psychedelic components.
The Role of THC and THCa in the Body
Cannabinoids like THC and THCa work through the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), a receptor system in your body that regulates many vital functions like mood, inflammatory response, body temperature, and sleep.
Maintaining equilibrium between your body and mind is the main job of the ECS.
There are two main categories of receptors in your ECS:
When CB1 receptors are stimulated, mental or "head" consequences result.
When CB2 receptors are stimulated, physical or "body" consequences result.
The significant binding of THC to CB1 receptors leads to significant psychoactive effects. Unlike THCa, which has a weaker connection to these receptors, it does not produce the same "high." Instead, THCa may assist the ECS in other ways; further research is needed to fully understand its effects.
How to Utilize THC and THCa: Product Types and Doses
Other accessible forms of THCa and THC are comparable. Just remember that vape pens, flowers, and other smokable products are essentially THC products because the THCa in them turns into THC when heated.
Flowers & Vapes
30–50% bioavailability
Time of Onset: 5–10 minutes
Similar to oils, vapes and flower can provide a more potent delivery system. Unlike digesting them, these methods enter through the lungs and release cannabinoids directly. However, it's important to note that vaping and smoking only deliver THC, not THCa, making them unsuitable for authentic THCa delivery.
Oil
20–30% bioavailability
Start Time: 15 to 20 minutes
Oils have the advantage of bypassing the digestive system when ingested sublingually, making them a highly efficient method for delivering THCa or THC. In addition, they offer precise dosing options, making them an excellent choice for medicinal use.
Gummies
10%–20% bioavailability
About an hour is the onset time.
Edibles come in various forms, with gummies being the most popular. Other options include brownies and candies, all with a fixed dose and delicious taste. This makes them convenient and enjoyable for users.
Capsules
10%–20% bioavailability
About an hour is the onset time.
Similar to edibles, capsules provide a fixed-dose way to consume THC and THCa.
THCa vs. THC: Legality
The 2018 Farm Bill made all cannabinoids derived from hemp legally permissible on a federal level. This implies that a cannabis plant's dry weight THC content cannot exceed 0.3% in order for it to be considered hemp. In spite of this, THC consumption is still illegal in some states. Furthermore, even if THCa's legal status is still unknown, it's reasonable to presume that THCa will probably be illegal in your state if THC is (and vice versa if THC is lawful).
Drug Tests: THC vs. THCa
Both THC and THCa are detectable in drug testing. While THC is found in marijuana, which is prohibited in many places, it is often screened for. However, THCa is sometimes used as the target analyte for THC during drug testing. For this reason, we recommend avoiding THCa and THC products if you are anticipating a drug test. Instead, consider using a CBD isolate or broad spectrum CBD product as a substitute.
And lastly, is trying THCa worth it?
At your dispensary, our team of experts will thoroughly discuss and analyze THC levels, rather than THCa levels, providing you with in-depth knowledge about the differences between the two.
What are the differences between THC and THCa?
The cannabis plant contains the cannabinoids THC and THCa.
THCa is the inactive form of THC that is converted into the psychoactive form through decarboxylation. THC is the cannabinoid responsible for the euphoric effects associated with cannabis use. What is the average percentage of THCa? While the exact ratio is unknown, plants typically convert the majority of THCa to THC during the decarboxylation process. Typically, strains with 15-25% THCa are considered to have a high concentration of THC.
Is THCA legal?
THCa is a widely accepted compound in many countries and states, mainly due to its non-psychoactive nature and lack of euphoric effects commonly attributed to marijuana. While it is generally legal when derived from industrial hemp, it is crucial to confirm with local laws before purchasing THCa, as some states have restrictions.
Is THC legal?
Please note that the legality of THC varies depending on the location. While some states and countries allow its use for medical or recreational purposes, others prohibit it entirely. It is important to mention that federally legal delta-9 THC products can be obtained, as long as they are derived from hemp and have a concentration of less than 0.3% by weight. This is in accordance with the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp and its derivatives.
What distinguishes THCa?
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, or THCa (tetrahydrocannabinol), is the name given to the acidic version of THC. Heat causes THCa to change into THC, however THCa alone has no psychoactive properties. THC is what causes the "high" feeling. THCa is unique among cannabinoids because it has an additional carboxyl ring.
Is THCa equally effective to THC?
THCa is less potent than THC and lacks psychoactive properties. However, through the process of heating, such as through smoking, THCa converts into THC.
THCa produces what kind of high?
When consumed in its raw form, THCa does not produce a psychoactive "high" like THC. Instead, the majority of THCa's effects are focused primarily on providing health benefits. Whether taken as a concentrated extract or as unprocessed cannabis flower, THCa does not have the same intoxicating effects as smoking hemp or marijuana.
THCv versus THCa?
THCv and THCa are different forms of THC, with THCv potentially reducing hunger and promoting bone formation, and THCa potentially providing anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective benefits without causing psychoactive effects.
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