THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is a key cannabinoid in cannabis that often captures attention due to its non-psychoactive nature. It is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in raw cannabis buds. This means that consuming raw THCA will not induce any psychoactive effects.
At the same time, raw THCA goes through the process of decarboxylation when heated or exposed to light and converts into THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which produces psychoactive effects. This transformation of THCA into THC often raises questions like ‘Does THCA get you high?’
In this blog, we will discuss the basics of THCA and figure out whether this cannabinoid has the potential to alter your state of mind.
The Science Behind THCA
THCA, in its raw form, doesn’t bind well to the endocannabinoid receptors in the brain, which produces psychoactive effects. This cannabinoid interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps maintain homeostasis by regulating functions like mood, sleep, and immune responses. It means that THCA doesn’t produce a euphoric high associated with THC, but it does have potential therapeutic effects.
Does THCA cause a high?
To understand whether THCA makes you feel high, we need to examine the nature of this cannabinoid. THCA, in its natural form, is non-psychoactive and doesn’t get you high. This is because the molecular structure of THCA doesn’t allow it to interact with CB1 receptors that are scattered all over the brain.
THCA converts into THC through different heating options. The decarboxylation process of THCA removes the carboxyl group from the THCA’s molecular structure and turns it into a THC compound. THC cannabinoid has the potential to interact with the endocannabinoid system to induce high effects.
So, the unheated form of THCA does not get you high, but smoking, vaping, or dabbing converts THCA into THC, which is responsible for producing the high effects in individuals.
What is a High THCA Percentage?
A ‘high THC percentage’ refers to the amount of THCA found in cannabis plants or products. It indicates that the cannabis plant was harvested when THCA concentration was at its peak. However, it is important to note that a high THCA percentage doesn’t mean that it will produce high effects, but it actually offers more THCA compounds for conversion.
A high THCA percentage ranges from 15 to 20% or more THCA by dry weight. Such high levels of THCA lead to stronger effects when converted into THC. Many cannabis users believe that a higher THCA percentage makes a more enjoyable experience, but it is advisable to exercise moderation and use it responsibly to reduce negative consequences. (r)
What Are The Different Ways To Decarboxylate THCA?
Decarboxylation is an important part of the THCA experience if you are looking to get high feelings. Here, we’ll discuss some of the methods to decarboxylate THCA and convert this cannabinoid into THC.
Smoking
Smoking cannabis is a traditional and most used method to decarboxylate THCA. The plant materials are burnt with high heat to convert THCA instantly into THC. The smoke produced is inhaled, which provides immediate effects.
Vaping
Vaping heats up plant materials to the extent of producing vapors. This method involves a more controlled temperature, which ensures that more THCA is converted into THC without combusting other beneficial compounds and terpenes. This method is a healthier alternative to smoking because it limits the inhalation of tar and other harmful substances.
Dabbing
Dabbing is another method that involves the vaporization of different concentrates on a hot surface. It converts THCA concentrates into THC and induces more intense psychoactive effects.
Sunlight
Cannabis exposure to natural sunlight can also initiate the process of decarboxylation. The UV light converts THCA into THC at a slow pace, and the product you get is less effective but more organic.
How can you consume THCA without getting high?
You can consume THCA without getting high by using the following consumption methods.
THCA Capsules
THCA capsules provide a convenient way to consume THCA with a precise and controlled dosage. Since THCA doesn’t convert to THC during this consumption method, you will not experience the psychoactive effects associated with THC. It can be a good option for beginners and other consumers who do not like smoking or vaping cannabis.
THCA Tinctures
THCA tinctures are liquid extracts that are manufactured from cannabis. These products are consumed sublingually for quicker absorption. Unlike other consumption methods, THCA liquids don’t require the digestion of plant material or inhalation.
THCA Raw Cannabis
THCA raw cannabis can be added to smoothies or salads to experience the benefits of THCA without getting high. However, it is important to use untreated leaves of cannabis to reduce the risk of contamination.
THCA Topicals
THCA topicals include creams and balms that are applied to the skin to promote therapeutic effects. This method doesn’t allow cannabinoids to travel through the bloodstream. It means users won’t get a high feeling after applying these products to their skin.
Myths and Facts About THCA’s Effects
When exploring the effects of THCA, it’s important to distinguish between common myths and realities surrounding this cannabinoid.
Myth:
- THCA is a psychoactive compound just like THC
Reality:
- THCA is a non-psychoactive component of cannabis. It means this cannabinoid doesn’t produce a high. It only becomes psychoactive after converting into THC through the decarboxylation process.
Myth:
- Consuming raw cannabis gets you high
Reality:
- Raw cannabis won’t produce psychoactive effects because it primarily contains THCA, not THC.
Myth:
- THCA-rich strain produces psychoactive effects
Reality:
- A higher amount of THCA doesn’t mean it will produce high effects; instead, it promotes the therapeutic effects of this cannabinoid unless converted into THC.
Myth:
- Standard drug tests can detect the THCA compound
Reality:
- Standard drug tests won’t detect THCA because they are designed to detect THC and its metabolites in the body.
Myth:
- Since THCA is non-psychoactive, it has no health benefits
Reality:
- THCA may not have the potential to induce a high, but it has been shown to have potential health benefits. It may have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
Conclusion
In conclusion, THCA itself does not get you high, but when exposed to heat through methods like smoking, vaping, or dabbing, it converts into THC, which produces psychoactive effects. THCA in its raw form is non-intoxicating, and it may still offer potential health benefits. By learning how THCA transforms into THC, you can decide how to consume cannabis in a way that suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is THCA legal?
THCA is considered to be a legal compound under federal law as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Many states allow THCA products for sale and use due to their non-psychoactive nature.
What’s the difference between THCA and THC high?
THCA is a non-intoxicating compound that doesn’t get you high because its molecular structure prevents it from binding to CB1 receptors in the brain. On the other hand, THC is known for its psychoactive effects because it interacts with CB1 receptors to create a euphoric high.
Is THCA psychoactive?
No, THCA doesn’t have psychoactive properties when consumed in unprocessed form. However, heating, smoking, or vaping converts THCA into THC, which is the main psychoactive component of cannabis.
How does THCA make you feel?
THCA makes you feel a sense of calm, relieves pain, increases focus, and supports mental clarity without intoxicating effects.
How long does THCA stay in your system?
It primarily depends on factors like metabolism, consumption method, and frequency of use. However, on average, THCA may clear the body on its own anywhere from a week to 90 days after use.
Will THCA show up on a drug test?
No, it won’t show up on a drug test in its natural form because drug tests are designed to target THC and its metabolite, THC-COOH. However, when THCA transforms into THC via decarboxylation, it may result in a positive drug test.
