People have been looking for cannabinoids with non-psychoactive properties that provide a range of therapeutic benefits. THCA is a cannabinoid with similar attributes. It is found in raw cannabis plants that offer potential health benefits without producing intoxicating effects. However, its legality often remains a misunderstood subject due to its transformation into THC. In this comprehensive guide, we aim to explore THCA cannabinoid, its potential health benefits, regulatory concerns, and everything you need to know about it.
What is THCA?
THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is a naturally occurring non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in raw cannabis plants. This non-intoxicating compound is present in higher concentrations in freshly harvested cannabis.
THCA in its pure form does not produce the high, but it often converts to non-acidic compounds such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) through decarboxylation (heating or exposure to light). THC is the primary compound in cannabis that possesses psychoactive properties. A study suggests that THCA decarboxylates and converts to a non-acidic compound (THC) when stored in a place where the temperature is between 4-18ºC.
How does THCA work in the body?
The chemical composition of THCA and THC is almost identical, but THCA consists of one other carboxyl group (COOH). It means THCA is a precursor to THC. So, when it comes to the working mechanism of THCA, it does not bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system.
The additional carboxyl group in the structure of THCA prevents it from fitting into CB1 receptors. Since THCA does not fit into CB1 receptors, it does not get you high but instead promotes its therapeutic effects.
Potential Health Benefits of THCA
THCA may not produce a high that comes with THC, but it offers several therapeutic benefits, which may include the following:
Neuroprotectant
THCA may potentially aid in protecting brain cells from damage. Research indicates that THCA could have significant implications for conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
Ability To Reduce Inflammation
The anti-inflammatory properties of THCA enable it to manage inflammatory conditions like arthritis and Crohn’s disease.
Pain-relieving Effects
THCA is well known for its analgesic effects. It may help to manage chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis.
Appetite Stimulation
As an appetite stimulant, THCA may have implications for people who are suffering from eating disorders associated with cancer or HIV/AIDS.
Non-psychoactive Nature
THCA is non-psychoactive in its pure form. It may be a good option for people who are looking to get the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids without intoxicating effects.
Anti-emetic Capabilities
THCA also has anti-emetic properties. It may be beneficial in treating nausea and vomiting in cancer patients.
Form of THCA Products
Some of the commonly used types of THCA products include:
THCA Edibles
THCA is infused into food products to make THCA edibles. These edibles include gummies, cookies, and other food products.
THCA Tinctures
It is a liquid form of THCA. THCA tinctures are made by soaking cannabis in alcohol, or it is mixed with drinks, or taken sublingually.
THCA Flowers
The dried cannabis buds are often smoked or vaporized to get the desired psychoactive and therapeutic effects.
THCA Capsules
THCA capsules contain a measured dose of THCA, which is consumed as a daily supplement.
THCA Drinks (Juices)
The fresh cannabis leaves are used to make drinks that are rich in THCA. These juices consist of large amounts of THCA, which offer several therapeutic effects without producing high.
THCA Topicals
THCA topicals are of different varieties and include creams, lotions, and balms. These topicals are applied directly to the skin to reduce pain and inflammation.
THCA Vape Cartridges
THCA vape cartridges offers a quick onset due to the fact that they are inhaled avoiding passages of stomach and liver unlike other forms of THCA.
THCA Disposable Vape
Side Effects of THCA
The side effects of THCA are generally well tolerated because THCA, in its pure form, is a non-intoxicated compound. However, when THCA is converted into THC, it may have certain severe side effects. Some of the reported side effects of THCA may include:
- Dry eyes and mouth
- Sleepiness
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Fatigue
THCA Dosage Guidelines
The recommended dosage of THCA varies from person to person. Its effects are different depending on factors like tolerance level and metabolism. However, if you’re a beginner, the best way to start your THCA regimen is to take a low dose of around 5mg one to four times a day. This allows you to evaluate how that dose works for your desired results, and you may gradually increase the dose to small amounts every next day.
Even a small amount of THCA can be effective. It is exceptionally bioavailable and 30-50 times more absorbable compared to THC. Considering the higher bioavailability of THCA compound, the effective THCA dose is around 5mg to 50mg daily. Additionally, the THCA is quickly excreted from the body via urine. So, it would be wise to divide the dose into two or three to experience consistent effects.
Is THCA Legal?
Pure THCA compound seems to be legal, but it falls in a legal grey area due to the fact that it converts to THC upon heating. To determine the legality of THCA, we need to see if this cannabinoid meets certain standards. For example:
Does THCA exist naturally in hemp plants?
Yes, it occurs naturally in hemp plants and in large quantities.
Is it defined as a THC analog?
No, THCA is a precursor to THC. When heated, THCA is converted into THC. It means THC is synthesized from THCA. This distinction prevents THCA from being labeled as an analog.
Does THCA meet the requirements of the 2018 Farm Bill?
Yes, THCA meets the standards of the 2018 Farm Bill. THCA is a hemp-derived product in its pure form consisting of 0.3% THC by dry weight.
This shows that THCA meets all the standards to be classified as a legal cannabinoid. However, the conversion of THCA into THC remains a major concern because THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. It is important to note that the legal status of THCA varies from state to state. Some states have legalized THCA for medicinal and recreational use, while certain states have strictly prohibited these cannabinoids.
THCA vs THC: which one is stronger?
THC is considered to be stronger for conditions like pain and appetite stimulation because these conditions require psychoactive effects. In contrast, THCA is known for its non-psychoactive nature and therapeutic benefits, which makes it a favorable compound for those who are seeking relief without intoxicating effects.
Here’s a table that briefly explains the differences between the two THCA and THC.
Features | THCA | THC |
Psychoactive Effects | THCA is non-psychoactive in its raw form | THC is psychoactive |
Structure | A carboxyl acid group (COOH) is attached to its chemical structure | It doesn’t have a carboxyl acid group attached to its molecular structure |
Conversion | THCA converts to THC through the process of decarboxylation | THC is already in its active form |
Therapeutic Benefits | Anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties | Pain relief and appetite stimulation |
Legal Status | It is generally legal in many states due to its non-psychoactive nature | THC is often restricted due to its psychoactive properties |
Where To Buy THCA Products?
THCA products are available at local dispensaries or cannabis shops that specialize in hemp-derived products. These retailers often carry a wide range of THCA products that provide you an opportunity to choose a product that best suits your needs.
Similarly, a reputable online store is also a good option to buy THCA products. XLR8, a leading online hemp-derived products brand, offers different THCA products for sale such as THCA flowers, gummies, tinctures, and many more.
Conclusion
In conclusion, THCA is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in raw cannabis that offers many potential health benefits without producing a high. It is generally safe and legal under certain conditions, but its conversion into THC when heated raises regulatory concerns. THCA can be consumed in different forms like edibles, tinctures, capsules, and topicals. However, because laws vary by state and THCA may show up in drug tests after converting to THC, it’s important to use it responsibly and stay informed about local regulations.
You can also read our guides on CBG and CBN to know more about the cannabinoids.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does THCA stay in your system?
Different methods of testing determine how long THCA stays in your system. The blood test method shows that THCA stays in the body for a few hours to a couple of days after consumption. Urine test shows results for up to a month. Similarly, the results also depend on individual factors like age, genetics, and overall health.
Will THCA show up on a drug test?
THCA is a non-psychoactive compound that won’t directly show up on a drug test unless it is converted to THC. When THCA is heated or exposed to light, it converts to THC, which may show up in a drug test. Generally, drug tests look for THC-COOH (metabolites for THC). It means using products like THCA flower can make you fail a drug test.
Is THCA safe?
THCA itself is a non-intoxicating compound that is considered to be safe. However, certain factors can contribute to the risk and side effects associated with the consumption of this cannabinoid. For example, THCA converts to THC upon heating, which is the primary psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant.
