What’s the Difference Between THC and THCA

Cannabis users who have read anything about hemp and marijuana must have encountered the term “THC.” Maybe you have even read about CBD, terpenes, potency, and other terms, but you may not be aware of the fact that THC comes from a compound called “THCA.” So, what’s the difference between THC and THCA?

When there are two cannabinoids that sound so similar, it can be difficult to understand the contrast. Then again, understanding the differences between THC and THCA is key to having the best experience possible. Let’s get right into it.

What is THCA?

THCA is the abbreviated term for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. It is a mouthful, right? Basically, it is just the acidic form of THC.

Cannabis contains hundreds of compounds called cannabinoids, and THCA is one such cannabinoid. It holds a lot of significance, though, because there would be no THC without THCA. THC comes into existence when THCA is exposed to heat. So, it is safe to say that THCA is what you need if you want to get THC. There is no THC without THCA.

Does THCA Get You High?

Yes, THC is the most abundant cannabinoid in cannabis. Similarly, THCA is the most abundant non-psychoactive cannabinoid. As you can probably guess, THCA does not get you high.

Is THCA Legal?

Legalities concerning THCA are complicated, to say the least. While THCA is not psychoactive, it converts to THC when heated, which is where things get tricky. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp products with less than 0.3% THC are federally legal, but recent clarifications from the DEA suggest THCA may not fall under this protection due to its potential to become psychoactive.

The legal status of this cannabinoid differs from one state to the next, which means you need to check in with local cannabis laws before you buy THCA flowers online. Some states allow it within hemp regulations, while others are stricter.

The Differences Between THC and THCA

What is THCA vs THC? Are they the same? Do they possess identical features? If not, what separates them?

Let’s clarify one thing first – they are not identical, but they do share certain similarities and differences. The most significant difference between THC and THCA is that the latter does not have any psychoactive properties.

The two compounds share the same molecular composition, but THCA has an extra molecular carboxyl ring. This additional group prevents THCA from binding to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, stopping you from experiencing euphoric effects.

Here is a list of a few other cannabinoid acids found in cannabis, apart from THCA:

• CBGA (Cannabigerolic Acid): Often called “mother of all cannabinoids,” CBGA is the precursor to many other cannabinoid acids. It can be transformed into THCA, CBDA, and CBCA.

• CBDA (Cannabinolic Acid): CBDA is the acidic precursor to CBD. It is non-psychoactive and is recognized for its potential therapeutic properties, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea effects.

• CBCA (Cannabichromeneic Acid): CBCA is the precursor to CBC (Cannabichromene). It is less studied than other cannabinoids but is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

• CBGVA (Cannabigerovarinic Acid): This one is a lesser-known cannabinoid acid, which is a precursor to cannabinoids like THCVA and CBDVA.

• THCVA (Tetrahydrocannabivarinic Acid): THCVA is the acidic form of THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin). Just like THCA, it is non-psychoactive. THCV is known for its potential to suppress appetite and panic attacks.

• CBDVA (Cannabidivarinic Acid): This is the acidic precursor of CBDV (Cannabidivarin). It is currently being researched for its potential in treating epilepsy and other neurological disorders.

• CBCVA (Cannabichromevarinic Acid): Just like CBCA, CBCVA is an uncommon cannabinoid acid with potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

What is Decarboxylation?

So far, we have established that the cannabis plant mainly produces THCA, and the psychoactive THC comes from THCA through a process called decarboxylation. What exactly does decarboxylation mean, and how does it transform THCA into THC?

Decarboxylation removes a carboxyl group from cannabinoid acids like THCA, activating the cannabinoids. Through decarboxylation, the chemical composition of THCA changes, and it becomes THC, which is crucial for activating its psychoactive properties.

Like any chemical reaction, several variables influence decarboxylation, including the temperature at which the material is heated and the duration of heating. For effective decarboxylation of cannabis or hemp, one needs to heat the material at 230-250 degrees Fahrenheit for around 30-40 minutes.

However, heat and time are not the only factors. Employing a vacuum during decarboxylation can decrease the time needed to complete the process successfully.

Psychoactive and Therapeutic Effects

We have already discussed psychoactive and non-psychoactive properties of THC and THCA, but what does this mean in terms of their effects on the human body? Both compounds interact with the endocannabinoid system, but their effects vary significantly because of their chemical structures and the presence or absence of a carboxyl group.

THC sold at an online THCA shop is associated with psychoactive effects such as changes in perception. On the other hand, THCA has potential health benefits and does not induce a psychoactive high; however, it might cause side effects like nausea, indigestion, or allergic reactions when consumed raw.

While both compounds work within the body’s endocannabinoid system, THCA, in its raw, unheated form, offers potential wellness benefits without the high, whereas THC provides a psychoactive experience.

The psychoactive effects of THC are primarily due to its ability to bind to CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. This interaction affects bodily functions, including intoxicating effects on memory, pleasure, movements, and pain perception. This contributes to the sensation of being “high.” The so-called “high” from THC is like a boosted sense of well-being, a happy vibe, and a change in how you sense things.

On the other hand, THCA is gaining fame for its potential health benefits. THCA has been shown to inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes COX1 and COX2, demonstrating potential anti-inflammatory properties. It also reduces the impact of neurodegenerative processes, offering neuroprotective benefits. Furthermore, THCA may serve as an alternative treatment for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, aiding in the relief of these symptoms. Yet, it is key to mention that although these possible health benefits look good, more research is necessary to grasp this cannabinoid’s full therapeutic promise.

How to Consume THC and THCA

At this point, you may be thinking about how you can consume these cannabinoids. There are several methods of consumption, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Whether you are a fan of smoking, prefer edibles, or are looking for topical applications, there is a method out there for you.

Here at Shop Clouds, we are all about vapes, pre-rolls, and flowers. Our products are primarily for inhalation via smoking or vaping.

The Verdict

So, what is the difference between THC and THCA? You already know it. In conclusion, THC and THCA are pretty cool cannabinoids with their own special properties and potential perks. From their chemical structures and effects to their legal status and consumption methods, understanding these compounds can help you make informed decisions about your cannabis use. As the cannabis scene is changing, it is vital for enthusiasts like you to stay in the loop, now more than ever. So, keep exploring, stay curious, and enjoy your journey through the world of cannabinoids!

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