The cannabis plant is full of unique, incredible compounds; however, with how many there are, it can be tough to keep up with which cannabinoid does what. That’s why, today, we’re focusing specifically on THCa.
So, what is THCa and how does it work? Let’s take a look at this.
What is THCA?
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, or THCa, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis. What’s most interesting about this cannabinoid is that it’s a precursor to THC — the cannabinoid we all know and love for getting us high.
Essentially, in raw plant form, THCa is present in abundance. But, when you heat the cannabis plant — also known as decarboxylation, which usually happens during smoking or vaping — the THCa cannabinoid turns into THC. This process can also happen as the plant ages.
When you take a look at your cannabis flower, you may notice that the label not only mentions how much THC is inside but also how much THCa is present. That’s because most of that THCa is going to turn into THC!
However, you don’t have to transform THCa into THC to enjoy the effects. On its own, THCa offers supportive, well-rounded effects that many people enjoy — especially those who don’t want to get high. You can consume THCA in its raw form by not activating it through heat. Typically, you can find raw THCa capsules, tinctures, topicals, and more.
Is THCa Legal?
The THCa cannabinoid and subsequent products are legal under the 2018 Farm Bill as long as certain guidelines are followed. The Farm Bill states that hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% THC are legal. If they contain more THC than this, the products are considered marijuana-derived and are no longer federally legal.
This means that THCa products that come from hemp and abide by these measures are federally legal in the United States. This is why you can buy products like THCA flower, THCA diamonds, and so much more through online shops like CannaAid.
Does THCa Get You High?
No, THCA doesn’t get you high! This cannabinoid is non-psychoactive and doesn’t have the ability to produce intoxicating effects in the brain.
The confusion comes because, once transformed into THC, the THC cannabinoid is psychoactive. However, it’s only once the THCA cannabinoids have been decarboxylated that they produce these types of effects. So, as long as you’re enjoying THCA in its raw, unactivated form, you’re not going to have any sort of high.
Benefits of THCA
People are choosing to turn to THCA for so many different reasons these days. Many people enjoy the powerful therapeutic effects without psychoactive results, while others enjoy the element of having a potentially intoxicating compound if activated.
In general, here are some of the main benefits of THCA:
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: There are certain studies that suggest THCA may be helpful for reducing levels of inflammation throughout the body. Those suffering from aches and pains may find this helpful.
- Analgesic Properties: Speaking of pain relief, THCA appears to have analgesic properties that may work to help consumers feel more comfortable and at ease.
- Neuroprotective Effects: Studies show that THCA may have neuroprotective properties that may be beneficial for those with Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.
- Anti-Nausea Properties: THCA may help reduce and control nausea levels, great for those undergoing chemotherapy or similar treatments.
It’s important to understand that while these benefits are quite promising, they’re not conclusive and require more studies before conclusions can be drawn. Most of the current understandings surrounding THCA come from preclinical studies, and more human-based trials are necessary.
How to Use THCA
If you’re interested in learning how to enjoy products like a THCA disposable or THCA pre-rolls, we don’t blame you.
Below, we’ve broken down how to use THCA either in raw form or smokeable form, depending on the kind of effects you’re looking to experience.
Raw THCa Products
There are a few different ways you can use raw THCA products, and it really depends on the type you have. Most people will opt to use THCa tinctures, which is THCa in a liquid form. You will place your dose of THCA either under your tongue or within a food or beverage and consume it that way. Doing this doesn’t activate the cannabinoids at all; instead, you just get the full benefits of raw THCA.
If you don’t want to taste your THCA oil, you don’t need to. It is also possible to consume raw THCA as capsules. Professionals will extract THCa oil and put it into softgels that are safe for consumption. Then, you swallow the capsule as you would any other vitamin or supplement.
Smokable THCA Products
Smokable THCA products are great options for consumers who are okay with getting a little stoned. These types of products include THCA flower, pre-rolls, concentrates, and vapes.
All smokable THCA requires a heat source to activate the product itself. For example, with THCA flower, you must take a lighter to it and inhale in order to enjoy the bud; doing this will decarboxylate the THCA, turning to THC by the time it reaches your bloodstream.
Various Forms of THCa Products
These days, you can find so many different forms of THCA products on the market. When it comes to reputable online retailers like CannaAid, the opportunities are seemingly endless.
For anyone interested in the beauty of bud, you can find pure THCA flower that’s ready to be ground up and smoked. Or, if you want to make the process even easier, you can buy THCA pre-rolls that are perfect for when you’re on the go.
If you have a high tolerance and are looking to experience the next-level effects of THCA, you can try products like THCa diamonds, instead. The THCA diamonds look like tiny, crystal diamonds, just like you would expect from a cannabis concentrate. These products are very effective, as they’re highly concentrated and very pure.
On the other hand, THCA disposables make wonderful options for consumers seeking accessibility, potency, and discretion. These types of products are easy to use: they come pre-assembled and you simply throw them out once you’ve vaped all the extract. Plus, they don’t smell too strongly, making them good for anyone who wants to be more discreet with consumption.
Where to Buy THCa Products
Finding high-quality THCA products isn’t always easy — thankfully, when you shop with CannaAid, it absolutely is.
CannaAid has been leading the way in the hemp product industry for years, and they continue to adapt as the market stays ever-changing. No matter what kind of THCA product you’re looking for — THCA pre-rolls, diamonds, flowers, or disposables — this brand has everything you need and more.
