What Is THCA?
If you’re looking for a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, you’ll probably want to try tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA). This cannabinoid is the acidic precursor to THC, and without it, THC wouldn’t exist in the first place. While it’s a precursor to THC, THCA is not psychoactive in its raw form, making it a good choice for people who don’t want to get high but want to see if it provides any potential benefits. As you consider trying THCA, learn more about what it is and how it differs from THC.
What Does THCA Do? How Does THCA Work?
During a cannabis plant’s growth, it will develop cannabinoids, with the first being CBGA. This cannabinoid will then break down and create cannabinoids like THCA. In its raw state, THCA won’t get you high, as its molecular structure contains a molecular carboxyl ring that stops THCA from binding to your brain’s receptors, which would make you feel high. THCA is also the most stable form of cannabis, meaning you can store it for a long time without it deteriorating.
Though THCA will not get you high in its raw form, it changes into THC when it’s exposed to heat. For example, vaping, dabbing, smoking, or cooking THCA will remove the molecular carboxyl ring and convert the THCA into psychoactive THC. As a result, THCA is known as a precursor to THC and is commonly found in Delta 9 THC flower and other smokable products.
THCA Vs. Delta 9 THC: What Is The Difference Between THC and THCA?
The main difference between THCA and Delta 9 THC is that THC is psychoactive while THCA isn’t. On a molecular level, this difference is due to THCA containing a molecular carboxyl ring that THC doesn’t have. However, THCA will turn into THC once heated, so you shouldn’t smoke, vape, or dab THCA flower or other smokable THCA products if you don’t want to feel high.
What Are the Potential Benefits and Effects of THCA?
Since THCA is relatively understudied, it’s hard to make definitive claims about its effects and benefits. Of course, if you smoke THCA, you will feel the effects of being high as you would with regular THC products. However, when THCA is still in its raw form, you can consume it without feeling intoxicated.
Though it doesn’t produce a high, THCA could have some positive effects that need to be researched more extensively. For example, some research suggests it could work as an anti-inflammatory, stimulate appetite, help users fall asleep, delay neurodegenerative illnesses, reduce vomiting and nausea from cancer chemotherapy, and treat seizure disorders. That being said, all of these benefits are based on minimal research, and much more research has to be done to verify these benefits.
How Do You Use THCA Without Getting High?
Since THCA is non-psychoactive on its own, some people mistakenly believe they can smoke THCA hemp flower without feeling intoxicated. As stated above, THCA turns into THC once heated, but there are some THCA products you can use to receive some of the potential benefits of THCA without experiencing any psychoactive effects.
For example, you can eat THCA flower raw without worrying about psychoactive effects. Since eating raw THCA buds isn’t the most palatable for many people, many users blend THCA buds in a tasty smoothie. Some companies also put THCA in tinctures and topicals that you can use without the high. However, before you buy any THCA product, make sure the label says THCA and not THC.
If you want to get high from THCA, you can simply smoke THCA flower in a bowl, bong, joint, or other device. Some users also like to dab THCA or inhale it with a vape. While you look for smokable THCA that will get you stoned, you may also want to look for high THCA hemp flower. Since THCA converts to THC once it’s heated, cannabis flower with high THCA concentrations will deliver a large amount of THC once you light the flower and inhale its smoke.
Turn to Carolindica for High-Quality Hemp Products in North Carolina
At Carolindica, we’re proud to offer a wide assortment of THC and CBD products. Currently, you can enjoy THCA by trying our White Rhino Preroll, which contains both Delta 8 and THCA, making it a great option for those who want a relaxing high. Besides our White Rhino Preroll, you can find Delta 8, Delta 9, HHC, CBD, and CBG products on our site or in our brick-and-mortar stores. All of our products are crafted in small batches and contain only top-tier ingredients to ensure you receive an excellent product.
Review our lineup of hemp and cannabis products today. If you have any questions or want a recommendation on the right cannabinoid for you, please contact us.