11 Things to Know About THC-A

THC-A, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a fascinating compound found in the cannabis plant. While it's closely related to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound in cannabis, THC-A has unique properties and potential benefits. In this article, we'll explore seven important things you should know about THC-A.

What is THC-A?

THC-A is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in raw cannabis plants. It's the acidic precursor to THC, which means it converts into THC when exposed to heat, such as through smoking or vaping. In its raw form, THC-A doesn't produce the intoxicating effects associated with THC.

How is THC-A Made?

THC-A occurs naturally in cannabis. Just like other cannabinoids, it's mostly concentrated  in the trichomes, the tiny, crystal-like structures on the surface of the plant. THCA is most abundant in raw cannabis that has not been exposed to the process of decarboxylation through heating.

Which Cannabis Strains are high in THCA?

THCA is the raw or acidic form of THC. By default, high THC strains are also likely to have high THCA. These THC-rich strains, prior to undergoing decarboxylation, typically boast impressive THCA content.

Here are a few cannabis strains recognized for their high THC concentrations and, consequently, substantial THCA content before decarboxylation:

• Lemon Kush
• Laughing Buddha
• Blue Dream
• Sour Diesel
• Ghost Train Haze
• The White
• Gorilla Glue
• Bruce Banner
• Death Star
• White Tahoe Cookies
• SIlver Haze
• Thai
• Amnesia Haze

Is THC-A Psychoactive?

No, THC-A is not psychoactive on its own. It only becomes psychoactive when exposed to heat, such as during the decarboxylation process, which converts THC-A into THC. So, consuming raw cannabis containing THC-A will not produce any form of intoxication.

THC-A Potency: Is THCA More Potent Than THC?

A Lot has been hypothesized about the potency of THCA. Some sources even claim that THCA may be many times more potent than THC. First things first, THCA is non-psychoactive. Hence, it is difficult to compare the effects of THCA vs THC side by side. Therefore, what can be easily compared is the binding affinity to endocannabinoid receptors.  A study that was published in cannabis and cannabinoid research in 2017 found that THCA has a weak binding affinity to both CB1 and CB2 receptors. In addition, it is difficult to find THCA in its pure form because it easily converts to THC.

Is THC-A Legal?

The legality of THC-A depends on your location. In some places, it may be classified as a controlled substance due to its association with THC. However, in regions where medical or recreational cannabis is legal, you can easily find THC-A products in dispensaries. Always check your local laws before acquiring THC-A.

THC-A versus THC

THC-A and THC have distinct properties and effects. THCA serves as the precursor to THC, featuring an additional carboxylic acid group that detaches when exposed to heat, giving rise to THC. By examining the structural differences between THCA and THC, we can observe how the carboxylic group influences the psychoactive characteristics of these molecules.

THC is known for its intoxicating properties, including euphoria, relaxation, and altered perception. In contrast, THC-A is primarily valued for its potential health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, without the psychoactive effects.

What Does THC-A Treat?

THC-A is believed to have various potential medicinal benefits, although research is ongoing. It has shown significant potential benefit in the relief of nausea and vomiting that’s related to cancer chemotherapy, possibly surpassing that offered by THC.  THCA may also help to prevent metabolic disease that’s caused by diet induced obesity. A mice study found that THCA may improve memory in Alzheimer’s disease. A recent study also found that THCA has neuroprotective benefits which may be useful in the treatment of Huntington's disease and  other neurodegenerative diseases. However, more clinical research is needed to fully understand its therapeutic potential.

What are THCA Diamonds?

THCA diamonds are highly concentrated cannabis extracts known for their almost pure cannabinoid content, typically devoid of taste and odor. They can be mixed with terpene sauce for added flavor and potency.

THCA diamonds are usually made from fresh-frozen or cured cannabis, with fresh-frozen preserving more terpenes. The most common method involves a supersaturation process starting with chemical extraction. The material is purged of solvents, leading to the formation of crystalline structures over several weeks. Some makers may use alternative solvents like pentane to expedite the process. The final product undergoes thorough cleaning to remove any remaining solvent. Always bear in mind that when THCA is exposed to heat it decarboxylates to form THC, giving it psychoactive properties.

What is the Best Way to Take THCA?

Remember that the magic of THCA lies in its raw form. Therefore, it goes well with “cold” consumption methods, most notably salads and cannabis juicing. When raw cannabis is juiced, it preserves THCA in its non-psychoactive form, allowing consumers to benefit from potential therapeutic properties without experiencing the intoxicating effects associated with THC. Cannabis juicing enthusiasts often appreciate the natural, plant-based compounds found in THCA, which may have anti-inflammatory and other health-promoting qualities. This method of consumption provides a unique way to incorporate the benefits of THCA into a daily wellness routine.

Can You Get THCA From Hemp?

Good question right there! Technically, it may be possible to get some hemp strains with high THCA levels; amounts that are sufficient enough to be extracted. Unfortunately, this is often not the case. THCA is most abundant in cannabis strains that have decent amounts of THC. It is also not possible to synthesize THCA from CBD as one would do with delta-8-THC.

Where Can You Buy THC-A

If you're interested in trying THC-A products, you can typically find them in dispensaries in regions where cannabis is legal. These products may come in various forms, including tinctures, capsules, and concentrates. Always purchase from reputable sources and follow local regulations.

THC-A is an intriguing cannabinoid with a range of potential health benefits, distinct from its psychoactive counterpart, THC. While it's not psychoactive on its own, it can be converted into THC when heated. If you're considering using THC-A for its potential therapeutic effects, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional and adhere to local laws and regulations.