The non-psychoactive cannabinoid known as tetrahydrocannabinol acid, or THCA, is the acidic precursor to the psychoactive cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Although THCA won’t get you high, THC will, so it’s clear that the two chemical compounds share a similar structure but are significantly distinct in other important respects.

Recent discoveries in the field of cutting-edge research have provided evidence of the therapeutic potential of THCA in the treatment of a variety of conditions, such as chronic pain and seizures. Find out how you can reap the benefits of THCA and learn about cannabis strains that are rich in this powerful acidic cannabinoid by reading this article.

The Functioning of THCA

The cannabinoid known as THC exists in an acidic form known as THCA before the cannabis plant goes through the process of decarboxylation. Cannabis is no longer in its raw form once it has been heated and “decarbed,” and the chemical properties of the cannabinoids and terpenes that make up the plant go through a series of natural transformations.

During this stage, THCA loses its acidic properties and becomes more basic. Rather, the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) results in the transformation of THCA into the chemically inert cannabinoid THC. When THCA is converted into THC, an intoxicating compound that has the potential to make you high is produced as a byproduct of this transformation. THC is not at all “neutral” in this sense; rather, it is very potent and has the potential to influence your mood as well as your behavior in the short term.

Advantages and Applications

The use of THCA in medicine and the medical field could be beneficial in a variety of ways. According to the findings of scientific research, the following are some of the more common applications for this acidic cannabinoid:

• Anti-inflammatory medication for persistent pain
• A drug that stimulates appetite; treatment for eating disorders and chemotherapy
• The treatment of sleeplessness, also known as insomnia
• Anti-tumor – cancer
• Multiple sclerosis (MS) and epilepsy both benefit from antispasmodic treatment.
• There has only been a small amount of research done on the possible health benefits of THCA, so there needs to be a lot more of it, especially in clinical trials.

Observable Adverse Effects and Potential Drug Interactions

Others contend that THCA is associated with many of the same potential adverse effects as THC, whereas others maintain that THCA is associated with fewer potential adverse effects than THC. If you are sensitive to THC, then THCA may cause a reaction similar to the one that THC causes in you.

The following is a list of some of the more common adverse effects of THC, some of which may or may not occur if you consume THCA:

• The mouth is dry (cottonmouth)
• Red eyes
• Dizziness
• Rapid beating of the heart
• Fatigue

If they do occur at all with THCA, however, they may be significantly less severe. Since THCA is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, it is unlikely that users of the acidic cannabinoid will experience the positive effects of THC, such as euphoria and creativity. Additionally, there is a possibility that THCA will show up on a drug test, particularly if you have used the cannabinoid within the past few days. This is especially true if you have used it recently.

There is a possibility that THCA will interact negatively with both prescription and over-the-counter medications. If you are currently following any other kind of medication regimen, you should consult with your doctor or pharmacist before beginning to take THCA.

Is There Any Kind Of Effect That Comes From THCA?

Some people argue that acidic cannabinoids don’t exert any effect at all because they don’t attach to endocannabinoid receptors as other cannabinoids do. This is even though some evidence shows that acidic cannabinoids do have some positive effects (as was mentioned above). Because of their inherent instability, acidic cannabinoids are rarely found in more than trace amounts in cannabis that have been dried.

There is a possibility that THC and THCA will work together to produce some sort of therapeutic effect. People who are looking for THCA may choose to juice their cannabis plant and use it raw; however, because this does not involve infusing it into fats or heating it, likely, they will not experience the full psychoactive effects of THC.

Putting It to Use

One of the most common ways that THCA is utilized is in the form of a pure extract that is more commonly referred to as “diamonds.” Diamonds are often vaporized or dabbed to experience the psychoactive effects of THCA. Dabbing is another popular method.

Ingestion of THCA can also be accomplished through the consumption of raw cannabis. A delicious and healthy beverage can be created by juicing raw cannabis and then mixing the plant matter with other ingredients such as spinach, almond milk, and banana. Raw cannabis is an ingredient that can be enjoyed by some people when added to salad dressings, sauces, and other common kitchen ingredients. When done in this manner, consuming raw cannabis will not result in a “high.”

The use of a transdermal patch or another cannabis-based topical is yet another method for ingesting THCA. Be sure to check the label of the topical product to ensure that THCA, and not THC, is listed as an ingredient. In that case, you run the risk of experiencing intoxicating effects even if that wasn’t your intention.

The method of THCA consumption that is most effective for you is the one that you should use, but in general, we recommend avoiding smokable ingestion methods such as vaping because they can cause damage to the lungs. Consuming raw cannabis could be the healthiest way to take in THCA, particularly if your recipe also includes other nutrient-dense foods like dandelion greens and blueberries.

Cannabis Strains That Have a High Content of THCA

The following types of cannabis are notable for their high concentrations of THC and, consequently, their high levels of THCA before decarboxylation:

• Lemon Kush Gorilla Glue
• White Tahoe Cookies, Death Star Cookies, and Bruce Banner
• Silver Haze
• Sour Diesel, Thai Laughing Buddha Blue Dream, and Blue Dream
• Ghost Train Haze
• The cloud of amnesiac whiteness

This list is only a small sample of strains that are high in THCA. Before going through the decarboxylation process, marijuana strains that have a THC content of more than 15% should also have a high concentration of THCA.

Questions That Are Typically Asked

What sort of effects does THCA have on the brain?

According to the findings of a few studies, THCA may have neuroprotective properties. To put it another way, this cannabinoid might be able to protect crucial functions like memory and coordination as you get older. This theory has been contradicted by other research, which suggests that cannabis may have a detrimental effect on the brain. Talk to your primary care provider to determine whether or not THCA and other forms of cannabis-based medicine are appropriate for your needs.

Why is the use of THCA prohibited?

At the federal level, THCA does not fall under the definition of a controlled substance because it is not considered to be illegal.. After the cannabis plant has been decarboxylated, THCA is converted into THC, which is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis but is still prohibited at the federal level.

If you have THCA, there is also the possibility that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will consider it to be an analog (structurally similar) of THC, which would result in charges being brought against you based on the Federal Analogue Act.

You are permitted to possess THCA in its raw form or THC in its decarbed form if you are a resident of a state like Colorado or Oregon that has legalized the use of marijuana for recreational purposes. However, because the laws in each state in the United States are so different from one another, you must take care not to transport the plant into another state.

Is getting high on THCA possible?

The chemical heating process known as decarboxylation is required before THCA can cause psychoactive effects in a person. Following the process of decarboxylation, THCA is converted into THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis that is responsible for producing the high.

Obtaining a medical marijuana card will allow you to legally partake in the benefits of THCA as well as those of other cannabinoids. The medical professionals at KIF Doctors are here to assist you in getting access to cannabis-based medicine by walking you through the simple steps of applying for your medical marijuana card online.