The superstar cannabinoid of the cannabis plant, THC, is the most well-known since it’s responsible for those classic psychoactive effects associated with cannabis. However, despite its status in the cannabis world, raw flower contains very little of it. How can that be? What it actually has a lot of is THCA, and though it doesn’t get you high, you can think of it as the “essential ingredient” for making THC.
Confused? Don’t worry—you’re in the right place. Take a deep dive into this unique cannabinoid and find out exactly what THCA is, the difference between THCA and THC, its effects, and so much more. By the end, you’ll be ready to take off with quality THCA for an unforgettable flight.
What Is THCA?
You may be familiar with THC as the compound in hemp and cannabis that imparts the plant's classic effects. THC is actually one of many—over 100—similar compounds produced by these plants called cannabinoids. You can think of cannabinoids as part of the “active ingredients” in hemp and cannabis, and along with other important compounds, such as terpenes for example, they come together to produce the effects and benefits we seek from these plants.
As hemp and cannabis plants grow and mature, they begin to produce cannabinoids, terpenes and other active compounds. But the plants don’t produce the “active” forms of cannabinoids we’re accustomed to interacting with.
THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is the acidic precursor to THC—the “A” signifies that it’s “acidic.” It’s a naturally occurring compound found in the Cannabis sativa L. plant family, but unlike THC, THCA is non-psychoactive and non-intoxicating on its own. When it undergoes a process known as decarboxylation, which most often occurs when heat is introduced with a lighter, oven, or other heat source, it instantly converts THCA to the better known, psychoactive THC.
THCA isn’t the only unique compound found in raw cannabis and hemp that is changed by heat. Like THCA, CBDA is the acidic precursor to CBD, and introducing heat will also convert CBDA to CBD. The same can be said for CBGA, CBCA, and so on.
THC vs THCA: What’s the Difference?
Though their names and chemical structures are very similar, it’s important to be clear on these two important cannabis compounds. THCA is formed within the trichomes, the tiny mushroom-shaped glands that appear as the silvery dust you see on cannabis flower. While not psychoactive, THCA is linked to some intriguing benefits—more on that later.
THC hardly needs an introduction. As the best-known cannabinoid, it imparts the cannabis plant’s delightful euphoria, potentially relaxing aching muscles and helping us find deeper rest. The major difference between the two cannabinoids is that THC produced the classic “high” we associate with cannabis, while THCA does not.
Does THCA Turn Into THC When Smoked?
Yes! THCA turns into THC through the aforementioned process called decarboxylation, where THCA is converted into THC when exposed to heat. This conversion happens instantaneously when cannabis is smoked or vaporized, so if you’ve ever put a match to a bowl or a joint, you’ve already decarboxylated cannabis yourself. However, decarboxylation also happens naturally on the molecular level when exposed to heat for longer periods of time, such as if a jar of flower is left in the sunlight on a windowsill.
Heat removes an atomic structure known as a carboxyl ring—when it’s in place, the ring prevents THCA from binding with the CB1 receptors in our endocannabinoid system, which is why it doesn’t produce the same effects as THC.
Is THCA Safe to Smoke?
If you have concerns that not enough is known about THCA for it to be safe, we’ll put it into perspective: First, if you’ve ever smoked or vaped cannabis, you’ve already consumed THCA safely! One source of confusion may be the result of the cannabinoid that THCA is converted to—THC—is simply better-known than THCA.
But beyond THCA versus THC, the question raises some valid concerns about cannabis products. No matter which cannabinoid you’re interested in working with, it’s essential that it be sourced from a retailer that performs third-party testing and provides certificates of analysis (COA). Here at Urb, that’s just something we do as a matter of course, and it’s one reason our lab-tested products continue to win awards, earn our loyal customers’ trust, and provide a smooth, safe ride each and every flight.
Does THCA Get You High?
That depends. If you were to consume raw THCA bud without exposing it to heat first, you wouldn’t feel any psychoactive effects from it. Of course, that changes when THCA is converted to THC through decarboxylation—for instance, with exposure to heat from a lighter or the heating element in a vape pen. In that case, it will produce the delightful euphoria and altered perception commonly associated with cannabis.
It’s important to note that individual responses to THCA and THC vary, and the effects depend on factors like dosage, method of consumption, and an individual’s tolerance and sensitivity.
Does THCA Have Medicinal Potential?
THCA is gaining recognition for its potential therapeutic benefits. It is considered non-psychoactive in its raw form, making it an attractive option for patients seeking symptom relief without the mental alterations associated with THC. THCA may offer a range of therapeutic benefits, including reduced inflammation and pain relief, improved memory, and potential anti-nausea properties.
What’s more, there are early indications that, like CBD, THCA may help control certain seizures. More research must be conducted to truly get a solid stance on THCA’s medicinal potential, but these early research findings show huge promise.
Does THCA Show Up on a Drug Test?
There are two ways to answer this, depending on how THCA is consumed.
- If you’re consuming raw THCA in the form of raw cannabis flower, it’s possible, but not absolutely certain, it will show up on a test.
- If you’re smoking or vaping THCA, you're automatically decarboxylating it into THC, which is a different story entirely. In that case, it’s the same as consuming THC, and as the most current science suggests, it will likely show up on a test.
If you’re concerned about whether or not THCA or other cannabinoids will show up on an upcoming drug test and push it to a positive result, your best bet is to hold off consuming cannabis or hemp.
Is THCA Labeled Hemp Federally Legal?
THCA that is hemp-derived is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. But THCA’s legality varies at the state level. In cannabis-legal states, THCA derived from cannabis is legal. However, some cannabis-legal states have enacted restrictions on THCA that is derived from hemp.
In other places where cannabis legalization hasn’t been enacted, rules also vary. Under current federal law, the 2018 Farm Bill states that since THCA doesn’t actually contain any THC, then THCA that’s been derived from hemp flower can be sold in non-legal states as long as it contains 0.3% THC or less. That said, certain states are less lenient towards THCA than others. If you need to know if THCA is legal where you live before ordering any online, it’s best to check with your state’s specific laws on cannabis.
Fly With Urb and Enjoy First-Class THCA
As the non-psychoactive precursor to THC, THCA isn’t nearly as well-known, but it’s the vital chemical precursor to THC. Once it undergoes the process known as decarboxylation, it transforms into THC—the most important cannabinoid in cannabis and the one most responsible for the plant’s intoxicating high.
Intrigued? You’re in luck—we invite you to try our premium high-THCA flower in multiple strains cultivated here in the US under ideal growing conditions. It’s the perfect way to access all the delightful benefits of THCA from a brand you can trust.
Want to take your journey deeper? Visit our blog and find more in-depth articles on many cannabis topics, including our guide to other types of THC, the differences between hemp and cannabis, and so much more. Smooth travels!
