What Is THCA: Is It the Same as THC?

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posted on 5 months ago — updated on 1 second ago

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Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, better known as THCA, is a chemical compound (or cannabinoid) in cannabis that doesn’t actually get you high. It can eventually get you high, though, if you apply 200 to 290 °F (93 to 143 °C) worth of heat in a process known as decarboxylation. We’ll teach you everything you need to know about this nifty cannabinoid, so you can decide if it’s a good fit for your medicinal or recreational cannabis line-up.

Does THCA produce a high?

What THCA Is

THCA is a chemical compound (cannabinoid) found in cannabis. You might be familiar with tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC, which is the cannabinoid that gives marijuana its characteristic high. THCA is the cannabinoid that comes a chemical step ahead of THC—or, rather, THCA transforms into Delta-9 THC when it’s decarboxylated (smoked, vaped, or otherwise heated up). The decarboxylation process happens within a specific temperature range; typically, 200 to 290 °F (93 to 143 °C).

THCA does not get the user high. Quick chemistry lesson: if you were to look at a really zoomed-in picture of a THCA molecule versus a THC molecule, they’d look almost identical. The main difference comes down to the size of the molecules themselves. A THCA molecule is slightly bigger, as it has a carboxyl group attached to its side, while a regular THC molecule doesn’t have one. From a neurological standpoint, the larger THCA molecule can’t properly engage with the brain’s CB1 receptor like the THC molecule does—in other words, it doesn’t get you high. Your CB1 receptor is the component that really processes cannabis and its effects within the brain. This is different from your body’s CB2 receptor, which is based more in your body’s immune system.

What forms does THCA come in?

THCA comes in various forms, like flower, crystals, and more. THCA comes in all shapes and sizes, including traditional cannabis buds (flower). You can also buy it in crystallized form, or even as a patch that’s applied directly to your skin (without any psychoactive side effects). Some weed enthusiasts use crystallized THCA in addition to the THC-potent wax that’s typically used in a dab.

THCA vs. Delta-8 vs. Delta-9

THCA isn’t psychoactive at all. On its own, THCA doesn’t have any of the psychoactive side effects that THC products typically have.

Delta-9 and Delta-8 are both psychoactive, but Delta-9 is stronger. When you think of a really strong cannabis high, you’re probably envisioning Delta-9—this is the compound that really takes your mind to new levels. While Delta-8 creates a noticeable high as well, it definitely isn’t as strong as Delta-9. We can thank hemp-based CBD for a lot of the Delta-8 products on the market. Did you know? The number in Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 corresponds with where the molecule’s double-bond can be located from a chemical standpoint. With Delta-8, this specific double-bond can be located on the 8th carbon atom of the molecule; with Delta-9, it can be located on the 9th.

Does THCA have any benefits?

Yes, THCA is believed to have potential benefits. While more research needs to be conducted, several studies still point to some helpful qualities that THCA could potentially offer, like: Helping with nausea and vomiting Offering treatment possibilities for Alzheimer’s Providing neuroprotective benefits Having cancer-fighting benefits

THCA Side Effects

THCA doesn’t have any psychoactive side effects on its own. As long as the “A” is still part of the name, THCA won’t be getting you high like THC would. Because of this, THCA can be a user-friendly cannabis option for people who are looking to reap the rewards of THCA without the altered headspace that typically comes with THC. What if I smoke or vape THCA? In that case, you can expect the typical side effects you’d get from regular THC, like enhanced senses, adjusted perception of time, relaxation, happiness, delayed reactions, dry mouth, anxiety, paranoia, and more.

THCA Dangers

THCA might get flagged in a workplace drug test. In one study, researchers found that people who consumed over-the-counter hemp seed oil were at risk for being flagged in a urine test. While this study doesn’t pertain to THCA specifically, it does suggest that other non-THC cannabinoids (like THCA) could also cause issues during a drug test.

THC can have negative side effects like anxiety and paranoia. When vaped, smoked, or heated up some other way (like in the oven), THCA converts into THC, which has plenty of side effects—both good and bad. Some of the more negative side effects associated with THC include: Paranoia Memory issues Delusions Hallucinations Panic attacks

Is THCA legal?

Yes, as long as the THC content in the weed is less than 0.3%. When push comes to shove, marijuana laws ultimately depend on the state you live in—but THCA, being non-psychoactive and different from THC, can be addressed with the federal Hemp Farming Act of 2018. This Act states that hemp with less than 0.3% THC can be excluded from the Controlled Substances Act (like THC-potent cannabis). Hemp is a type of cannabis (same as marijuana) with a lower concentration of THC.

Key Takeaways

THCA can be a helpful stepping stone to THC. On its own, a THCA flower can’t get you high—but if you were to vape or smoke this flower, you would be able to enjoy the plant’s psychoactive benefits. It’s all a matter of basic chemistry!

Follow your state’s laws and regulations regarding cannabis. While THCA can fall under the purview of the Hemp Farming Act of 2018 (as long as its THC content is less than 0.3%), make sure you’re still abiding by your state’s policies and procedures whenever you enjoy cannabis in any form. Consult your local dispensary if you have any questions about the cannabis legislation in your state.