Are you feeling overwhelmed by cannabis terminology? Do not worry; this is a common issue many people have when they purchase cannabis from a dispensary. Here at Texas Weed Syndicate, we are firm believers that knowledge is critical to a fulfilling cannabis experience. Whether buying for recreational or medicinal purposes, you must understand what you are buying and how to elevate your experience.
With this in mind, this post will demystify the cannabis plant by breaking down the two distinct compounds – THC and THCA. You will encounter these two terms frequently, so you must know what they are and their main differences. Armed with this information, you can find the right products for your specific preferences and needs.
What Is THCA?
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THCA – tetrahydrocannabinolic acid – is the non-psychoactive precursor to THC. Essentially, this is the raw, uncooked form of THC found in the live cannabis plant. This means that THCA does not make you feel high when consumed because it has not yet been activated. THCA becomes THC through a process known as decarboxylation. This can be achieved by drying, curing, or heating (smoking, vaping, or cooking) the plant.
A helpful way to think of it is that THCA is like cookie dough. All the necessary ingredients are there, but you must heat the dough to turn it into a cookie. Therefore, you will not get the feeling of being high if you were to eat raw cannabis (although you might notice some therapeutic effects).
What Is THC?
THC – Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabino – is the psychoactive compound that produces the feeling of being high when consumed. This feeling is created by the THC binding to the cannabinoid receptors in the brain and central nervous system, which can produce a range of beneficial effects (more on this below).
If THCA is the raw cookie dough, THC is the delicious cookie you enjoy after heating. THC by itself is an inactive precursor to THC, so heat or time is needed to enjoy the various physiological and psychological effects of cannabis.
The Benefits
So, what are the benefits of THC? There is still a lot of research that needs to be done, but studies suggest that there are numerous physiological and psychological benefits to THC.
Physiological:
Pain relief: THC has analgesic properties, which means that it can help manage and improve chronic pain, inflammation, and neuropathic pain.
Muscle relaxation: Consumption of THC can also ease muscle-related pain as it has muscle relaxant properties.
Nausea Relief: You will frequently hear of people undergoing chemotherapy treatment using THC, and this is because it can help to alleviate feelings of nausea and vomiting associated with this treatment.
Glaucoma treatment: THC can also help slow the progress of glaucoma and reduce the risk of further damage by temporarily lowering intraocular pressure.
Psychological:
Euphoria: Of course, cannabis is one of the most popular recreational drugs due to the euphoria that it can provide. People often experience feelings of relaxation, happiness, and altered states of consciousness that can bring great enjoyment into life.
Enhanced creativity: Many people experience enhanced creativity while using THC and change how they think. This could be useful in many ways, whether creating art, listening to music, or simply thinking through a problem in daily life.
Relief from stress and anxiety: Some people also find that THC can help to reduce stress and anxiety. There is still a lot of research that needs to be done, but studies suggest that TCH could be an effective way to manage mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Of course, individual experiences can vary depending on various factors. This is why you should always consult with a healthcare professional before using cannabis for the first time, particularly if you have a medical condition and/or are taking medications. You should also always be responsible, especially as THC can impair short-term memory and concentration.
Important Considerations
So, you now know the difference between THC and THCA, but how can this newfound knowledge help when buying cannabis products? Knowing what THC and THCA are and their differences can help you make a more informed decision and find the right product for your needs. Here are a few key considerations:
Legality: First, you must ensure that THC is legal in the region. Laws on THC can vary even between cities in the same state, so always check on the legal status first.
Content: The product description will inform you of the THC and THCA content, which can help you understand the product’s potency. As you might imagine, a low dosage and potency will be best for beginners.
Ratios: Similarly, some products will have THC to THCA ratios. Understanding these ratios will help you find a product to meet your needs, whether looking to manage pain, improve sleep, or for recreation. THC-dominant ratios will produce a more substantial psychoactive effect.
Mode of consumption: The method of consumption is also linked to the activation of THCA into THC. Smoking or vaporizing can produce near-instant results as it is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream while cooking or baking will result in a delayed onset.
How to Find the Right Products
By now, you should feel more confident in purchasing cannabis products. You can use our dispensary finder to browse over 3,500 dispensaries nationwide to find the best place to buy from. We also have a CBD store if you wish to try CBD products (these do not contain THC or THCA) and a smoke shop where you can stock up on all kinds of goodies to enhance your cannabis experience, including vaporizers, bongs, pipes, grinders, and more.
If you have any questions about THC, THCA, or anything else cannabis related, do not hesitate to get in touch. Knowledge is critical to a fun, safe, and responsible cannabis experience, and it is essential to identify the right products based on your needs and preferences. Additionally, be sure to keep checking this blog to learn more about the wonders of cannabis!
Key Takeaways
- THCA and THC are the same compound at different stages, separated by a single carboxyl group.
- The plant produces THCA. Heat converts it into THC, whether that heat comes from a lighter, a vaporizer or an oven.
- Raw THCA does not produce the effects people associate with THC, because the molecule has not converted yet.
- Total THC on a certificate of analysis is the figure to compare between two products.
- Conversion is never total, so the total THC figure is an estimate rather than an exact yield.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is THCA the same as THC?
They are the same compound at different stages, not two different cannabinoids. THCA is what the plant produces. THC is what THCA becomes when heat is applied, whether that heat comes from a lighter, a vaporizer or an oven. Chemically the difference is a single carboxyl group, which is why the names are so close.
Does THCA get you high?
Raw THCA does not produce the effects people associate with THC, because the molecule has not converted yet. THCA flower is sold to be heated, and once it is heated the THCA becomes THC. So the flower in the jar and the flower in the bowl behave differently, and that conversion is the whole point of the product.
Which is stronger, THCA or THC?
The comparison does not quite work, because one becomes the other. What matters on a label is the total THC figure, which accounts for how much of the THCA will convert when heated. A certificate of analysis lists THCA, delta 9 THC and total THC separately. Total THC is the number to compare between two products.
How is THCA converted into THC?
Through heat, in a process called decarboxylation. Smoking or vaping does it instantly at the point of use. Baking does it more slowly and at a lower temperature, which is why edible recipes specify a time and a temperature before the flower goes into butter or oil. Conversion is never total, so the total THC figure on a certificate of analysis is an estimate rather than an exact yield.
