What Is THCA: Benefits and Side Effects

Table of Contents

1. The Differences
   
2. Types of Products
   
3. What does the Research Say About?
   
4. What Are the Benefits of THCa
5. Side Effects of THCA
6. THCA vs. CBD
7. FAQ
   
8. Closing Thoughts
   

Table of Contents

1. The Differences
   
2. Types of Products
   
3. What does the Research Say About?
   
4. What Are the Benefits of THCa
5. Side Effects of THCA
6. THCA vs. CBD
7. FAQ
   
8. Closing Thoughts
   

THC vs. THCa

THCA occurs before THC. Heat is the main factor that converts the raw compound into its psychoactive cousin THC. But before the heat process occurs, it is possible to isolate the cannabinoid in unprocessed cannabis plants. It, much like CBD, is isolated and separated from the rest of the compounds present in hemp plants.

The other main difference between the two cannabinoids is that one does not have the same intoxicating effects. The first works in much the same way as CBD. It contains therapeutic properties and does not cause any intoxication in the user. The second causes the intoxicating reactions commonly associated with the cannabis plant used. These findings have only become possible thanks to the more relaxed attitudes toward hemp and cannabis. It has allowed scientists to study the potential of all cannabinoids more thoroughly.

What Is THC?

Tetrahydrocannabinol is the psychoactive compound in marijuana that makes people high. When people refer to “THC,” they typically refer to Delta-9 THC.

Delta-9 THC is illegal under federal law, but it is legal in several states in the US for recreational and medical use, notably in states like California and Colorado.

THCA occurs before THC. Heat is the main factor that converts the raw compound into its psychoactive cousin THC. But before the heat process occurs, it is possible to isolate the cannabinoid in unprocessed cannabis plants. It, much like CBD, is isolated and separated from the rest of the compounds present in hemp plants.

The other main difference between the two cannabinoids is that one does not have the same intoxicating effects. The first works in much the same way as CBD. It contains therapeutic properties and does not cause any intoxication in the user. The second causes the intoxicating reactions commonly associated with the cannabis plant used. These findings have only become possible thanks to the more relaxed attitudes toward hemp and cannabis. It has allowed scientists to study the potential of all cannabinoids more thoroughly.

What Is THC?

Tetrahydrocannabinol is the psychoactive compound in marijuana that makes people high. When people refer to “THC,” they typically refer to Delta-9 THC.

Delta-9 THC is illegal under federal law, but it is legal in several states in the US for recreational and medical use, notably in states like California and Colorado.

Types of THCA Products

As this compound is still being researched, it is not as commercially widespread as CBD or THC. Still, there are a select amount of products out there based on this particular phytocannabinoid. These products usually come in capsules or patches. So users can take it the same way they would take hemp extract. But, given the chemical’s volatility and how easily it changes, it is uncertain whether these products genuinely contain the compound in its unaltered form.

• THCA Crystals/Diamonds: THCA crystalline diamonds are hard substances that look like diamonds or crystals. Some even look like amber. They are put into dab rigs and heated, after which they melt and produce vapor, which is inhaled.
• THCA Isolate: This substance is THCA in its purest form and contains few if any other cannabinoids.
• Powder: THCA powder is similar to crystals and diamonds in that it can also be vaped in a dab rig. It can also be combined with flower in a bowl or dry herb vaporizer and smoked or vaped.

As this compound is still being researched, it is not as commercially widespread as CBD or THC. Still, there are a select amount of products out there based on this particular phytocannabinoid. These products usually come in capsules or patches. So users can take it the same way they would take hemp extract. But, given the chemical’s volatility and how easily it changes, it is uncertain whether these products genuinely contain the compound in its unaltered form.

• THCA Crystals/Diamonds: THCA crystalline diamonds are hard substances that look like diamonds or crystals. Some even look like amber. They are put into dab rigs and heated, after which they melt and produce vapor, which is inhaled.
• THCA Isolate: This substance is THCA in its purest form and contains few if any other cannabinoids.
• Powder: THCA powder is similar to crystals and diamonds in that it can also be vaped in a dab rig. It can also be combined with flower in a bowl or dry herb vaporizer and smoked or vaped.

What the Science Says

The studies so far done on the potential benefits have found that it is:

• A possible anti-inflammatory
• A possible anti-emetic (eases nausea and vomiting)

However, the unstable nature of the compound makes it challenging to study in laboratory settings. However, many people think that the “heat” that must be applied to convert it into THC is the flame from a lighter. Instead, the isolated chemical can turn it into something else at room temperature.

Famed cannabis researcher Raphael Mechoulam has written about how impossible it is to study because of the volatile nature of cannabis. The chemical wants to become THC, and it isn’t easy to prevent it from doing so. As a result, scientists are still struggling to keep it in its unadulterated state. Nevertheless, these early studies have shown that there may be potential medicinal benefits.

The studies so far done on the potential benefits have found that it is:

• A possible anti-inflammatory
• A possible anti-emetic (eases nausea and vomiting)

However, the unstable nature of the compound makes it challenging to study in laboratory settings. However, many people think that the “heat” that must be applied to convert it into THC is the flame from a lighter. Instead, the isolated chemical can turn it into something else at room temperature.

Famed cannabis researcher Raphael Mechoulam has written about how impossible it is to study because of the volatile nature of cannabis. The chemical wants to become THC, and it isn’t easy to prevent it from doing so. As a result, scientists are still struggling to keep it in its unadulterated state. Nevertheless, these early studies have shown that there may be potential medicinal benefits.

Benefits of THCA

There are no known or proven benefits to THCA. However, scientists are continuing to study the compound to make sure. The problem with Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is that it is difficult to maintain even in a sterile lab environment. It means it is difficult to study. In studies that have successfully extracted and maintained it in its natural form, researchers have found that the chemical binds to the endocannabinoid receptors in the body like CBD and THC. But they have not found any conclusive evidence that THCA provides any benefits at all.

There are no known or proven benefits to THCA. However, scientists are continuing to study the compound to make sure. The problem with Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is that it is difficult to maintain even in a sterile lab environment. It means it is difficult to study. In studies that have successfully extracted and maintained it in its natural form, researchers have found that the chemical binds to the endocannabinoid receptors in the body like CBD and THC. But they have not found any conclusive evidence that THCA provides any benefits at all.

What Are the Side Effects of THCA?

The side effects of THCA are not very well known, and most evidence is anecdotal. But most people report feeling dizziness and fatigue. Some people have also reported feeling more energetic after using it, while others have reported feeling anxiety after consuming high doses.

These side effects are commonly felt by people who have not used cannabis before. Such users should use only a small amount, starting at around 10 grams daily. Then, gradually increase the dosage over several weeks, so the body has time to accumulate itself to this new compound.

The side effects of THCA are not very well known, and most evidence is anecdotal. But most people report feeling dizziness and fatigue. Some people have also reported feeling more energetic after using it, while others have reported feeling anxiety after consuming high doses.

These side effects are commonly felt by people who have not used cannabis before. Such users should use only a small amount, starting at around 10 grams daily. Then, gradually increase the dosage over several weeks, so the body has time to accumulate itself to this new compound.

What Is the Difference Between THCA and CBD?

CBD and THCA have mostly the same health effects, so the main thing to be aware of is how they affect someone’s employment status. CBD is not generally looked for during drug screenings, but THCA’s metabolites can raise flags. However, it is unknown whether it is as detectable as the metabolites from Delta-9 THC.

People who are regularly screened for drug use should not take THCA for the reason mentioned above. CBD may be the better option because drug tests do not typically screen for it.

To avoid problems, people who think they need THCA should get a prescription from a doctor and permission from their employer or parole/probation officer.

CBD and THCA have mostly the same health effects, so the main thing to be aware of is how they affect someone’s employment status. CBD is not generally looked for during drug screenings, but THCA’s metabolites can raise flags. However, it is unknown whether it is as detectable as the metabolites from Delta-9 THC.

People who are regularly screened for drug use should not take THCA for the reason mentioned above. CBD may be the better option because drug tests do not typically screen for it.

To avoid problems, people who think they need THCA should get a prescription from a doctor and permission from their employer or parole/probation officer.

Everything You Need to Know About

How Long Does It Take to Get THCA Out of Your System?

THCA metabolites can be present in urine for up to a month in urine and hair follicles for three months.

However, the length of time THCA stays in the body depends on several factors.

For one, someone with a high metabolism and little body fat can expel all the THCA from his system in around a week. On the other hand, someone with low metabolism and a high body fat index can have THCA present in his system for significantly longer.

Why Choose THCA?

THCA could potentially have several medicinal properties. But it is still not known what they are precise. The few studies that have come out point to several possibilities. But more research is needed because the compound is difficult to keep in its natural state.

Is THCA psychoactive?

It is not psychoactive. It does become psychoactive when it turns into THC, but that is the nature of the compound.

Is THCA illegal?

THCA is not illegal, but it occupies a gray area for law enforcement with its close relationship to THC. As raw, unaltered THCA is still raw, it is hard to distinguish from THC. But in its natural form, THCA is not illegal to possess or consume, even though it could become THC when consumed. So be aware if you are subject to any drug tests.

Does THCA show up on drug tests?

Yes, THCA will show up on a drug test. THCA is a close cousin of pure THC. THCA is the step before the chemical becomes THC. Even if someone can ingest pure THCA, the chemical will metabolize in the body as THC and show up on a drug test as that drug. There are no drug tests that are sophisticated enough to tell the difference between the two.

Is THCA toxic?

No, it is not toxic in the sense that it will cause someone harm if they take it. People who are allergic to cannabinoids may react. But the compound is relatively harmless when compared to other drugs and intoxicants.

Which is better for pain CBD or THCA?

Neither CBD nor THCA is recognized as a scientifically proven treatment for any type of pain by the Food and Drug Administration. If users are experiencing any kind of pain, they should take their prescribed medication or any over-the-counter medication for pain. Users can self-medicate with either CBD or THCA if it has been pre-approved by their medical doctor.

How Long Does It Take to Get THCA Out of Your System?

THCA metabolites can be present in urine for up to a month in urine and hair follicles for three months.

However, the length of time THCA stays in the body depends on several factors.

For one, someone with a high metabolism and little body fat can expel all the THCA from his system in around a week. On the other hand, someone with low metabolism and a high body fat index can have THCA present in his system for significantly longer.

Why Choose THCA?

THCA could potentially have several medicinal properties. But it is still not known what they are precise. The few studies that have come out point to several possibilities. But more research is needed because the compound is difficult to keep in its natural state.

Is THCA psychoactive?

It is not psychoactive. It does become psychoactive when it turns into THC, but that is the nature of the compound.

Is THCA illegal?

THCA is not illegal, but it occupies a gray area for law enforcement with its close relationship to THC. As raw, unaltered THCA is still raw, it is hard to distinguish from THC. But in its natural form, THCA is not illegal to possess or consume, even though it could become THC when consumed. So be aware if you are subject to any drug tests.

Does THCA show up on drug tests?

Yes, THCA will show up on a drug test. THCA is a close cousin of pure THC. THCA is the step before the chemical becomes THC. Even if someone can ingest pure THCA, the chemical will metabolize in the body as THC and show up on a drug test as that drug. There are no drug tests that are sophisticated enough to tell the difference between the two.

Is THCA toxic?

No, it is not toxic in the sense that it will cause someone harm if they take it. People who are allergic to cannabinoids may react. But the compound is relatively harmless when compared to other drugs and intoxicants.

Which is better for pain CBD or THCA?

Neither CBD nor THCA is recognized as a scientifically proven treatment for any type of pain by the Food and Drug Administration. If users are experiencing any kind of pain, they should take their prescribed medication or any over-the-counter medication for pain. Users can self-medicate with either CBD or THCA if it has been pre-approved by their medical doctor.

Conclusion: What Is THCA?: A Beginner’s Guide

Have you ever heard about this cannabinoid? Would you take these products? Let us know in the comments section below.

Scientists are discovering more about the complexities of cannabis every day. THCA is one of those fascinating discoveries that hold a lot of potentials. However, it is still relatively new, and there needs to be more research on cannabis done before it can catch on, like CBD or even THC. The few studies that have been done show it could help treat some ailments as cannabidiol, but that is still a long way off.

Have you ever heard about this cannabinoid? Would you take these products? Let us know in the comments section below.

Scientists are discovering more about the complexities of cannabis every day. THCA is one of those fascinating discoveries that hold a lot of potentials. However, it is still relatively new, and there needs to be more research on cannabis done before it can catch on, like CBD or even THC. The few studies that have been done show it could help treat some ailments as cannabidiol, but that is still a long way off.