Tetrahydrocannabinol acid ( THCA ) is a type of chemical called a cannabinoid in the cannabis plant that may have potential medical uses. It is also popular because you can heat it to change it into another type of cannabinoid, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or delta-9 THC.
Marijuana and hemp are two types of cannabis plants that are part of the same species. THCA is found in the flowers of the cannabis plant. There is usually more THCA in fresh cannabis plants, especially in raw cannabis buds, compared to dried plants.
There’s a lot of buzz around THCA because people use it to get high. You can get THCA from buying hemp, which isn’t under the same controls as marijuana. Then, after heating it, you can convert it to THC and get high. People use this method if they don’t have access to marijuana or if it’s illegal where they live.
The difference between marijuana and hemp is how much THC they contain. Hemp is defined as having less than 0.3% THC, while marijuana contains more. Hemp doesn’t have enough THC to cause a high, but it does contain THC. The health benefits and risks associated with THCA are not fully understood, at least when it comes to published medical research. A few studies have explored THCA from a medical perspective. While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of THCA on the body, it could be a promising area of study for future medical treatments.
THCA vs. THC
THCA and THC are different cannabinoids. One can get you high and the other can't.
When THCA is heated, smoked, or vaporized, it turns into THC . THC is the main ingredient in cannabis that can give you that high, euphoric feeling.
THCA vs. Delta-8
Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol ( delta-8 THC ) is a cannabinoid in the cannabis plant just like THCA. There aren't large amounts of it in the cannabis plant. But it's still THC, so it can get you high.
Delta-8 is typically made from hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) - a chemical that does not contain THC. Delta-8 is often considered an herbal extract of hemp. When delta-8 is labeled as being from hemp, you might not think it can get you high, but it can. Most people say that delta-8 and delta-9 produce a similar high. THCA alone cannot get you high.
THCA vs. Delta-9
Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9 THC), also known as THC, is the primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, meaning it can make you feel high. It is a more potent cannabinoid than Delta-8. There is more delta-9 in the plant compared to delta-8.
THCA vs. Delta-9
Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9 THC), also known as THC, is the primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, meaning it can make you feel high. It is a more potent cannabinoid than Delta-8. There is more delta-9 in the plant compared to delta-8.
THCA form
THCA comes in different forms:
- The actual flower of the plant
- Diamond crystals
THCA flower
Cannabis flowers, which contain THCA, are another way to get THCA. When THCA is marketed in flower form, it can be sold as hemp if the buds reach the federal limit of 0.3% THCA. Some people eat the flower for medicinal purposes.
THCA diamonds
THCA diamonds are THCA in small crystals or white powder. To make them, you extract THCA from cannabis and then apply heat and pressure to form crystals called diamonds. The crystals are usually added to marijuana to boost THC levels to a higher level. Some people like this because getting THCA in diamond form makes their marijuana last longer.
Crystalline THCA, or diamonds, is the most common form of THCA used for dabbing, which involves inhaling the vapors. In addition to vaping, dabbing can change THCA into THC.
THCA effects
If you were to extract THCA and consume it, it could have therapeutic effects to help with pain relief and nausea. However, it won't get you high.
If you smoke or vaporize THCA, it immediately changes to THC, which can produce a high.
There is a natural way that THCA can be converted into THC. Over time, if a cannabis plant spends too much time in the sun, the heat and oxygen will change the THCA molecules into THC.
Whether you consume THCA or THC, both can have effects on your body.
THCA side effects
THCA does not make you feel high or cause intoxication the way marijuana can.
There are side effects if you convert THCA to THC as well. If you heat, cook, or vaporize THCA, it produces THC and it can have other side effects similar to consuming marijuana. These side effects can include:
- Feeling relaxed or euphoric (high)
- Change of perception
- Memory and cognition problems
- Dry mouth and feeling thirsty
- Bloodshot eyes
- Higher heart rate
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Impaired mobility
If you use THC consistently, you may experience long-term side effects. This is especially true for people who use THC heavily during their teens.
Another long-term side effect includes respiratory problems if you smoke or heat THCA. After all, smoking any chemical can affect your lung health. This can lead to chronic bronchitis and/or other respiratory problems. Using high-potency THC, especially heavily, has been linked to an increase in mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
Please note that THC is illegal in Sweden.
Is THCA legal?
Yes. THCA is becoming more popular because it is legal and available in most states in the United States. THCA is also legal in Sweden. THCA is legal as long as the cannabis contains less than 0.3% of it. State laws may vary.
Marijuana is regulated by the federal government as a controlled substance, but hemp is not. While hemp is not federally regulated as a controlled substance, it can be modified to produce the same THC found in marijuana. This could create a legal loophole in areas where marijuana is illegal because you can buy THCA and modify it to get you high like you would with marijuana.
THCA benefits
Some research done on animals shows that THCA has anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, and anti-seizure effects.
A recent study in mice showed that it had neuroprotective effects (it protects nerve cells from damage) in lowering proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease. Mice treated with THCA also had better cognitive function. Other research shows that it may improve symptoms of metabolic syndrome or aid in weight loss.
Since most studies have been conducted on animals, more research on humans is needed before doctors can use THCA treatment for medical purposes.
Takeaways
While the specific acid, THCA, can't get you high if you consume it, it may have some medical benefits like relieving pain, nausea, or reducing inflammation. When THCA is heated or smoked, THCA changes to THC, which can make you feel high and alter your perception and behavior.
People looking for THCA products can find them online at Kiosk Igloo. THCA is available in flower or crystal form.
Frequently Asked Questions about THCA
Is Delta-9 stronger than THCA?
Yes, it is stronger. Delta-9 is the same as THC. THCA in its pure form does not include THC.
Does THCA turn into Delta-9?
When heated, THCA turns into Delta-9 THC, which is the same as THC.
Is THCA natural or synthetic?
THCA is found naturally in the cannabis plant.
Can THCA be addictive?
When people abuse marijuana and cannabis products, it can lead to marijuana addiction. If you get THC from THCA, you are consuming the same cannabinoid in marijuana. There are no approved medications specifically for marijuana addiction. However, treatment may involve therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy or motivational enhancement therapy.
**This post is for informational purposes only what THCA is. Please note that THC is illegal in Sweden and converting THCA to THC is also illegal**
