Although you may have already heard of the powerful cannabinoid THC, especially if you have an affinity towards marijuana and the world of cannabis in general, chances are that you’re not so familiar with THCA. The inner world of cannabis is slowly being uncovered thanks to the sophisticated technology nowadays, allowing scientists and research enthusiasts to conduct in-depth studies. As a result, cannabis is starting to make an entrance into the medical field and more and more countries are considering its use for medical purposes.
The main factor making this possible is the plant’s vast range of cannabinoids or compounds with therapeutic effects on the body. THC and CBD are two of the most dominant and popular ones but in fact, there are around 113 cannabinoids, each carrying their own unique and independent characteristics. In this article, we will look into the nature of THCA to see what its nature and effects on the body are and create a distinction between the cannabinoid and THC.
THCA vs. THC
THC is the active compound in cannabis which is mainly responsible for getting consumers high or creating mind-altering experiences. THCA, on the other hand, is a non-psychoactive compound also found in the cannabis plant. Despite their difference, there is an interesting relationship between the two cannabinoids.
THC actually originates thanks to THCA or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid – the substance found in raw and unprocessed cannabis. If one originates from the other then how can THC be intoxicating and psychoactive while THCA is not?
In simple words, the reason is hidden in the 3D nature of the THCA molecule. The molecule is larger in size and cannot match the size of the cannabinoid receptors in the body. In order to have an intoxicating effect, cannabinoids must be able to fit in with the receptors found in the endocannabinoid system, especially the CB1 receptors, which are found in the spinal cord and brain and are responsible for memory, pain perception, and more essential functions.
THCA can be turned into THC thanks to the process of decarboxylation. It is a common misconception that it is THC that is growing as the marijuana plant evolves but it is in fact THCA. Once exposed to heat and light, atoms from the carboxylic acid group are removed from the THCA and the compound is turned into a THC molecule. The transformation allows the newly formed molecule to fit into the body’s endocannabinoid system and successfully interact with CB1 receptors. But are there any other uses of THCA apart from giving birth to the psychoactive THC cannabinoid?
How can THCA be used?
It is common that THCA is in fact used as a superfood. In countries where the compound has been legalized consumers can find smoothies enriched with raw cannabis or the plant being juiced and consumed as a supplement. THCA is considered a significant health booster and this is why fresh, raw, and unheated cannabis is of high interest. Thanks to the existence of THCA, cannabis has been associated with curing arthritis, reducing pain, and tackling fibromyalgia.
The characteristics of THCA make it a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, assisting with the fight against certain infections. The cannabinoid also possesses antidiabetic characteristics, as well as the ability to protect the brain due to its neuroprotective properties. Studies also reveal THCA’s antispasmodic traits, in addition to its capability of stimulating appetite and limiting nausea.
Where can THCA be found?
As mentioned, THCA is not intoxicating and it is found in raw and natural cannabis. It is essential to understand that when consuming THCA in its natural form, the human body is not able to transform it into THC. The process must occur prior to consumption as a result of decarboxylation. Some of the most popular decarboxylation methods include exposure to sunlight. In addition, when placing cannabis in a room with a certain temperature the process can also be activated. For instance, if olive oil is used, 22% of THCA can transform into THCA in ten days as long as the room temperature is 77 degrees. To compare the process, 67% of the compound will convert in ethanol extraction.
The process can also occur during smoking or vaping. It must be noted that with smoking, not all THCA will successfully convert into THC, making the method not one of the most preferable ones in terms of THC consumption. On the other hand, vaping is extremely successful at activating the decarboxylation process.
Although THCA may not be a trendy cannabis topic, the compound is an essential part of cannabis and is worth exploring in detail if you are interested in gaining an in-depth understanding of the processes and characteristics behind the plant. Apart from creating the valuable and sought after THC cannabinoid, THCA has other diverse qualities, which make it an important part of cannabis.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5510775/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1952348/
http://eiha.org/media/2014/08/16-10-25-Decarboxylation-of-THCA-to-active-THC.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6001746/