Most people are familiar with delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, the cannabinoid known for giving cannabis its psychoactive effects. Delta-8, delta-10, and other THC analogs are also popular. However, several states have recently banned delta-8 because of its semi-synthetic nature and psychoactive effects.
Hemp products are often marketed as -THCA flowers. We will compare THCA with THC and CBD and discuss its benefits, uses, and product types.
What is THCA?
THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, specifically Delta-9 THCA, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis (Cannabis sativa) plants. It is an acidic precursor found in freshly harvested young plants. THCA doesn’t become psychoactive until heat is applied, transforming it into THC through a process known as decarboxylation, which activates the psychoactive properties of cannabis.
Can THCA Get You High?
THCA is not psychoactive in its natural form. The molecular structure of THCA prevents it from binding to brain receptors that cause the feeling of being high. This is only true when THCA is consumed in its raw form, such as in juiced cannabis that is freshly harvested.
THCA vs. THC
Delta-9 THC is a chemical form of tetrahydrocannabinol that differs from THCA because THCA has an extra carboxylic group on a benzene ring, which THC does not have. This extra ring gives THCA a three-dimensional structure and makes it unable to bind to neural receptors for psychoactive effects. THCA is a crystalline liquid, while THC is a solid.
When THCA turns into THC, it loses the extra group and becomes an intoxicating compound that consumers enjoy.
How THC Works
THC can bind with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain, central nervous system, and immune systems. This interaction affects mental perception and leads to feelings of euphoria and stimulates cerebral creativity.
How THCA Converts into THC
Before harvest, hemp and cannabis plants have low levels of Delta-9 THC and high levels of THCA. THCA is converted to THC over time through decarboxylation, a chemical reaction that releases carbon dioxide.
Heat naturally catalyzes the conversion of THCA to THC during storage and drying. Heat is also applied when smoking or cooking cannabis, which triggers the decarboxylation process.
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