Everything You Need to Know About THCA
Today, we’re talking about THCA, the cannabinoids getting lots of attention these days for its unique potential properties.
Big news! A new cannabinoid has made its way onto the cannabis scene, and you’ve likely seen it in many online cannabis shops (including ours!). Today, we’re talking about THCA, the cannabinoids getting lots of attention these days for its unique potential properties.
Cannabis plants are rich with cannabinoids, over 100 of them, all of which may contribute to how your favorite cannabis products may affect you. THCA is one of these cannabinoids, and cannabis producers are beginning to isolate this cannabinoid for sale.
In this post, we’ll explain what THCA is and how it compares to other cannabinoids like Delta 9 THC, Delta 8, and Delta 10. We’ll also talk about how to use THCA products and answer some commonly asked questions about THCA.
What is THCA?
THCA is yet another cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It is the acidic precursor to Delta 9 THC and is non-psychoactive on its own. On a molecular level, THCA is contained in a carboxyl ring that prevents it from binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain.
But, THCA is still a pretty impressive cannabinoid. Without it, the cannabis plant would not be able to produce the Delta 9 THC cannabinoid it is popular for. When THCA is heated through smoking, vaping, dabbing, etc., it converts into the psychoactive cannabinoid Delta 9 THC.
What’s the Difference Between THC and THCA?
Their main difference is that THC is psychoactive, while THCA is not. THCA must be heated to convert into THC. When THCA is heated, the carboxyl ring we mentioned earlier that covers the THCA is burned away, allowing it to bind with our cannabinoid receptors as THC.
When activated (i.e. converted into THC through heat), THCA may have the same effects as THC. When not activated and in its raw THCA form, it may have some potential therapeutic benefits similar to those of other non-psychoactive cannabinoids.
How Does THCA Compare to Other Cannabinoids?
Delta 8 and Delta 10 THC are cannabinoids similar to Delta 9 THC, but with small molecular differences that change their ability to bind with the cannabinoid receptors in our bodies. This means their potential effects may be less potent and different than those of Delta 9. Delta 8 may be milder than Delta 9, while Delta 10 may be more energizing and stimulating than Delta 8 and 9.
Unlike THCA, Delta 8 and 10 are psychoactive in their raw state. THCA must be heated to become psychoactive.
How to Use THCA
If you’ve ever used a Delta 9 THC product like flower, concentrates, or through a vaping device, you’ve likely already used THCA. That’s because THCA is in dispensary-grade products like these in varying amounts, and it converts into THC when heated. This can be done by smoking THCA products or decarboxylating THCA flower for use in edible products like baked goods or gummies.
If you’re interested in using THCA without converting it into its psychoactive cousin, you can do so by consuming raw flower - no heating needed. Some people do this by juicing cannabis into other juices to make it taste better. You can also find some THCA tinctures on the market, but they can be hard to come by.
Most people use THCA because of its potential conversion potential.
THCA FAQ
Does THCA Show Up On Drug Tests?
There is little research on this, but in general, it likely will. Drug tests screen for THC metabolites that are created in the body as it processes THC. Because THCA and THC are so similar, they likely undergo similar metabolizing processes in the body. If you want to avoid any issues with drug tests, we recommend avoiding THCA whether you consume it raw or after heating.
Is THCA Legal?
The law regarding THCA and other cannabinoids other than CBD and Delta 9 THC are complex and vary from state to state. In general, though, THCA is legal to be purchased in some states and jurisdictions. Before purchasing any cannabis products, always check your local laws and clarify which states an online cannabis storefront will ship to.
Does THCA Come From Hemp or Marijuana?
Both! You can find THCA in raw hemp and marijuana plants. It’s most abundant in marijuana, but it is found in trace amounts in the hemp plant. THCA available online comes from hemp plants and is concentrated to create more potent THCA products.
Is THCA Safe?
In general yes, but it depends where you get it from. THCA is non-toxic to adults and cannot cause overdose. THCA becomes unsafe when THCA products don’t contain what a seller says they do. If you find a THCA seller online that doesn’t showcase lab results or give details about where their products come from, do not purchase from them.
Another thing to note is how you use it. If you are heating and smoking THCA, it will likely come with similar side effects to THC like dry mouth or intoxication.
Are THC and THCA Dosing the Same?
In general, you can expect the potencies of inhalable THC and THCA products to be about the same. If you are consuming raw THCA without heating it, your dose will have no psychoactive effect. If you are heating and inhaling THCA to convert it, your dose should be about the same as dosing traditional THC.
Where to Find Trustworthy THCA Products and How to Spot Fakes
THCA is booming right now, which means a lot of companies out there are just trying to make a quick buck without considering the safety of their products. Here are our tips on finding trustworthy THCA sellers and where you can purchase THCA for yourself.
Where to Find THCA
There are a few places where you can find THCA
CBD/Cannabis Storefronts: Shops like these are typically easy to find across the country (excluding some states) and usually sell CBD, Delta 8, HHC, and other hemp-derived cannabinoid products. Since hemp-derived THCA is federally legal, a lot of these shops carry it in forms like flower, concentrates, edibles, and more. Our CBD Pros storefronts in Texas and Georgia carry THCA as well.
Online CBD/Cannabis Shops: If you frequently purchase your favorite wellness or cannabis product online, your favorite hemp-derived online store may have THCA products available. If you shop with us at CBD Pros (and you totally should!) we carry THCA, too.
Some (But Not All) Dispensaries and Popular Brands: Some big names in the medical and recreational cannabis space are dipping their toes into THCA too. While we know these brands are trustworthy, they tend to be on the more expensive side compared to other THCA options.
How to Spot Untrustworthy THCA Products and Brands
As we said, there are a lot of people selling THCA out there, and the market for it is likely to keep growing. Here’s what to look out for when searching for a reputable THCA brand.
Lack of Lab Testing Results: Lab testing is one of the most important things to look for, as it keeps you safe and informed as to what is in the products you are buying. If a company isn’t lab-testing their products, they likely have something to hide.
Inconsistent/Incorrect Lab Testing Results: If they do have labs, take a second look. Ensure that dosing and ingredients line up with what is on the product description and packaging. If a product contains anything suspicious, has failed a lab test, or does not report results consistent with the description of the products, don’t buy it.
Poor Customer Reviews, or No Reviews at All: Customer reviews can tell you if a product is worth buying in the first place. If the reviews are bad, don’t buy. If the reviews look fake, don’t buy. If they have no reviews at all, you should further research the company to see what their reputation is.
Lack of Transparency: Any good company will be upfront about where their products come from, why they trust the brands that they sell, and how they ensure quality. If you can’t get in touch with their team or find any information about their values and product sourcing, they may not be worth purchasing from.
Outright Medical Claims: No company selling hemp-derived cannabinoid products should be claiming that their products can treat or cure any ailment or disease. While there is lots of research into the potential for various cannabinoids to help with certain medical concerns, there are no regulated, FDA-approved, or FTC-approved facts about this yet. Steer clear of companies that promise their products are a cure-all, and stick to companies that present research and focus on the potential benefits of cannabis.
Lack of Education/Information: Cannabis is complex, and information is a powerful tool for understanding what it may do and how it may affect your body. Reputable companies who are passionate about cannabis will readily share knowledge with their customers through channels like newsletters or blogs like this one. If they don’t make an effort to educate people and help them learn, they may not be worth purchasing from.
All About THCA: Final Thoughts
THCA is an exciting cannabinoid, and it's becoming increasingly popular in the hemp-derived cannabinoid space. By understanding what it is, how it works, and what its potential effects are, you can decide if THCA is the right cannabinoid for you! Always be sure to purchase THCA and any other hemp-derived cannabinoid products from reputable companies.
If you’re looking for trustworthy THCA products or other cannabis products, check us out at CBD Pros! We have an awesome online shop full of quality, lab-tested products. Take a look at our locations to shop in-store, and check out our blog for more cannabis education.