Effects of THCA
With so many different cannabinoids hitting the shelves these last few years, it’s tough to keep track of their distinct properties. You may have heard about THCA, but are you actually familiar with this cannabinoid? What exactly is THCA? Where does it come from? What are the effects of THCA? Read on to find out!
In the meantime, if you’re looking to experience the effects of THCA for yourself, shop our selection! Choose from five different kinds of THCA blunts. Whether you’re looking for indica, sativa, or hybrid, we’ve got you covered. If prerolls are more your jam, check out these tres leches THCA prerolls. Here at DVNT, we share our lab test results right on our site so you can shop smart and stay lit, sans stress.
What is THCA?
THCA is a naturally occurring cannabinoid. It’s actually the acidic form of THC. Like all other naturally occurring cannabinoids, it forms in the plant when CBGA (the first cannabinoid to form in a plant) breaks down. In its original form, THCA is not intoxicating. This is because its chemical structure is not compatible with our CB1 receptors. If a cannabinoid can attach to these receptors, it produces a high. Since THCA has an extra molecular carboxyl ring, its shape is not compatible with these receptors. Hence, no high.
But wait, there’s more!
THCA does not produce any psychoactive effects when consumed in its raw form. However, if you add heat, this changes. When you add heat, THCA actually transforms into the beloved, and psychoactive, THC. During this process, THCA loses its extra ring, and is able to attach securely to our CB1 receptors as THC. This heat can come from a lighter, a vape, or even the oven. Have you ever wondered why you decarb flower in the oven before using it for butter? When you do this, you’re actually using that heat to convert THCA into THC so your edibles hit.
Effects of THCA
Eating weed in its original form does not get you high, because the THCA hasn’t been converted to THC. As I mentioned earlier, if you consume THCA in its original form, it’s not psychoactive. If you’re looking to enjoy actual THCA in its non-psychoactive form, you would need to eat your weed (ideally by grinding it up into a smoothie, but if you want to just take a bite out of a nug, go for it I guess…). Another option would be to enjoy a specially made tincture. The effects of THCA are similar to those of THC, but without the high. Think anti-inflammation, relaxation… almost like CBD. This cannabinoid has great potential for medical patients searching for relief without the high, although more research is still needed to fully understand the benefits of THCA.
Effects of ‘activated’ THCA
Once you add heat to THCA, it becomes THC. You probably know what the effects of THC are already, but in case you don’t, I’ll sum them up here. After smoking THC, you may feel euphoric, relaxed, and creative. You might be more prone to laughter, have an increase in appetite, and be more sensitive to things like sound, light, and taste. Other effects include an elevated heart rate and confusion. It’s also possible to experience a sense of paranoia, panic, and anxiety. Know yourself, and your limits, and you will be less likely to experience the negative mental effects. If you’re new to THCA/THC, ease into it gradually and see how you feel before over doing it.
The bottom line
THCA is not psychoactive unless you add heat. The effects of THCA in its original form are comparable to CBD, or THC minus the high. More research is still needed to fully understand THCA, but it does show promise for those looking for relief without getting stoned. For those of us that enjoy getting high, converting THCA to THC is as easy as smoking one of our THCA blunts. Once the heat is added, the effects of THCA are actually just the regular effects of THC. You’ve probably converted THCA to THC on your own before, but now you can at least understand the process, and truly enjoy the experience this cannabinoid has to offer.