Are you curious about the difference between tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)? Our team at Cannabis and Glass can help you break down the facts, reviewing THCA vs. THC.
You can find out how these chemical compounds can impact you and what they have to do with marijuana products by reading the post below, or stopping by our dispensary.
Defining THCA and THC
Before we get into the details of THCA vs. THC, you’ll want to understand the basic facts about these substances.
Facts About THCA
THCA is a cannabinoid that we find in live or raw cannabis. This substance, like CBDA, does not have a psychotropic effect because it cannot bind easily with receptors for CB1 and CB2. THCA and CBDA can both still have an impact on you when consumed, however.
THCA acts as a precursor to THC. When chemically changed through heat, this substance will convert to THC.
Facts About THC
THCA is the precursor to THC, which represents an active compound that can have psychotropic effects. While THC is also a cannabinoid, it differs from THCA because it does not have an extra carboxyl group. THC has a shape that allows it to interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors.
How THCA Converts into THC
When considering THCA vs. THC, it’s helpful to consider how THCA can get changed into THC. This change involves decarboxylation or the removal of the carboxyl group from a THCA molecule. Heating THCA allows the decarboxylation process to occur.
You can heat THCA enough to begin decarboxylation in several ways. Some of the most common methods involve:
- Exposing THCA to sunlight
- Leaving THCA in a room temperature environment
- Heating THCA by vaping or smoking a cannabis product
Once you have converted THCA to THC, you cannot easily reverse the process.
Compare the Effects of THCA and THC
As part of the THCA vs. THC debate, we can focus on the different effects of these substances. Both THCA and THC may benefit your health.
Potential Health Benefits of THCA
Let’s review the potential health benefits of THCA consumption first. Many people recommend products that contain THCA to:
- Relieve pain
- Stimulate your appetite
- Help you sleep
- Ease muscle spasms
THCA may have antiemetic effects, which means you can use it to reduce nausea and vomiting. Many people also value it for its anti-inflammatory abilities, which may help people diagnosed with diseases such as:
- Lupus
- Fibromyalgia
- Arthritis
Some individuals also recommend THCA as a measure to help treat certain cancers, including cancer of the prostate. You may consider these benefits when deciding whether or not to purchase a product with THCA.
Potential Health Benefits of THC
THC offers the same benefits as THCA, along with a few additional benefits. Many people find that THC increases their metabolic output, which can help with weight loss. It can also cause vasodilation, especially useful for individuals who have glaucoma.
Some people also choose it as a treatment option when handling addiction. The exact effects you experience may vary based on the THC levels in the cannabis product you select.
You can obtain THC using any cannabis delivery method. THCA, however, requires you to use tinctures, raw juice, topicals, or capsules, as once you heat the cannabis, the THCA converts to THC.
Learn More About THCA and THC
Do you want to learn more about the THCA vs. THC debate? You can get answers to your questions from our team at Cannabis and Glass. As the leading cannabis store in Ontario, we can help you review the facts about cannabis products. Find out more by calling us at (541) 907-1234 or stop by our shop today!
