THCa vs THC vs THCv

Cannabis has been used medicinally by humans for at least 5,000 years. Since then, it has been utilized for its medicinal effects to relieve pain, increase hunger, and induce muscular relaxation.

There are an estimated 3.6 million state-legal medicinal cannabis patients in the United States alone!

It is no surprise that various cannabinoids are making their way into the market today. You've probably heard of THC, but what about THCa and THCv?

Let’s talk about everything you need to know about THCa vs THC vs THCv.

What are Cannabinoids?

Before we look at THCa vs THCv, let us first define cannabinoids.

Cannabinoids are chemical substances that occur naturally in cannabis or hemp plants. It was discovered by Israeli scientists in the 1960s, and over 110 cannabinoids have been found to date.

Cannabinoids are substances that have been intensively explored for the treatment of nausea, inflammation, nausea, epileptic seizures, depression, chronic pain, sleep difficulties, anxiety, chronic pain, and many other conditions.

How Do Cannabinoids Work in the Body?

To know how cannabis interacts with the body, we must first understand a critical biological mechanism: the endocannabinoid system.

This intricate, built-in process allows humans to respond to cannabis via a network of receptors distributed throughout the body. From the brain and spinal cord to the gastrointestinal tract, it may be found in practically every major organ system.

These cannabinoid receptors aid the body in maintaining homeostasis and regulating its health.

There are two types of receptors in the endocannabinoid system: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are generally associated with the brain and neurological system, whereas CB2 receptors are mostly associated with the immune system.

These receptors, together with enzymes, contribute to the cleaning following endocannabinoid system operations, which help our bodies maintain a stable internal environment.

The endocannabinoid system's receptors become reactive when stimulated by cannabinoids. They can influence essential biological functions ranging from mood and memory to pain and appetite.

The specific effects of cannabis-derived products are determined by two factors: the cannabinoid or blend of cannabinoids utilized, and the location of the receptors that bind with those substances.

What Is The Definition Of THCa?

THCa stands for tetrahydrocannabinol acid, a cannabinoid linked to THC. THCa is technically the precursor of THC. THCa is created in the raw cannabis plant before any THC.

Through a process known as decarboxylation, THCa is converted into THC. When THCa is subjected to heat or a curing procedure over an extended length of time, the process begins. The carboxylic acid is removed during this procedure, leaving just THC.

The main distinction between the cannabinoids THC and THCa is their psychoactive effects. THCa is non-intoxicating because its chemical structure prevents it from interacting with the CB1 receptors that produce the THC high.

Because THCa molecules do not bind to CB1 receptors, they do not activate the endocannabinoid system in the same way.

Is THCa Good For Your Health?

Unlike THCa, THC has received substantial research throughout the years. This may be why THCa is not well known, yet this cannabinoid has health advantages.

Because it is not psychoactive, THCa does not appear to interact with CB1 receptors in the same way as THC does.

Anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects of THCa have been discovered. Another intriguing element about THCa is that it appears to operate better when combined with other cannabinoids and terpenes, a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.

As more people become interested in how non-intoxicating cannabinoids might benefit general health and illness treatment, it's no wonder that THCa will get even more attention.

THCa may be a beneficial option for people seeking treatment for a range of diseases without the euphoric effects of THC.

As a dietary supplement, THCa may be beneficial to individuals suffering from inflammatory ailments such as lupus and arthritis, neurological diseases, appetite loss, some kinds of cancer, and other conditions.

What is THCv, And What Are Its Benefits?

THCv, an abbreviation for tetrahydrocannabivarin, is a cannabis molecule with a distinct set of effects and medicinal advantages that distinguishes it from other cannabinoids such as THC and CBD.

THCv is regarded as a weight loss cannabinoid, and it appeals to customers who want to maintain or reduce weight.

THCv, while less common than other cannabinoids, has psychoactive effects depending on dose and strain. It does not provide a "high" feeling in low dosages, but it does in much higher levels.

THCv is often found in low quantities and is not currently accessible in pure concentrates. However, many strains with high THCv concentrations may also have high THC levels, resulting in euphoric effects.

Why Does THC Make Us Feel High Whereas THCa Does Not?

The explanation for this is related to the shape of the THCa molecule. It is a bigger molecule that does not fit into some cannabinoid receptors, notably the CB1 receptors.

CB1 receptors are largely found in the brain, central nervous system, lungs, liver, and kidneys. A cannabinoid must bind to a CB1 receptor to have an intoxication effect.

The cannabis plant generates hundreds of cannabinoids, which are the chemical components responsible for cannabis's potential medicinal and psychotropic effects.

However, just a few cannabinoids contribute to the euphoric high that is unique to the cannabis plant. THC is the most well-known, studied, and sought-after.

Decarboxylation Process of THCa vs. THC

Although the most frequent method of decarboxylation includes toasting cannabis in the oven to convert THCa to THC, there are several more methods.

1. Conversion Of Sunlight

   When exposed to heat or light, THCa transforms to THC to variable degrees. When a cannabis plant is exposed to light for a lengthy period, its THCa molecules gradually convert to THC.

2. Room-Temperature Conversion

   When held at room temperature for an extended period, THCa also transforms into THC. When soaked in olive oil for 10 days at 77 degrees Fahrenheit, 22% of the THCa will convert (25 degrees Celsius).When immersed in ethanol under the same circumstances, 67% will convert. Cannabis maintained at room temperature with low light exposure will convert 20% of its THCa into THC over time. Bottom line: THCa is unstable and can convert to THC with minimal intervention over time.

3. Smoking

   When smoking dried, cured bud with a flame, the high degree of heat delivered in a short amount of time rapidly transforms
   THCa to THC.However, not all THCa will convert, and while smoking is the most popular way to experience THC's effects, it is not the most efficient.

4. Vaporizing

   This is one of the most effective methods of decarbing cannabis. Cannabinoid acids are converted when heated at a low temperature.Increasing the heat will ensure that the maximum quantity of THCa is transformed into THC, but only to a point.THC's optimal vaping temperature is 315 degrees F; going over that may be better for some cannabinoids and terpenes, but you'll lose THC as temperatures rise.

5. Vape Pens

   The usage of already decarboxylated cannabis distillate found in preloaded vape pens is even more efficient than the vaporizing flowers. Because THCa is already partly converted to THC and vaporization removes even more, this is an effective technique for ingesting psychoactive cannabis.Purchase legal vape pens from approved companies like Hurcann and shops to verify that the cannabis oil contained therein is free of dangerous components.

6. Dabbing

   Dabbing, like vaporization, converts THCa into active THC. The most common type of THCa utilized for dabbing is crystalline.It has no flavor or scent because most cannabis extractions try to remove terpenes and flavonoids to isolate cannabinoids. However, several manufacturers reinsert cannabis-derived terpene mixes into the concentrate.Terpenes not only increase flavor, but these distinctly fragrant plant chemicals also collaborate with cannabinoids to generate entourage effects that boost cannabis's medicinal potential.

7. Baking

   You may use your oven to decarboxylate the cannabis before infusing it in butter or oil for heady DIY edibles.Simply crush your cannabis, distribute it evenly on a baking sheet coated with parchment paper, and bake for 30-45 minutes at 230 degrees Fahrenheit. The majority of the THCa will be converted into THC throughout this process.

THCa vs THC vs THCv – What’s The Difference?

These two are frequently mistaken yet completely distinct. THC's acidic precursor is THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid). THCv does not act as a precursor to THC.

If you've ever decarboxylated pot to make your edibles, you've converted THCa to THC. Because it does not influence the endocannabinoid system in the same way as THC, THCa does not have the same euphoric effects.

However, heating the molecule causes the conversion, which is why you feel high when you smoke a joint but not when you consume cannabis flowers directly from the plant.

Does THCv Get You High?

Some claim that even at very large dosages, THCv is only moderately psychoactive. Others report that THCv provides a distinct psychedelic sensation. In reality, there haven't been enough research or user reports to develop a solid response.

If you want to prevent intoxication, start with a little amount and evaluate how cannabis affects you personally before going all-in with a huge quantity.

The Health Benefits of THCv

The preliminary study on THCv indicates that it may assist with a wide range of diseases. Fortunately, most experts agreed that THCv is a potential therapy choice for a variety of illnesses, including pain alleviation, epilepsy, and others.

Here are a few additional THCv health advantages you should be aware of:

1. Anti-Inflammatory

   Researchers have found that THCv is an anti-inflammatory drug that, when administered correctly, may considerably reduce inflammation throughout the body.Finally, the fact that THCv is an anti-inflammatory agent is not surprising given that the majority of cannabinoids have this natural therapeutic ability.

2. Bone Growth

   Previous study indicates that THCv has special qualities that promote bone formation within the body. It was determined that taking THCv may aid with bone fractures and development problems.

3. Focus and Elevation of Mood

   One of the primary reasons for the surge in consumer interest in THCv is its potential for elevating mood and improving concentration on certain activities.While the additional study on the mood and focus advantages of THCv is needed, it is a hot topic among clients in dispensaries around the United States.

Is THCv A Healthy Alternative To THC?

THCv is a cannabinoid that occurs naturally. It may be fully organically and spontaneously synthesized in the cannabis plant.
The fundamental reason for the enthusiasm and expectation around THCv is that many people are half-expecting each new cannabinoid to have a beneficial medicinal application.

Perhaps it is reasonable to expect THCv to have medicinal applications. The current rise in medicinal cannabis has resulted in a plethora of media and medical studies highlighting new areas of application and interest in cannabis treatment.

Perhaps huge pharmaceutical corporations now feel obligated to properly research each new cannabinoid.

After all, there has never been more curiosity about cannabis's medical applications. For a generation, cannabis prohibition may have hampered cannabis research.

Cannabis, on the other hand, has grown into a multibillion-dollar industry for both medical and recreational uses. Pharmaceutical corporations, it appears, cannot afford to ignore any new cannabinoids. As a result, expect to hear a lot more about THCv in the future.

It's fascinating to see so much research on THC, CBD, and now THCv. This is merely a list of the first three cannabinoids. Consider the therapeutic potential of all the undiscovered cannabinoids.

Are There Any Common THCv Myths?

THCv can be produced from sources other than the cannabis plant, contrary to common perception. Citravarin, for example, is derived from citrus peel extracts, so you may get the advantages of THCv without having to consume cannabis plant leftovers.

While many of us avoid consuming THC-containing cannabis products to prevent feeling paranoid, there is no indication of paranoia in persons who use THCv-based products. THCv seems to reduce anxiety episodes in PTSD patients without dampening emotion.

Cannabinoids are often associated with "the munchies," but not THCv. It truly suppresses hunger.

Conclusion

We've already discussed THCv's non-psychoactive nature, which is the polar opposite of THC. Although their molecular structures are quite similar, their parents are not. THC is derived from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). Cannabigerovarinic acid is the source of THCv (CBGVA).

The difference between the two is mostly determined by the dose taken. At high concentrations, THCv can act similarly to THC, however, the effects are milder and shorter-lasting. In low or moderate dosages, THCv acts in the opposite way of THC, reducing its high effects.

Coming to THCv VS THCa, both are non-intoxicating and offer distinct benefits. Diabetes patients may benefit from THCv since it suppresses their appetite.

THCa is a powerful neuroprotectant with potential applications in the treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Both have powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

We are hopeful, this guide will help you better understand the differences between THC, THCa, and THCv.