What is the Difference Between THC vs. THCa?
If you’re a cannabis enthusiast, chances are that you know about the wonderful THC. Well, THC has a sister, and her name is THCa. What is the Difference Between THC vs. THCa though?
Cannabis is an increasingly popular plant that has been used for centuries. It's becoming more accepted around the world as a recreational drug, with many countries having legalized its use in some form. With so many stoners around the globe, it's clear that cannabis isn't going away anytime soon.
Cannabis can contain THC. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) are two of the most common and well-known cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. While both of these compounds have similar effects, there are some key differences that should be noted.
In this article, we will explore the differences between THC and THCa, including their effects on the body, how they interact with the endocannabinoid system, and potential therapeutic uses.
What is THC?
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It’s the main component of cannabis, and it’s responsible for the feeling of being “high” when marijuana is consumed. THC is the main compound talked about when it comes to
THC works by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which can lead to changes in mood, perception, and behavior. People love to enjoy good ol’ herb medically and recreationally, with good reason. THC has multiple uses, whether you’re looking to have a little fun, get some rest, or treat nausea and pain.
Does THC percentage matter?
With the legalization of marijuana in many states, the cannabis industry is booming and there is an ever-increasing selection of strains available to consumers. But how much does THC percentage matter when it comes to selecting which strain to buy? While THC percentage can give you an idea of potency and effects, there are other variables such as terpene profiles and cannabinoid ratios that also affect your experience with cannabis.
Terpene profiles are becoming increasingly important when it comes to understanding the effects of cannabis. They give you a better idea of how a specific strain will affect you, allowing you to make an informed decision about which one is best for your needs.
Terpenes are the compounds responsible for the aroma and flavor of cannabis, and their presence can also influence the effects that a strain has on you. By looking at the terpene profiles of different strains, you can get a better understanding of what kind of effects they may have on your body and mind.
What is the difference between THC and CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two of the most well-known compounds found in cannabis plants. While they have similar chemical structures, they interact with the body in different ways.
CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it won’t get you “high” as THC does. CBD has been used for its various medicinal benefits, such as relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and improving anxiety disorders. CBD is nearly as popular as THC, especially for those who aren’t looking to get high. CBD remains the perfect choice for anyone who needs relief from medical conditions.
How many different variations of THC are there?
THCa isn’t the only sister of THC. There’s also THCo, Delta-8, Delta-9, CBG, CBN, and more. The cannabis plant continues to show the world how versatile it can really be. All of these different variations are related to one another and have medicinal benefits in some way.
On the other hand, a lot of these variations haven’t had a chance to be throughout studied. Due to this, you might want to tread carefully when trying any of these variations. Many CBD companies will carry flowers, edibles, and vapes with these variations.
What are the strongest THC strains?
THC percentages vary greatly when it comes to cannabis strains. When buying weed, you’ll notice strains for as low as $5 per gram and up to $40 per gram. This wide range of pricing is due to the even wider range of THC percentages. The more THC a strain has, the more money you’ll be paying. This is because the higher the THC, the higher you’ll get. A strain at 30% is going to get you considerably higher than a strain at 12%.
Some of the strongest THC strains are:
- Jenny Kush - 32%
- Chiquita Banana - 30.6%
- Godfather OG - 34%
- Bruce Banner - 30%
- GG4 - 28%
What are low-THC strains?
Low-THC strains are perfect for those who are sensitive to high THC. Low THC strains are popular for those who aren’t looking to get absolutely blasted. You can find low-THC strains anywhere.
Make sure you are purchasing from a reputable source before deciding to try a new strain or product. The last thing you want is to get a cannabis product that isn’t what it says it is. Check out reviews of any products as well.
Can THC make you paranoid or anxious?
THC can make you paranoid or anxious. More so if you consume more than needed. If THC tends to make you paranoid or anxious, it’s a good idea to focus on low-THC strains or purely CBD. This way you can avoid making yourself feel uncomfortable.
Besides, cannabis is here to help you – not hurt you. Using cannabis should be an enjoyable experience. So if you’re getting paranoid, try consuming less or sticking with strains that have a low THC percentage. Eliminating THC completely is the best move to prevent paranoia, anxiety, or panic attack from coming on. You can also try strains that are half THC and half CBD. CBD is known to balance out the psychoactive effects of THC - which leads to a perfectly balanced high.
How long does marijuana (THC) stay in your system?
If you have a drug test coming up or are just curious, you might be wondering how long weed stays in your system. The effects from smoking weed only last 2-3 hours, but the THC can still be detected for days afterward.
The detection time heavily depends on the drug test used and how often you partake. The THC from weed shows five to seven days after the last session for regular, moderate users. However, for heavy, everyday users - can take well up to three to six months for the THC to clear your system. THC can also be found in your hair and still be detectable for up to three months (90 days).
What different ways can you consume THC?
You can consume THC via flower, concentrates, edibles, or tinctures. Most commonly, stoners would prefer to smoke flower. Though, every stoner tends to have their own preferences when it comes to the variety of ways you can take THC.
No matter how you decide to consume THC, you want to be aware of the THC percentage or the number of milligrams your THC product has. Ingesting too much THC is an experience you want to avoid completely.
What is THCa?
On the other hand, THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is a cannabinoid found in raw cannabis plants. It’s the precursor to THC, the main psychoactive component of cannabis. While THCa itself does not produce any psychoactive effects, it has numerous potential health benefits. For example, THCa can help reduce inflammation, alleviate pain and nausea, and even reduce seizures in some cases.
In addition to its therapeutic benefits, THCa also has antioxidant properties that can help protect your cells from oxidative stress and disease-causing free radicals. With its wide range of potential benefits, THCa is quickly becoming one of the most popular cannabinoids on the market today.
So, what does this mean for consumers? This means that strains with more THCa are going to have a much lower level of psychoactivity than THC strains.
What is the difference between THC vs. THCa?
Both THCa and THC are vital compounds found in cannabis - however, they have different effects on the body. THCa is an acid form of THC and when consumed, it doesn’t induce any psychoactive impact.
For those looking for the benefits of cannabis without the potentially overwhelming effects of THC, THCa is an excellent option. THCa has non-psychoactive properties that can still provide many therapeutic benefits such as anti-inflammatory, anti-seizure, and pain relief. It’s also a great choice for those who are sensitive to THC or don't wish to experience its psychoactive effects.
What are the side effects of THCa?
The side effects of THCa vary. THCa is a non-psychoactive compound that is readily metabolized by the body, meaning it produces no high or intoxication. If you decide to try THCa, you won’t feel high. Instead, you can expect side effects similar to THC:
- Dry mouth
- Red eyes
- Dizziness
- Increased heart rate
On the other hand, THCA-related side effects might not be as strong, or could even go unnoticed. THCA does not have any psychoactive effects, so it is unlikely to produce the same "high" that THC does, including euphoria and creativity. THCA is typically considered "safer" and milder than THC.
Is THCa legal in all states?
The 2018 Farm Bill has ushered in a new era of legalization for hemp-derived products, including non-psychoactive THCa. The Farm Bill defines marijuana as anything over .3% Delta-9 THC, and only criminalizes Delta-9 THC. This means that THCa is legal to produce, sell and consume in the United States.
If you're residing in an area such as Colorado, California, or Michigan, where recreational marijuana is allowed by law, then you possibly can own THCa in raw or decarbed form. However, it is prohibited to take it across state boundaries as the regulations may vary from one state to another.
Will THCa show up on a drug test?
The answer to this question depends on the type of drug test being used. Most conventional drug tests do not detect THCa, but there are some more advanced tests that can detect it. It’s important to understand the type of test being used before assuming that THCa will or won’t show up on a drug test.
What does THCA do to the brain?
Studies suggest that THCA might be beneficial for preserving essential functions like memory and coordination as you age. On the other hand, there is conflicting evidence that states cannabis can have a detrimental impact on your brain. Therefore, it is always advisable to talk to your doctor and understand if THCA or any other medical cannabis products are suitable for you.
What medical conditions can I treat THCa with?
Cannabinoids like THCa are gaining traction as potential treatments for a variety of medical conditions. Research is ongoing, but early studies suggest that THCa may be beneficial for treating pain, inflammation, nausea, anxiety, and other conditions. As with any medication or supplement, it's important to speak to your doctor before using THCa as a treatment option.
What cannabis strains are high in THCa?
If you’re interested in THCa, there are strains that are actually high in THCa. These strains include:
- Lemon Kush
- Death Star
- Blue Dream
- Sour Diesel
- Ghost Train Haze
- White Tahoe Cookies
- Laughing Buddha
- Bruce Banner
- Lemon OG
Where can you buy THCa products?
You can buy THCa at your local dispensary, or any online cannabis/hemp store. Many online cannabis stores will sell all kinds of cannabis-related products. While online cannabis stores can’t typically sell and ship the kind of cannabis a dispensary carries, you can find other products that work in a similar way. As always, make sure to do your research before trying any new product.
Last word on the differences between THCa vs. THC
THC and THCa are two versions of the same chemical compound that can provide relief from symptoms associated with a variety of ailments. These compounds show that the cannabis plant is an incredible source of healing and recreation.
From vaping to smoking, topical application, tinctures, and more, there's something for everyone when it comes to using cannabis. And with advances in technology, the possibilities are endless. With further research on the plant’s medicinal benefits, we’re just beginning to scratch the surface of what this ancient plant can offer us.