Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid - An Overview

THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a natural compound available abundantly in raw, unheated hemp plants. THCA comes from CBGA, the mother of all cannabinoids and offers various benefits, and is easily absorbed by the body when consumed raw.

What are the Health Benefits of THCA?

Let’s look at its neuroprotective abilities. Studies have shown the compound’s effectiveness in hindering neurodegenerative disease progression. It is a natural neuroprotectant that helps treat various conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and seizures.

Get pain and inflammation relief effectively. THCA reduces pain and inflammation by stopping the production of inflammatory markers and managing inflammation pathways.

It helps stimulate the appetite of those suffering from cachexia and anorexia nervosa. Also, research suggests that THCA can help slow the proliferation of cancerous cells. In 2013, non-THC cannabinoids, including THCA, were tested on prostate cancer growth. They were highly effective in slowing cancer cell growth.

The same year, the British Journal of Pharmacology published another study on THCA’s anti-emetic effects. The research found it may be a potent alternative to THC in treating vomiting and nausea.

In 2020, the National Library of Medicine published a study on THCA’s potential in preventing metabolic diseases resulting from obesity. THCA effectively reduces diet-induced obesity and related problems like fatty liver and diabetes.

Is THCA psychoactive?

THCA is the acidic form of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and is non-psychoactive. Although they have the same chemical structure, THCA does not produce a high.

THCA has an additional molecular carboxyl ring, so it does not bind to the brain’s receptors. Hence, no psychotropic feelings.

While it won’t get you high in its raw form, heating transforms it into THC, which will produce euphoric effects. There have been no reported side effects of THCA consumption. It may turn into THC to produce euphoria, but the THC amount is likely negligible.

Does THCA Show on Drug Tests?

THCA is non-psychoactive, so it should not trigger a positive result, or will it..? The urine test is the most prevalent cannabis drug test. It is usually done in two ways - immunoassay (IA) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

IA is a fast and cheap way to test macromolecules in a sample. But they often produce inaccurate results. The second method derives results with more accuracy as the sample is vaporized and broken into different components before fragmentation.

If we look into hair tests, they do not detect cannabis consumption. In a 2015 study, it was found that cannabinoid presence in hair does not indicate cannabis consumption.

Is THCA Legal?

THCA’s legality is complicated. The compound is not a controlled substance federally. However, you could face legal complications if you are found possessing it, especially if it is exposed to heat and turns into THC, which is federally illegal.

The Farm Bill separates legal hemp from illegal cannabis. Cannabis with no more than 0.3% THC is hemp, and more than 0.3% THC is marijuana. So, a flower with only 0.2% THC and 20% THCA is considered hemp under the Farm Bill.

Some states are against hemp-derived cannabinoids, whereas some have recreational and medical cannabis laws. Hence, you must understand its legality at the state and federal levels when you buy THCA online.

How to Consume THCA?

THCA is available in different product types, such as THCA Hemp flowers, pre-rolls, and vapes. Keep in mind that any form of heating will alter THCA into THC. Once converted, it will produce euphoria despite its non-psychotropic nature. If you do not want its psychoactive effects, keep it away from heat, including sun rays.

Where to Buy THCA?

There are way too many buying options when it comes to THCA. But premium quality is delivered only by a few. Visit Green Herbal Care. We specialize in offering high-quality hemp-derived products. You can come to our local store for an in-person consultation with our expert in-store attendee or order online from our website. The choice lies with you.