What is THC-A?

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid or THCA is one phytocannabinoid out of over 100 compounds and counting that are found in the cannabis plant. It is a precursor of the more well-known cannabinoid THC.

How THC-A is grown

CBGA is known as the “mother” of all cannabinoids and is the first compound to develop. The CBGA, along with an enzyme known as THCA-synthase, is what helps produce the THCA compound. CBGA also breaks down into CBG and creates CBDA. THCA, CBGA, and CBDA are the acidic forms of the well-known THC, CBD, and CBG compounds.

A strain known to be high in THC-A must be chosen in order to culvate THC-A dominant cannabis.

How THC-A works

THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is the raw form of THC. THCA alone isn’t psychoactive, so it doesn’t get you high. The THCA compound includes a carboxyl ring, which prevents the THCA from binding to CB1 receptors in the brain and CB2 receptors in the body. However, when THC-A is heated, smoked, vaporized, or decarboxylated, it rapidly converts THCA to THC, which is psychoactive. As it is converted to THC, it binds to CB1 receptors and induces the euphoric effects many cannabis users enjoy.

The 2018 Farm Bill allows for 0.3% Delta-9 THC in hemp products. Since THC-A is chemically different from THC, it is effectively a loophole.

How do the effects of smoking THC-A flower differ from the effects of regular THC flower?

The main difference between smoking/vaping regular THC flower and THC-A is a variance in strength and flavor. However, most of the THC-A converts to Delta-9 THC, so it’s generally difficult for the average cannabis user to notice a disparity in effects.

Some say THC-A yields a more uplifting and clear-headed experience than traditional flower. I find the effects of smoking THC-A a little more sleepy, but that’s purely anecdotal.

I’ve seen some studies referenced that claim THC-A may be a better anti-inflammatory, especially with certain chronic illnesses like Crohn’s disease, but I think this requires more research.

What are the benefits of consuming raw THC-A flower?

Consuming flower “raw” means consuming without heating, vaping, smoking, or processing it in any way. There is an ongoing trend to consume hemp flower raw for its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective benefits.

Raw flower can be blended into smoothies, juiced, or added to salads.

What about THC-A concentrates?

THC-A is available in concentrate form, usually as diamonds or dabs. THC-A concentrates can be vaporized for a powerful effect.