THC vs THCA: Difference Between THC and THCA
Think of the cannabis plant compounds. The chances are that THC first popped into your head. This tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of the most researched compounds of cannabis, and it is also the primary compound that is thanked by millions for the 'high' it produces.
Besides this, there's one more compound that is gaining attention: THCA, an inactive form of THC! This inactive THCA transforms into THC only when it is exposed to heat or light through a process called decarboxylation. This chemical shift not only changes its structure but also its effects—unlocking the euphoria THC is known for.
However, THCA holds its own promise, with non-psychoactive benefits tied to wellness trends.
Let's jump into a detailed guide that tells you the difference between THC and THCA, along with their comparison and potential benefits, to give you the best idea!
Raw Cannabis Chemistry: What Is THCA and How Does It Work?
Talking about raw chemistry does make it clear that THCA is a part of the raw plant. THCA, short for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is present in the cannabis plant before it is exposed to any heat.
So, if a plant isn't exposed to heat or light, it would have lots of THC. This explains why freshly harvested cannabis plants have a higher percentage of THCA.
The surprising thing about THCA is that it may be closely related to THC, but it doesn't produce any mind-buzzing effects. This happens because THCA cannot bind to the receptors in the brain!
It interacts completely differently to influence the immune and anti-inflammatory responses. Research suggests that THCA has many anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects minus the mind-altering buzz!
What Is THC and How Is It Different?
Let's come to the most hyped compound of cannabis: tetrahydrocannabinol, also popularly called THC. This famous compound is the reason marijuana enthusiasts love cannabis! It produces that typical high as it imparts those intoxicating effects of cannabis, which you so love!
Heat and light exposure work their magic to convert the harmless THCA into a powerful THC compound through the process of decarboxylation.
Decarboxylation removes the carboxyl group (acidic group) from the molecular structure of THCA. Now, this decarboxylated molecule is the magic-maker!
When you use THC, whether through smoking, vaping or through edibles, this compound enters your body to bind to the two receptors: CB1 and CB2.
Once it's bound, the harmless THCA, now in the form of potent THC, creates mind-altering effects. That buzz and oh-so-loved energy you like on the weekend after firing up is due to this THC binding to the body receptors!
From THCA to THC: The Role of Heat and Light
When you heat or shine light on THCA for a bit, it changes into THC through a process called decarboxylation. Think of it like this: THCA has a little extra piece hanging on, kind of like a backpack(called the carboxyl group). When heat is applied, the backpack falls off, turning it into THC—the part of cannabis that causes the "high."
This happens instantly when you smoke or vape cannabis because the heat does the job right away. The same thing happens when making edibles. To activate THC, raw cannabis is heated in an oven at around 220°F (104°C) for about 30 to 40 minutes.
How you heat cannabis also changes how it works. If you heat cannabis gently and at a lower temperature, it keeps more of its natural flavors and benefits.
These come from terpenes, which are like the plant's special oils that give it its smell and can even help with things like relaxation or focus. But if you turn up the heat too much, you end up burning away those good oils, and the plant loses some of its magic.
Here's another fun fact: heat isn't the only way THCA turns into THC. Over time, sunlight and aging can naturally make this change happen. That's why older cannabis plants or products usually have more THC compared to fresh ones—they've had more time to sit in the sun and go through this process.
Key Differences Between THC & THCA
Here's a breakdown to help you understand the key difference between THC and THCA.
Chemical Structure And Properties
THC and THCA are built differently because of a process called decarboxylation. Think of THCA as the raw version of THC, like a starting ingredient that hasn't been cooked yet.
It has an extra part attached to it called a carboxylic acid group (fancy term, but it's basically a small add-on). That's why it's called tetrahydrocannabinolic acid—the "acid" part comes from that extra piece.
Once heat or light removes that piece, THCA transforms into THC, the active compound that people recognize for its effects.
Psychoactive Effects
THC and THCA work differently in your body because they have different shapes. Our bodies have special spots called receptors, like little docking stations, where certain molecules can attach to trigger specific effects.
For example, chemicals like dopamine and serotonin dock at their receptors to make us feel happy.
THC works in a similar way. It connects to CB1 and CB2 receptors in your brain and nervous system.
When it docks, it sends signals that release neurotransmitters—these are like messengers telling your brain to create feelings of euphoria, change how you perceive things, and even relax your muscles.
THCA, on the other hand, is too big to fit into those receptors because it has an extra part attached to it (that carboxylic acid group).
Without being able to dock, it can't send those signals, which is why THCA doesn't make you feel high or have any psychoactive effects.
Legal Status
The legal status of marijuana still varies from State to State. THC is still a controlled substance in many areas, as retailers cannot sell more than 3500 milligrams of marijuana concentrate.
THC is federally illegal in the United States. However, about 38 States allow THC for medical or recreational use.
THCA, on the other hand, is not typically regulated or controlled. Since it doesn't produce any psychoactive effects, hemp-derived THCA in the form of extract or hemp flower is available at dispensaries.
Medical Applications
THCA is believed to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, so it might benefit those with arthritis, joint pain, or neurodegenerative diseases. It can also regulate insulin levels in the blood.
In comparison, THC may help with the following.
- Relieve pain
- Stimulate appetite
- Regulate mood
- Alleviate symptoms of multiple sclerosis
- Treat cancer treatment-induced nausea
Here's a comparison between THC and THCA to help you know more about these two cannabis compounds.
Aspect
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)
Chemical Structure
Lacks a carboxylic acid group due to decarboxylation.
Contains a carboxylic acid group (-COOH).
Psychoactive Effects
Produces psychoactive effects by binding to CB1 receptors.
Non-psychoactive, does not bind effectively to CB1 receptors.
Receptor Binding
Activates CB1 and CB2 receptors, altering mood and perception.
Primarily influences immune and inflammatory responses
Legal Status
Federally illegal in the US, regulated in some states for medical/recreational use
Typically unregulated and available in hemp-derived forms.
Medical Applications
Used for pain relief, appetite stimulation, mood regulation, and nausea reduction.
Potential anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and insulin-regulating effects.
Conversion
Created when THCA is exposed to heat or light (decarboxylation).
Naturally present in raw cannabis, it converts to THC with heat or light.
How Can You Use THC and THCA?
You can use THC and THCA in different ways. Here are some of the most popular methods.
Smoking or Vaping
The effects kick in quite immediately when you smoke or vape cannabis. The heat quickly changes THCA into THC and gives you the typical high. However, smoking may be rough on your lungs if you have a breathing issue.
If you use THCA flowers or concentrates, just know that once you apply heat—like when you light it up or use a vape—the THCA turns into THC. So it won't stay in its non-psychoactive form anymore.
Edibles
You can also eat THC and THCA in things like gummies, cookies, or even drinks. THC edibles take longer to kick in—about 30 minutes to an hour—but the effects can last much longer.
Be careful, though, because it's easy to eat too much and end up feeling stronger effects than expected.
THCA edibles, like gummies or capsules, are available too. If you want to keep them non-psychoactive, make sure not to heat them. Eat them raw if you're trying to preserve the THCA.
Using Creams or Lotions (Topicals)
You can rub THC or THCA onto your skin using creams, balms, or lotions that contain the compound. This is great for localized pain relief or skin issues. Plus, it won't make you feel high because it doesn't enter your bloodstream the same way as smoking or eating it.
Dropping Under Your Tongue (Sublingual)
THC and THCA oils can be placed under your tongue for fast and accurate effects. The THC version works quickly because it goes straight into your bloodstream. THCA stays in its non-psychoactive form this way, so you won't need to worry about it turning into THC.
Suppositories
This might sound unusual, but THC and THCA can also be used as suppositories (rectally or vaginally). This method works well for people who can't smoke or eat cannabis. It's also known for targeting specific areas faster and providing longer-lasting relief.
Wrapping Up
Cannabis can do a lot of cool things, like helping you relax, feel better, or just enjoy a nice, balanced vibe. Knowing the difference between THC and THCA helps you pick the right option for what you need.
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