Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in raw and live cannabis plants. It’s the acidic precursor to the better-known compound, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis responsible for the "high" sensation. Unlike THC, THCA is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce a high when consumed.
What Exactly is THCA?
THCA becomes THC through a chemical process called, “decarboxylation”, which involves the removal of a carboxyl group from the molecule. This transformation occurs when THCA is exposed to heat, such as when cannabis is smoked or vaporized, or even when it is exposed to light or stored over an extended period of time.
The History of THCA
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) was first isolated and described in the 1960s, during a period when scientists were conducting foundational research into the chemistry of cannabis. The discovery of THCA was closely related to the isolation and identification of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, which was first isolated in pure form by the late Israeli chemist Raphael Mechoulam and his team in 1964.
After the discovery of THC, researchers began to better understand the biosynthetic pathways of cannabis, including the role of THCA as a precursor to THC. When cannabis is heated or aged, THCA undergoes a chemical reaction called decarboxylation, in which it loses a carboxyl group and transforms into THC.
The discovery and subsequent study of THCA helped deepen the scientific understanding of cannabinoids and laid the groundwork for further research into both the psychoactive and non-psychoactive components of cannabis. It also set the stage for investigating the potential medical applications of various cannabinoids, including both THC and THCA.
The work of Mechoulam and others during this time period was pioneering in the field of cannabis research, and their discoveries paved the way for a deeper understanding of the plant's complex chemistry. Since then, research into THCA, THC, and other cannabinoids has expanded significantly, especially as legal restrictions on cannabis research have started to ease in some jurisdictions.
What are the Properties of THCA?
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is a federally legal cannabinoid that seems to offer some extremely valuable properties pertaining to the human body, while also introducing a unique type of high to the user.
Chemical Properties:
- Molecular Formula: The molecular formula for THCA is C22H30O4.
- Precursor to THC: THCA decarboxylates, or loses a carboxyl group, when exposed to heat or sunlight, converting it into THC.
- Solubility: It is generally soluble in organic solvents like ethanol but is not water-soluble.
Biological Properties:
- Non-psychoactive: THCA does not produce a "high" when consumed in its natural form.
- Anti-inflammatory: Preliminary studies suggest THCA may have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Neuroprotective: There is evidence to suggest that THCA may have neuroprotective qualities, but more research is needed.
- Anti-emetic: THCA has been shown to possess anti-nausea and anti-vomiting effects in some animal models.
- Immunomodulatory: Some research indicates that THCA might have an effect on the immune system, though this is not yet well-understood.
Physical Properties:
- Stability: THCA is relatively unstable and easily decarboxylates to THC when exposed to heat, light, or oxygen.
- Appearance: Typically found as a crystalline, resinous substance in raw cannabis.
- Taste: THCA is usually tasteless and odorless, unlike THC, which has a distinct smell and taste due to the presence of various terpenes in the plant.
Pharmacokinetics:
- Bioavailability: The bioavailability of THCA is generally considered to be low when consumed orally.
- Metabolism: Like other cannabinoids, THCA is metabolized by the liver. However, it doesn't convert to THC in the body unless it has been decarboxylated.
It's important to note that much of the research on THCA is still in the preliminary stages. As such, its full range of properties, as well as its potential for medical use, aren’t yet fully understood.
How Does THCA Really Feel?
Because tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is non-psychoactive, consuming it will not produce the euphoric or mind-altering effects commonly associated with THC. However, THCA has been the subject of research for its potential therapeutic benefits, as we stated above.
Now, while THCA is not psychoactive in its native form, it's essential to remember once again, it can easily be converted to THC through heating, as happens when cannabis is smoked or vaporized. Therefore, if someone were to consume raw cannabis thinking it only contains THCA, heating the plant material could result in psychoactive effects.
Essentially, THCA itself is not psychoactive but has the potential to convert into the psychoactive compound THC when exposed to heat.
Types of THCA Products
THCA is now available on the market, allowing you to see for yourself what it can add to your daily hemp routine in the following forms/delivery methods:
- Vapes: By far the most popular product on the market, they come in a multitude of strains by combining THCA extract with strain-specific terpene profiles. Vapes are known for offering fast-acting and potent yet short-lived effects compared to other methods.
- Tinctures: Absorb sublingually, coming in the forms of oils consisting of THCA extract diluted in a carrier oil – usually MCT. They come in a wide array of concentrations which is great for those who have a specific serving amount they wish to consume. Plus, they work relatively quickly while potentially lasting for several hours in the body.
- Edibles: Quite popular and are known to offer up to 8 hours of effects although they do come on slowly. They’re also associated with a stronger “body high” which many people find to be favorable. Available in different flavors and strengths.
- Capsules: Capsules are a great alternative to edibles, in that they work in basically the same way except they contain no ingredients other than THCA extract and, usually, a carrier oil.
- Flower: There are no strains that have enough THCA in them to deliver a strong THCA experience, but companies can infuse raw flower buds with THCA extract to produce this type of effect, working with a variety of strains that’re available.
- Concentrates: These are usually flash-vaporized with dabbing devices, and even contain extremely high levels of THCA to produce more potent effects.