Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) can be found in all cannabis and is considered essential for extracting tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) from the plant. When cannabis is heated or burned through a process called decarboxylation, THCA is converted to THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis. Some strains of cannabis have higher concentrations of THCA in it, as does fresher cannabis flower. It is important to note that when you are purchasing cannabis flower and you see the chemical breakdown of it on the packaging, the amount of THCA and THC are typically the same.
THCA has different benefits than THC, so it can be beneficial to hold off on decarboxylation in some cases. THCA has been found to be highly effective in treating nausea and is an anti-inflammatory that can help with chronic pain. It has also been suggested that it has the potential to inhibit prostate cancer tumor growth.
In order to reap the benefits of THCA, you can find it in lotions, oils, tinctures, and transdermal patches for purchase from a dispensary. Juicing with raw cannabis leaves is also another popular method of consumption. If you would like to tap into the benefits of THCA without feeling intoxicating effects, we recommend that you avoid applying any sort of heat that will convert it to THC.
Cannabis science is one of the fastest moving frontiers medicinal sciences in the world. The pharmacology behind it has been accelerated by the realization that we’re all already marinated in cannabis-like molecules (endocannabinoids) and their receptors.
Endocannabinoids help regulate many physiological processes such as your mood, memory, appetite, pain, immune function, metabolism, and bone growth to name a few. Consuming cannabis also modulates this endocannabinoid system in many ways. The effects can be benevolent, although sometimes problematic.
Understanding the science behind cannabis is a key factor in being able to fully enjoy its medicinal value.
People have been using cannabis as medicine for thousands of years. The plant has also been widely used clothing, fuel, food, fiber, and medicine.
Cannabis contains more than 120 different cannabinoid molecules. But, as far as we know, only one gets you high: THC. The plant itself contains a huge amount of cerebral, non-intoxicating THC cousins with emerging medicinal potential. Their abbreviated names are often: CBD, CBG, THC-V, CBC, and CBN to mention a few.
Data Last Updated 10/20/2023
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