Did you know that THCA is perhaps the biggest gamechanger which the hemp industry has ever seen? Well, now you’re aware. We can’t stress enough, too, that our customers are downright obsessed with THCA vapes, flower, and dabs, as they deliver the legendary effects of delta 9 THC, without being in conflict with the law. As THCA products become more commonplace on the hemp market, we just gotta offer a “friendly” guide regarding this cannabinoid. That way, you know what kinds of effects to expect, the extent of THCA’s legality, any potential side effects, and more.
Welcome to THCA 101
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is the acidic form of delta 9 THC, and the precursor to delta 9 prior to decarboxylation. Basically, when you’re handling raw cannabis buds, you’re not actually looking at delta 9 THC, as it doesn’t exist yet. For THCA to convert into delta 9, the cannabinoid must undergo a process called “decarboxylation”, meaning t’s heated to the right threshold temperature for its chemical properties to change.
Like all raw cannabinoids (CBDA, CBGA, etc.), THCA doesn’t interact directly with cannabinoid receptors in the body. Nor does tetrahydrocannabinolic acid produce mind-altering effects. Again, the cannabinoid must undergo decarboxylation in order for THCA to become THC, like when we light cannabis flower in order to smoke it. This is why simply eating a flower bud won’t cause the effects we associate with delta 9.
Now, that doesn’t mean that THCA serves no purpose as is, so to speak. When it’s kept raw, it may have its own unique positive effects that are different from those of delta 9 THC, since rather than acting on cannabinoid receptors, it works with other types of receptors in the body, such as those that influence serotonin uptake.
Still, we’re gonna be focusing mainly on post-decarboxylated THCA – aka delta 9 THC, due to the large majority of THCA products you can purchase at the moment being THCA vapes, concentrates, and flower. All three of these products require heating in order to be used, and this inevitably decarboxylates THCA into delta 9 THC.
What Effects Can Be Expected from Taking THCA Products?
Again, we’re now talking about THCA products that involve decarboxylating the cannabinoid into delta 9 THC, like vapes, flower, and concentrates. So, do these products provide potential benefits? Well, delta 9 is the most well-researched cannabinoid in history, and that’s great news, because it means we actually know a lot about what kinds of effects it can give us when we take it. For several decades, delta 9 THC has been studied by countless researchers, and we see that it may be able to help in different areas. Although, even after all these years, more research is still being conducted. Of course, delta 9 is also widely used for its blissful mind-altering effects.
How are THCA Products Legal?
In 2018, the United States passed the Farm Bill to legalize hemp and all of its derivatives. Basically, because of the 2018 Farm Bill, all products containing a maximum of 0.3% delta 9 THC by dry weight can be sold legally under federal law. Now, each state has the right to restrict certain hemp products as they see fit, but under federal law, THCA is permitted. Despite the fact that tetrahydrocannabinolic acid decarboxylates into delta 9 THC, on paper, they’re two different hemp derivatives.
But, taking federal law into account, it’s important to know that some states have outlawed high-THCA products, by lumping THCA and delta 9 THC into the same legal category, known as “total THC.” Any state that follows “total THC” laws forbids sales of products that contain 0.3% of delta 9 THC and THCA combined. With these laws rapidly changing from state to state, we suggest checking your state to see where they stand with “total THC,” to be sure you can buy THCA products legally.
What Types of THCA Products are Worth Checking Out?
You can find THCA in any product type that other cannabinoids come in, including gummies, tinctures, and the like. As we pointed out earlier though, you’re mostly likely find THCA vapes, concentrates (aka dabs), and flower, as these products are actually giving you the effects of delta 9 THC. Let’s take a closer look at these super popular product types:
- THCA Vape Cartridges (Vape Carts): These are 510-threaded cartridges that contain a coil and the vape oil that’s made up of THCA distillate and terpene extracts. They attach to 510-threaded vape pens. Like all the products on this list except for diamonds, they come in a large selection of strains.
- THCA Disposable Vapes: Are all-in-one vape pens with a cartridge and connected battery, that also contain a formula of THCA distillate and terpene extracts. Their big appeal is that they can be vaped as soon as the packaging is removed, and they require virtually no maintenance.
- THCA Flower: THCA flower is raw hemp flower buds that’re cultivated specifically for the flowers to produce high amounts of THCA, naturally. They can be used just like any cannabis buds.
- THCA Pre-Rolls: THCA pre-rolls consist of ground up flower rolled into paper, ready to smoke out of the package.
- THCA Concentrates: THCA concentrates, like liquid diamonds, wax, live rosin, etc., are concentrated products that produce far stronger effects than flower or vapes.
- THCA Diamonds: You can also buy purified THCA, known as THCA diamonds, which come in crystal form, as the cannabinoid naturally crystallizes when it reaches a certain level of purification.
How Does THCA Interact with Other Cannabinoids?
Obviously, when you search online or at your local cannabis shop, you will see products that are blended, meaning have multiple cannabinoids. You see, THCA interacts with other cannabinoids in several ways, which can influence its effects, and here’s how:
- Synergistic Effects: THCA is believed to be part of the entourage effect, where various cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis work together to produce unique effects that differ from the effects of each compound alone. For example, when present with other cannabinoids like CBD and terpenes, THCA may contribute to the overall benefits of cannabis without adding psychoactivity.
- Modulation of Effects: While THCA does not bind to CB1 receptors in the brain and therefore doesn’t produce a high, it may still modulate the receptor environment or interact with other biological pathways. This modulation can potentially alter the effects of other cannabinoids that do bind to these receptors, such as THC.
- Impact on Metabolism: Although less studied, cannabinoids can potentially affect each other’s metabolism in the body. THCA might interact with enzymes that metabolize other cannabinoids, altering their bioavailability and effects.
- Competition and Cooperation: THCA might also engage in competitive or cooperative interactions at various receptor sites or enzymatic pathways, impacting how other cannabinoids perform in the body.
Note: While THCA itself doesn’t interact with other strains, the overall profile of the strain (which includes THCA content) can influence the effects experienced by the consumer once it is used, particularly in how it’s processed or consumed.
How Does THCA Interact with Live Resin and Live Rosin?
In the context of cannabis concentrates like live resin and live rosin, THCA has a significant role in determining potency and experience. Essentially, users can expect a powerful effect due to the fresh extraction of active compounds, and the terpene-rich environment enhances the psychoactive and therapeutic effects via the entourage effect (there’s that word again). This makes both live resin and live rosin highly sought after for their flavor, aroma, and effectiveness, especially among those looking for a robust, full-spectrum cannabis experience.
Live Resin
Since live resin is made using freshly harvested cannabis that is immediately frozen and then extracted using solvents, it typically preserves a high level of THCA along with other cannabinoids and terpenes. The presence of THCA in live resin means that the product will be potent and, when heated (like when vaping or dabbing), it will convert to THC, providing a strong psychoactive effect.
Live Rosin
Similarly, live rosin is produced through a solventless process involving heat and pressure, also from fresh or frozen material. This process preserves a high level of THCA as well as terpenes. Live rosin supplies a pure, potent experience when the THCA is converted to THC upon heating. Like with live resin, the terpenes and other cannabinoids can enhance the effects of the THC, contributing to a complex, nuanced ‘high’.
Does THCA Have Side Effects?
THCA and its post-decarboxylated counterpart, delta 9 THC, have been used for thousands of years all over the world. It goes without saying, therefore, that people are happy with its effects, and that the cannabinoid does not seem to cause any serious harm to humans that would hurt its popularity. But, you always want to be aware of side effects that can come up, as tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, like pretty much all substances, has the potential to produce mild, temporary side effects.
To clear the air, THCA and THC are nontoxic, meaning that the human body can, in fact, tolerate relatively high and/or frequent servings of it without significant negative effects. Still, mild and short-lived side effects can occur, such as:
- Dry mouth
- Dry eyes
- Anxiety/paranoia
- Dizziness/lightheadedness
- Low blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- General impairment
Note: If you’re concerned about certain potential side effects, or have experienced side effects that concern you, it’s best to talk to a medical professional who can give you more personalized advice and guidance.
What About the Matter of Drug-Testing?
In terms of drug testing, THCA itself is generally not what’s detected. Most standard drug tests look for THC or its metabolites (such as THC-COOH) in urine, blood, or saliva. However, since THCA can convert to THC through decarboxylation, using products containing THCA could potentially lead to a positive test result for THC, especially if the product is heated, as in the case of smoking or vaporizing.
So, it’s important to consider the type of product and its usage:
- Raw Cannabis: Consuming raw cannabis (like in edibles (gummies, candies, etc.), in juices or salads) typically wouldn’t cause a positive test for THC because the THCA has not been converted to THC.
- Heated Cannabis Products: Smoking, vaping, or cooking with cannabis could convert THCA to THC, which could be detected on a drug test.
If you’re concerned about drug testing and the potential for a positive result due to THC, it’s wise to avoid hemp-based products that have the THCA being converted into THC. Always consider the specifics of the drug test and the sensitivity of the testing method used.
Bottom Line: THCA is a Cannabinoid Worth Trying!
THCA is, without a doubt, one of the most successful things to ever come out of the hemp marketplace. And, now you can see why, as its appeal has a lot to do with its relationship to THC. If you’re interested in seeing how THCA feels, try it for yourself, and explore the multitude of Friendly Hemp THCA products – offering lab-tested, authentic THCA which can convert into delta 9 THC.
