Fact Checked by Doctor NameRaw cannabis refers to freshly harvested marijuana flowers and leaves that have not been dried, cured, or heated in any way.
Raw cannabis contains THC in its natural acidic form called THCA, which is not psychoactive until it gets converted to THC through heat.
Consuming raw cannabis will not make you feel high.
What is raw cannabis?
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Raw cannabis contains active cannabinoids like THCA and CBDA that provide potential health benefits without intoxication.
It is essentially “fresh” marijuana straight from the plant. Raw cannabis is moist, green, and sometimes sticky with resin.
The flowers, leaves, and stalks have not been exposed to heat or air drying.
This allows the plant’s natural cannabinoid acids to remain untouched. Raw cannabis must be decarboxylated, usually by drying and curing, before it will have the effects recreational users are looking for.
Benefits and uses of raw cannabis
Some proponents of raw cannabis believe it provides health advantages over heated preparations.
The endocannabinoid system processes raw cannabinoid acids like THCA and CBDA differently from THC and CBD.
Raw cannabinoids may be anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-nausea, and anti-cancer in small trials.
Raw cannabis juices, smoothies, and greens are a way to ingest the compounds without needing to vaporize or smoke.
Some claim that raw cannabis is better for medical use because of its non-intoxicating effects.
More research is still needed on the specific health effects of raw vs heated cannabis.
