Fact Checked by Doctor NameTHC is biosynthetically produced from THCA in raw and living cannabis plants. Decarboxylation turns THCA into psychoactive THC.
In addition to converting to THC, THCA may have medicinal advantages.
What is THCA?
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Before decarboxylation, THC is as acidic and non-psychoactive as THCA. THCA is produced in glandular trichomes of cannabis plants to create cannabinoids.
Harvested and dried cannabis progressively decarboxylates THCA into active THC. THCA may be converted to THC faster by heating, smoking, vaping, or boiling cannabis.
THCA levels are highest in raw, fresh cannabis plant material. Dried cannabis flowers contain a mix of both THCA and THC, as decarboxylation begins after harvest.
Benefits of THCA
As research on cannabis compounds expands, scientists are discovering a range of potential therapeutic uses for THCA:
- Anti-inflammatory – Demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties without psychoactivity.
- Neuroprotective – Early studies show THCA may help protect nerve cells and preserve neurological function.
- Antioxidant – A potent antioxidant that may reduce cell damage from free radicals.
- Anti-nausea – It may suppress nausea and vomiting as THC does.
- Pain relief – Shows promise for anti-pain effects similar to THC.
- Anti-tumor – Preliminary research indicates THCA may inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells.
While conversion to THC is needed for psychoactivity, THCA itself appears to offer many of the same medical benefits without causing a high.
More human research will further clarify the specific effects and benefits of this raw cannabis compound.
The Difference Between THCA and CBD
THCA forms as a precursor to the psychoactive cannabinoid THC. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-intoxicating compound in cannabis with relaxing and therapeutic effects.
Both offer medical benefits, but THCA converts to mind-altering THC when heated, while CBD remains non-psychoactive.
