What is THCA? Complete Overview of the Benefits, Side Effects and Uses

THCA is the most versatile, abundant, and potent cannabis compound you never knew about. You might’ve thought cannabis was all about THC. But it turns out there could be no THC if THCA did not exist. THCA provides incredible therapeutic benefits and powerful psychoactive potential depending on how you consume it.

This article answers the question, “What is THCA?” It also examines THCA’s origin, chemical structure, benefits, activated effects, and safety profile. 

What is THCA?

THCA is the non-psychoactive acidic precursor to THC found primarily in raw, unheated hemp and cannabis flowers. It is the most abundant cannabis compound, or cannabinoid, that exists in the plant prior. 

Consumed raw, THCA targets inflammation, reduces nausea, and improves brain function–all without getting you high. However, when heated through smoking, vaping, or cooking, THCA transforms into regular THC and produces the classic weed experience. This chemical activation process is called decarboxylation.

How Does THCA Form in Cannabis Plants?

THCA forms in cannabis plants as part of their natural defense system. As the plant grows, it produces high levels of THCA within the trichomes—resinous glands on the surface of flowers and leaves—that help protect against pests, UV radiation, and environmental stressors by acting as a natural deterrent and shield.

Understanding THCA’s Chemical Structure

THCA is a tetrahydrocannabinol molecule like THC. The difference is that THCA contains an acidic carboxyl group consisting of a carbon atom attached to an oxygen atom and a hydroxyl group. This extra group gives THCA a distinct shape and physiological effects compared to THC.

Notably, THCA’s acidic structure means it can’t engage cannabinoid receptors in the brain with the same strength as THC or THC P. Such binding power is necessary to produce marijuana’s intoxicating effects. 

So, when people ask, does THCA get you high? The answer is no. THCA is inactive in its original form. 

THCA Effects: Is THCA Psychoactive?

THCA is not psychoactive in its natural form. So, if you juice freshly harvested cannabis or consume cold-pressed extracts with high THCA levels, you will not experience an altered state. However, if you smoke, vape, or cook THCA flowers, you will definitely get high. 

Heating THCA transforms the acidic compound into THC by removing the extra carboxyl ring. This decarboxylation process allows the cannabinoid to bind with your cannabinoid receptors and elicit effects that include:

• Euphoria – A sense of heightened mood and happiness.
• Relaxation – Decreased tension and increased calmness.
• Altered perception – Changes in sensory experiences, including sights and sounds.
• Pain relief – Alleviation of discomfort, often helpful for chronic conditions
• Increased appetite – A noticeable increase in hunger, commonly called the “munchies.”
• Creativity boost – A shift in thought patterns that can inspire new ideas or perspectives.
• Reduced nausea – A settling effect on the stomach, easing sensations of queasiness.
• Increased sociability – An uplifted mood that can make social interactions more enjoyable and engaging.

Is THCA Safe? THCA Side Effects

THCA is generally safe, especially when you consume it raw. Decarboxylated THCA, or THC, is also well-tolerated. Most people report little to no adverse impacts and enjoy the experience. However, THC sensitivity and chronic use can cause side effects such as:

• Dizziness
• Cottonmouth
• Fatigue
• Red eyes
• Rapid heartbeat
• Paranoia/Anxiety

You can mitigate the risk of these side effects by starting with low doses, moderating usage, drinking lots of water, and taking periodic consumption breaks to avoid developing a tolerance. 

What does THCA do? THCA Benefits

THCA exhibits a versatile range of benefits depending on whether you consume it raw or activated. 

Unheated THCA

Unheated THCA possesses anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antioxidant properties. Scientists have also studied the cannabinoids for pain, nausea, and vomiting relief and for inhibiting cancer cells.

Pre-clinical trials reveal evidence for THCA’s therapeutic potential. 

• Inflammation reduction – THCA’s anti-inflammatory properties could help treat arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.
• Brain health – THCA displays neuroprotective properties that could treat multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and ALS.
• Nausea relief – Animal studies show that THCA can reduce vomiting and nausea at much lower doses than THC.
• Seizure disorders – Research suggests that THCA may possess anticonvulsant properties, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of seizures.
• Cancer – THCA slows the proliferation of cancerous cells, specifically prostate cancer, and might fight tumors.
• Metabolic health – THCA can stop fat cells from accumulating, helping prevent metabolic disease and obesity.

Decarboxylated THCA (AKA THC)

Decarboxylated THCA, aka THC, exhibits promising therapeutic potential as well. 

• Appetite stimulation – THC’s “munchies” effect can encourage healthier caloric intake in people with appetite loss due to illness or cancer treatment. 
• Sleep aid – THC elicits sedative effects that can help people fall asleep more easily and achieve deeper rest. 
• Neuropathic pain relief – THC can alleviate neuropathic pain by improving brain connectivity. This quality makes it helpful in managing conditions like fibromyalgia and migraines.
• Mood enhancement – Low THC doses can reduce subjective distress and improve mood in tense situations.
• Nausea relief – THC can decrease the brain’s response to nausea-inducing stimuli, including motion or chemotherapy, by modulating signals in areas responsible for emetic (vomiting) responses. However, THCA could be more effective. 

Researchers must conduct more placebo-controlled clinical trials to understand and validate these potential benefits fully.

THCA Flower

THCA flower is a term for smokable hemp buds containing potent concentrations of THCA (around 20%) and low THC (Delta-9 THC) levels, not exceeding 0.3% per the 2018 Farm Bill. 

THCA flower that falls within these parameters is federally legal and available in most places nationwide. However, several states have enacted laws restricting or banning THCA sales and use. Additionally, the DEA recently questioned the legality of smokable THCA products due to their psychoactive potential. 

Review your state’s hemp rules to be sure that THCA is allowed in your area. Then check out QWIN’s exclusive collection of THCA flowers for sale.

THCA vs. THC: What’s the Difference?

The most significant difference between THCA and THC is that THCA does not elicit psychoactive effects due to its distinct molecular structure. Other key differences include natural potency, chemical structure, consumption methods, and potential benefits.

Natural potency

THCA exists in large amounts in young and freshly harvested cannabis plants, often comprising over 90% of the total cannabinoid content in raw plant material. Meanwhile, THC exists in trace amounts in unprocessed plants, only reaching higher levels after decarboxylation.

Psychoactivity

THCA remains inactive until you expose the compound to heat through smoking, vaporizing, or cooking. On the other hand, THC is naturally psychoactive and requires no activation to elicit its mind and sensory-altering effects. 

Chemical Structure

THCA and THC have similar molecular structures but differ in the presence of a carboxyl group. THCA has an additional carboxyl group (-COOH) attached to its molecular structure, whereas THC does not. This extra group means THCA cannot induce the same mind-altering effects.

Consumption Methods

THCA vs THC consumption methods are entirely distinct based on your desired experience. 

If you don’t want to get high, you can consume THCA by adding raw hemp or cannabis flower into salads, juices, or smoothies. Other methods include cold-pressed whole-plant extracts.

If you do want to get high, you’ll need to purchase a regular THC product, which comes in forms like edibles, flowers, concentrates, oils, patches, and vapes. Alternatively, you can consume heated THCA products, like smokable hemp, THCA vapes, and homemade edibles using THCA flowers. 

Potential Benefits

Research suggests that THCA may possess anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antioxidant properties. Scientists are also investigating potential use in pain management, nausea reduction, and other medical applications.

THC, or decarboxylated THC, is known for its psychoactive, pain-relieving, and appetite-inducing properties.

Is THCA Illegal, and Can I Buy It Online?

THCA is federally legal as long as it contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight, according to the 2018 Farm Bill. As a result, hemp products with 20% (or more) THCA and up to .29% Delta-9 THC are allowed as long as they pass compliance testing. 

You can check out QWIN’s “Is THC A Illegal?” guide for a complete overview of the hemp-derived THCA legality from state to state within the US.

However, possessing THCA products, including THCA-infused oils, tinctures, and edibles, is still subject to local and state laws. Some states have “total THC” testing laws, which consider THCA quantities in determining whether products comply with mandates THC limits. Such legislation means that high THCA hemp flower is not legal in every state.

Additionally, some people theorize that THCA sales or possession could be considered illegal under the Federal Analogue Act, a section of the United States Controlled Substances Act passed in 1986 that says any chemical “substantially similar” to a controlled substance listed can also be considered illegal. However, law enforcement has not yet prosecuted anyone under this precedent.

Another fact to keep in mind is that THCA is only federally legal if it comes from hemp, like QWIN’s line of THCA products. Cannabis-derived THCA is only allowed in states with medical and adult-use programs. 

How to Use THCA

You can use THCA in two broadly different ways: raw or heated. 

Consuming raw cannabis is a popular way to get the benefits from THCA for wellness purposes without getting high. You can incorporate hemp or cannabis buds into your juicing routine for better taste. You can also purchase THCA tinctures, taken sublingually, or creams and salves applied topically.

Heating and smoking THCA allows you to experience its psychoactive potential. Smoking, dabbing, vaping, or ingesting edibles made from THCA flowers will provide you with pain relief, appetite stimulation, nausea reduction, and better sleep. 

You can also consume THCA in syrups, which can be inactive or psychoactive, depending on the ingredients they contain. QWIN’s Green Magic Elixir Syrups contain THCA, THCP, Delta-8 THC, and other potent mind-altering compounds. 

Should I dab THCA?

Dabbing provides one of the most powerful cannabis experiences due to the rapid and concentrated conversion of THCA into THC. The intense effects mean you must be prepared to control your dosage carefully.

Start with a small amount: Even a tiny dab can produce a strong effect, so begin with less than you need, especially if you’re new to the process.

Choose a low-temperature dab: Heating your nail to a lower temperature (300-400°F) helps preserve flavor, provides smoother vapor, and reduces the risk of overheating, which can lead to harsher effects and burnt flavors.

Take breaks: Allow time between dabs to gauge the effects and avoid overconsumption.

Stay hydrated and relaxed: Water and a comfortable setting can ease the intensity and make the experience more enjoyable.

THCA Potency by Product Type

THCA potency varies widely across different product types.

Flower: Smokable THCA flower contains moderate THCA levels, typically 10-30%. This option offers a balanced, gradual onset, ideal for a traditional experience with a moderate high.

Concentrates: THCA concentrates, such as isolates, diamonds, or crystalline forms, are extremely potent, often containing 70-99% THCA. These products deliver strong, rapid psychoactive effects when you heat and smoke them. 

Edibles: Homemade edibles undergo heating (through baking or sauteeing), which converts most of the plant’s THCA content into THC. Thus, the THCA potency in infused foods and beverages will be very low, but you’ll still experience a powerful high. 

Common Questions about THCA

What is a high THCA percentage?

A high THCA percentage in flowers is around 20%. However, concentrates can contain up to 99% THCA.

Is 10mg of THCA per day too much? 

A daily dose of 10mg of THCA is typically mild if you consume it raw without heating it to convert it into THC.

However, when you smoke, vape, or dab 10mg of THCA, it decarboxylates into about 8-9mg of THC. This creates a moderate psychoactive effect that can feel potent if you’re new to cannabis. Consuming 10mg of THCA daily may also increase your tolerance, gradually requiring more to achieve the same effects. To prevent tolerance buildup, consider taking periodic breaks.

Is THCA a hallucinogen?

THC isn’t classified as a classic hallucinogen. Traditional hallucinogens like LSD or psilocybin cause vivid visual or auditory hallucinations. THC typically does not. Still, THC alters mood, perception, and sensory experiences–sometimes with great intensity. For this reason, some people consider THC to be a mild psychedelic.

What are the benefits of THCA?

THCA displays neuroprotective (brain protection) effects, is a potent anti-inflammatory, can slow cancer cells, stimulate the appetite, reduce nausea, and may help with seizure disorders.

What is the difference between THCA and CBD?

Structurally, CBD and THCA are entirely different compounds with several similarities. Neither THCA nor CBD binds well with cannabinoid receptors in the brain, so both are non-psychoactive. They also both help with inflammation and seizure disorders.

Does THCA become THC when smoked?

THCA converts to THC when heated through a chemical process called decarboxylation. This process creates a potent and fast-acting high. 

What does THCA do to the brain?

Unheated THCA does not bind to receptors in the brain with the same strength as THC. However, THCA does display neuroprotective properties that might make it helpful for preventing and treating conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s.

Final Thoughts on THCA

Hemp-derived THCA is federally compliant, which means you can access it in almost every state. The compound is also highly versatile in its use and effects. Consumed raw, THCA offers potential benefits, including anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antioxidant properties. Once heated, it delivers euphoria, relaxation, and pain relief. THCA’s broad legality, diverse product types, and powerful effects make it a must-try. 

Explore QWIN’s selection of high-quality THCA products, including flowers, vapes, concentrates, and syrups, to find the best options for your needs.