Behind the Label: THC vs THCa

THCa and THC are two compounds found in cannabis plants that are often confused with one another. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct differences in how they interact with the human body. In this article, we will explore the differences between THCa and THC and why it is important for consumers to understand these differences.

THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the most well-known cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It is responsible for the plant’s psychoactive effects and is the primary reason why people consume cannabis recreationally. THC binds to receptors in the brain, resulting in a range of effects, including euphoria, relaxation, and altered perception of time.

THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), on the other hand, is the acidic precursor to THC. THCa is the most abundant cannabinoid found in raw cannabis plants and does not produce psychoactive effects in its natural state. Instead, THCa must be decarboxylated to convert it into THC. Decarboxylation occurs when the cannabis is heated to 80°-120C°.

While THCa does not produce psychoactive effects, it does offer a range of potential therapeutic benefits. Research has suggested that THCa may have anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antiemetic (helps to reduce or eliminate nausea and vomiting) properties. Some studies have also suggested that THCa may help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer and may help to regulate the immune system.

One of the most significant differences between THCa and THC is their molecular structure. THCa has a carboxyl group attached to its molecular structure, while THC does not. This carboxyl group is what makes THCa acidic and non-psychoactive. When THCa is exposed to heat, such as when it is smoked or vaporized, the carboxyl group is removed, and THC is produced.

Another difference between THCa and THC is in their stability. THCa is relatively stable and can be stored for long periods without degrading. THC, on the other hand, is less stable and can degrade over time, particularly when exposed to heat, light, or air.

The differences between THCa and THC have important implications for consumers. For example, consumers who are looking for the psychoactive effects of cannabis should seek out products that are high in THC. On the other hand, consumers who are interested in the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis may want to consider products that are high in THCa such as juices and smoothies. Typically these types of products have not been heated to a high enough temperature to carboxylate the THCa into THC. However, this is not a hard and fast rule. Some gummies, juices and smoothies are processed in such a way that the THCa goes through the decarboxylation process and some are not. It’s best to research the product and ask questions to ensure you’re getting the effects that you’re looking for.

It is also important for consumers to understand how the method of consumption can affect the ratio of THCa to THC. For example, when cannabis is smoked, a significant amount of THCa is converted into THC through decarboxylation (this converts approximately 87% of the THCa in a product into THC). Similarly, when cannabis is vaporized, some decarboxylation occurs, but the level of decarboxylation can be controlled by adjusting the temperature of the vaporizer.

When cannabis is consumed through other methods, such as edibles or tinctures, the level of decarboxylation can vary significantly depending on the manufacturing process. For example, some manufacturers may decarboxylate the cannabis before infusing it into the edible, resulting in higher levels of THC. Other manufacturers may not decarboxylate the cannabis, resulting in higher levels of THCa.