The number of cannabinoids on the market is ever-growing. Every time a scientist or budtender makes a new cannabinoid, you have another option and another choice to make. This means you can find the perfect cannabinoid for your health and wellbeing, but figuring out which cannabinoid is the right one for you can be hard, especially with how similar some of the names are.
A good example of this is THCA and THC. Most people have heard of tetrahydrocannabinol, more commonly referred to as delta 9 THC. Delta 9 THC creates the high associated with the use of cannabis due to its psychoactive properties. While THCA is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in hemp plants, it isn’t nearly as well known by the average consumer when compared to Delta 8 THC or Delta 9 THC
The Basics of THCA
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, or THCA, is the precursor form of THC. THCA is an inactive cannabinoid that is naturally produced in the plant. It is most concentrated in the trichomes, which are the small resin glands that are found on plants. Trichomes are located on the flower as well as on the small leaves of plants in the hemp family.
THCA is a carboxylic acid and is unstable by nature, and when exposed to light and heat, it goes through a natural process of decarboxylation. This converts THCA to THC through drying and curing of the plants.
The Possible Benefits of THCA
THCA does not bind to receptors due to its chemical structure, so it does not produce the high associated with any form of THC, including Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC.
However, there are ongoing studies of the use of THCA in potentially providing anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea benefits.
“ongoing studies of the use of THCA in potentially providing anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea benefits.”
As a “chronic pain patient” post wakeboarding accident can confirm these benefits from THCA.
Thanks for the read can never be too informed!