WHAT IS THCa?

THCA is the acidic form of THC, full name: tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. As a cannabis plant matures and its buds grow, its terpene and cannabinoid content begin to develop. The first cannabinoid the plant will develop is CBGA, also called the “mother of all cannabinoids” because it will eventually break down and produce primary cannabinoids, like THCA and CBDA. 

THCA is not intoxicating if ingested. Chemically, it has an additional molecular carboxyl ring, which prevents it from binding to receptors in the brain responsible for feeling high. 

You may be thinking, ‘what’s the point if it doesn’t get me stoned?’ But without THCA, we wouldn’t have THC or the numerous health benefits attributed to it. When THCA is exposed to heat, such as when smoking, vaping, dabbing, or cooking, it will convert into the intoxicating, beloved cannabinoid THC.

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What are THCA’s effects and benefits?

Raw cannabis does not produce a high if consumed without decarbing first. However, consuming raw cannabis for its THCA content, through juicing, for example, or taking a THCA-based tincture or edible, provides some of the same benefits as activated THC without intoxication. Some anecdotal accounts believe THCA produces some effect, but THCA’s molecular structure prevents it from binding with CB receptors in our bodies’ endocannabinoid systems.There isn’t enough data to indicate THCA doesn’t provide users pain relief in the same way that THC does though it still interacts with our receptors in a more peripheral way. Studies have shown that it also has potential neuroprotective qualities that may aid in slowing and preventing neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington’s disease. It can also help with treating conditions like colitis and IBS. Preliminary findings suggest that THCA may help with seizure disorders. 

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Does THCA show up on a drug test?

Yes, both THC and THCA will show up as positive on a drug test. It is impossible to fully decarboxylate the full THCA content of the weed you smoke or dabs you take into THC, so you likely are absorbing THCA as well; the same goes for some types of rosin- and/or hash-based gummies due to the lack of cannabinoid isolation, though due to required lab testing, it’s less likely.

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​Laboratory testing

All of our THCA products are third-party lab tested for potency. The testing ensures the chemical composition, safety, and quality of the product. Additional tests are performed to check for microbial contaminations, mycotoxins, heavy metals, pesticides, and foreign matter.

 

 

  

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