What is THCA?
THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in raw and live cannabis. It is the precursor to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis.
Unlike THC, THCA does not produce any intoxicating effects until it undergoes decarboxylation, a process that occurs when cannabis is heated through smoking, vaping, or cooking. This transformation is what activates THC's psychoactive properties. While THCA itself is non-psychoactive, it is believed to offer various potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. As research into THCA continues, its role in wellness and medicinal cannabis use is becoming increasingly recognized.
Chemical Structure and Formation
THCA is formed naturally inside the trichomes of cannabis plants, particularly in the raw, unripe cannabis flowers. It is a carboxylic acid form of THC, meaning it has an extra carboxyl group (COOH) attached to its molecular structure. This carboxyl group prevents THCA from having any psychoactive effects on its own.
When THCA is heated through smoking, vaping, or cooking, it undergoes a chemical process called decarboxylation, where it loses its carboxyl group and transforms into THC. As a result, THC becomes the active compound responsible for the euphoric "high" associated with cannabis use. This transformation is a key reason why raw cannabis or hemp products that contain THCA don’t produce intoxicating effects unless processed with heat.
What is Delta 8 THC?
THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in raw and live cannabis. It is the precursor to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis.
Unlike THC, THCA does not produce any intoxicating effects until it undergoes decarboxylation, a process that occurs when cannabis is heated through smoking, vaping, or cooking. This transformation is what activates THC's psychoactive properties. While THCA itself is non-psychoactive, it is believed to offer various potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. As research into THCA continues, its role in wellness and medicinal cannabis use is becoming increasingly recognized.
Testing and Measurement
All hemp products on our website undergo strict testing done by third party laboratories and testing facilities. This is done to ensure full compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill while also being compliant with state / local policies, regulations, and laws, where applicable.