THCA vs THC

Have you ever been so high that you come across something that makes you second-guess everything you know? If you have ever smoked and tried to learn about cannabis, that is exactly how it could go with bounds of information at our fingertips ready and available. A recent topic of discussion is THCA vs THC – read that again, I know that confused you! THCA and THC are not the same, although they have similarities. With THCA becoming a popular topic in the cannabis industry, it is important to understand the various compounds available from the cannabis plant and how to best utilize each. THCA products come in various forms like THCA dab diamonds, THCA pre-rolls, THCA vapes, THCA flower, and more! Be sure to check out all of our THC-A products for the best options.

What is THCA?

THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is the forerunner of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol. When a cannabis plant is growing it produces cannabinoids that are actually considered carboxylic acids. Most cannabinoids in the carboxylic acid state will convert into a non-acidic compound, and this is usually done through decarboxylation. Every cannabinoid has an acidic form, and it is important to understand that THCA is unpredictable in the sense that it can start its decarboxylation process at any moment. When we say THCA only needs a little heat to get things going, we mean it! THCA is a cannabinoid you should not play around with.

Is THCA more potent than THC?

The biggest difference between THCA and THC is that THC is an active compound and THCA is not. With THCA being an inactive compound, it will not produce psychoactive effects in its natural form. However, when heated, THCA can transform into an incredibly powerful THC compound, oftentimes becoming more potent and powerful than the typical THC. THCA is a magical compound because once heat is applied it can really turn into a potent material that can be used just like THC can.

Here are some ways you can activate THCA with heat:

Torch/flame. This is a no-brainer, but typically heating up THCA with a torch or any kind of flame will suffice, especially when using crystals or dab diamonds like the Binoid Diamond THC-A Wax Dabs .

Direct sunlight. Did you know you can perform decarboxylation without a flame!? Direct sunlight will do it - not quickly or as efficiently as a torch or flame could, but it will do its job!

Heated room or area. Similar to direct sunlight, if THCA is in a heated room for long enough it will start the decarboxylation process. While a torch or flame would obviously work the best out of these three options, but when you are in a bind and need to make things happen just know you can make do with what you have!

TCHA is actually more potent than THC, but only when it is in its activated state. Just know that THCA can be activated by heat in a room as cold as 40 to 60 degrees. This is why it becomes difficult to properly measure THC count when THCA is in the mix, it will bump up that THC count real quick!

Can you get high from THCA?

Even though THCA can become activated and go through a decarboxylation process, it does not have the psychoactive effects that THC comes with. THCA, although a cannabis compound, will not bind to CB1 receptors the same way THC will. While THC binds to CB1 receptors and produces the psychoactive effects we know and love, THCA will not bind to any cannabinoid receptors. Before writing off THCA, though, remember that THCA is definitely tied to anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective remedies and should be properly explored. Many use THCA similarly to how CBD is used – for nausea and vomiting especially.

Effects of THC-A

Stoners choose THCA products because of their effects, and while each smoker will have a different experience that is dependent on their tolerance, here are some effects that THCA might induce:

Improve appetite. Many smokers love THCA when they are feeling nauseated or simply cannot eat. THC-A does a great job of tricking your brain into believing you are hungry and not feeling sick, which makes all the difference for people who really need to eat more. If you know you know!

Minimizes discomfort. If you are sick or simply not feeling well, THC-A can also help with that. Do you have cramps from your menstrual cycle or hurt a bit after the gym? THCA can do wonders for your body without the feeling of being high.

Increases energy levels. Without getting too high, you can smoke a bit of THCA and feel your energy levels rise without the psychoactive effects that might make you couch-locked.

Helps with sleep and reduces stress. Similar to CBD, THC-A can help to reduce stress levels while promoting a better night’s sleep.

Why use THCA vs THC?

Have you ever wanted to relax or continue your stoner routine without getting super high? THCA is perfect for this, where you get the benefits of using THCA without the psychoactive compound that gets you ridiculously high. Sometimes there is just a time and a place to get lifted, and as an adult, it can become difficult to find those moments. If you are stressed or looking for anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, THCA will get the job done and keep you as alert as you need to be. Again, everybody is different so each individual’s experience will differ from the next. It is best to consult with a physician prior to usage so you understand how THCA can work for you.

THC-A for sale online

You can conveniently order from our website whenever you need THC-A pre-rolls , THC-A vaporizers , and even THC-A flower strains . EF420 is your one-stop shop for all things cannabis, so now that you know a bit more about THC-A why not try it out for yourself and see what the fuss is all about. If you have any questions, we love to chat so hit us up on our EF420 contact page if you don’t find your question already answered in our EF420 FAQ .