We’ve all heard of THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis responsible for the “high” feeling when consuming marijuana. Many people don’t know that THC’s precursor, THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid), is also found in cannabis and has various unique benefits that make it worth exploring.
We’ve created this guide to THCA and THCA flower to help you learn more about the cannabinoid and its potential benefits. By the end of this article, you’ll understand:
And, though this guide is about the cannabinoid THCA, we include a few of our favorite THC products for you to explore as well. While these products contain THC, which produces a “high” feeling when consumed, some also contain trace amounts of THCA, making them a great starting point for your exploration of THCA.
Here's the list of our recommended top 7 THC products that we think you should check out:
Now, let’s dive right in and learn more about THCA!
Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA) is a cannabinoid found in raw cannabis plants that has recently gained attention for its potential therapeutic benefits. THCA is a precursor to THC, meaning it has a similar chemical structure but lacks the psychoactive properties associated with THC.
THCA is non-intoxicating, meaning it will not produce the “high” feeling associated with consuming THC and is often converted to THC through decarboxylation.
Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction that occurs when cannabis is heated or exposed to light, which changes the chemical structure of THCA and converts it into THC. This process makes consuming cannabis flower, vaping, or smoking the preferred method of consumption for those looking to experience the psychoactive effects of THC.
The potential therapeutic benefits of THCA are largely due to its non-intoxicating properties, as studies have shown that it can help reduce inflammation and pain and have neuroprotective and anti-nausea effects.
While THCA is most commonly found in its raw form in cannabis flower, it can also be extracted and formulated into oils, tinctures, edibles, capsules, and other forms. Many people prefer to consume THCA in its raw form, as it can preserve the natural terpenes and other compounds found in cannabis.
So, why should you care about THCA when it’s not psychoactive? A closer look at the benefits of consuming THCAcan help you decide whether it’s something you should explore further.
THCA flower is cannabis harvested before decarboxylation, meaning it still contains high levels of THCA and will not produce the “high” associated with THC.
THCA flower looks and smells like a regular cannabis flower, but it should be noted that it does not have the same potency as a decarboxylated flower.
THCA flower can be consumed in various ways, including smoking or vaping, eating it raw, steeping it in hot water as a tea or tincture, or adding it to food and drinks.
Because THCA is non-intoxicating and has its own unique therapeutic benefits, many people are beginning to explore the potential of THCA flower and other forms of THCA consumption.
As mentioned before, THCA is converted to THC through decarboxylation.
Decarboxylation occurs when cannabis is heated at a specific temperature for an extended period, which changes the chemical structure of THCA and converts it into THC.
The most common way to decarboxylate cannabis is by heating it in an oven. However, you can also use several other methods, including the following:
Regardless of your chosen method, it’s important to remember that decarboxylation is irreversible. Once the acidic form of THC has been converted to its psychoactive form, it cannot be changed back.
THCA can be consumed in various ways. However, it should be noted that the best way to consume THCA is by ingesting it in its raw form. This allows the body to absorb the compound more efficiently and provides the full range of its benefits.
THCA can also be consumed in the form of tea or tincture. Steeping raw cannabis flower in hot water and then straining the liquid allows you to get the full range of THCA benefits without having to smoke or vape it. Making a tincture with raw cannabis flowers is also an effective way to consume THCA.
You can also add THCA to food and drink recipes for a unique culinary experience. Raw cannabis adds a nutritious flavor to smoothies, salads, soups, and other recipes. Many also enjoy infusing raw cannabis into their favorite recipes, such as brownies or cookies.
For those who prefer not to consume raw cannabis, several products on the market contain THCA. Many companies offer THCA tinctures, topicals, and edibles like gummies and capsules. These products are designed to provide the same health benefits as raw cannabis without the psychoactive effects.
THCA is gaining popularity due to its potential therapeutic benefits. Preliminary studies suggest that if consumed in its raw form, THCA may be effective in treating a variety of medical conditions, including the following:
As you can see, there are several potential therapeutic benefits to consuming THCA. While more research is needed to determine its full effects, it appears that THCA could be an effective alternative to THC for those looking to benefit from cannabis without feeling high.
So what’s the difference between THCA and THC? While they are both compounds found in cannabis, some key differences exist. We’ve outlined the main differences in the table below:
Attribute | THCA | THC |
| Chemical Structure | THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in raw cannabis plants. It has a carboxylic acid group attached to the tetrahydrocannabinol molecule. | THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is a psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis plants that have been heated or decarboxylated. It is the most abundant cannabinoid in cannabis and is responsible for the plant’s psychoactive effects. |
| Psychoactive Effects | THCA does not have psychoactive effects and is not intoxicating. | THC has psychoactive effects and is intoxicating. It is known for its ability to produce feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and altered perception. |
| Therapeutic Effects | THCA has been shown to have potential therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. | THC has been shown to have therapeutic effects, including pain relief, appetite stimulation, and anti-nausea effects. |
| Legality | THCA is legal in most countries, as it is not psychoactive. | THC is illegal in many countries due to its psychoactive effects. In some countries where cannabis is legal, there are restrictions on the amount of THC that can be present in cannabis products. |
| Availability | THCA is found in raw cannabis plants and can be extracted from them through the use of solvents or through a process called “juicing.” | THC is found in cannabis plants that have been heated or decarboxylated and can be extracted through various methods, including solvent extraction or CO2 extraction. |
THCA vs THC: Comparison Table
Although THCA does not produce psychoactive effects, it is essential to be aware of the possible risks associated with consuming this compound. Here are some potential risks to consider:
Overall, it is important for individuals to be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming THCA and with consulting with a healthcare professional before using THCA products.
As we said in our introduction, this guide is primarily about the cannabinoid THCA and its effects on the body. However, to provide some helpful context for those exploring THCA for the first time, we have compiled a list of our top seven THC-containing gummies. These gummies may contain trace amounts of THCA, but their primary active ingredient is THC.
Our reviewers tested these gummies by consuming one every evening for a week, noting the effects and overall experience. Firstly, the blueberry flavor was delicious and tasted just like a regular gummy bear. The gummies were soft and easy to chew, making them a convenient option for on-the-go use.
As for the effects, we found that the 5 mg THC and 25 mg of full-spectrum CBD provided a balanced and relaxing experience. It helped us unwind after a long day and eased any stress or anxiety we may have been feeling.
One of our reviewers even noted improved sleep quality after consuming these gummies before bed.
Overall, we were extremely impressed with the RECREATION THC GUMMIES from Batch and have made them our favorite pick for THC gummies. The combination of THC and CBD, along with the delicious blueberry flavor and convenience, make them a great option for anyone looking to incorporate cannabis into their wellness routine.
As a team of experienced reviewers, we were excited to try out the Watermelon Delta 8 Gummies from our sister company Otterspace. The first thing we noticed about these gummies was the natural watermelon flavor, a refreshing change from some of the other artificially flavored gummies we have tried.
We tested these gummies by dividing the container into equal portions and giving each team member a gummy to try. We found that the 25 mg of Delta 8 THC per gummy was the perfect amount for us, providing a relaxing and enjoyable experience without any unwanted side effects.
After taking the gummies, we experienced a pleasant and calming sensation that lasted about 2 hours. We found the effects very similar to that of CBD, with a slight difference in that the effects felt more potent and longer lasting.
For those with dietary restrictions, we are pleased to report that the Otterspace Delta 8 Gummies are vegan and gluten-free. We also found that the gummies were easy to chew and didn’t stick to our teeth or leave an unpleasant aftertaste.
As part of our ongoing series of product reviews, we were excited to test out the Wild Theory Strata Full Spectrum CBD + THC Gummies.
To test these gummies, our reviewers started with one gummy to see how they felt. They found the flavor and texture were great – there was a nice balance between the sweet, tart, and sourness. The organic mango, strawberry, and cherry lime flavors were a hit!
After about an hour, they started to feel a sense of relaxation and calm, but without the intense psychoactive effects that can sometimes come with THC. We then increased our dosage to two gummies and were pleased to find that the effects could be felt more intensely. One of our reviewers (a novice to THC and CBD) commented that the effects were more noticeable than expected and felt like a mild but pleasant buzz.
We recommend Wild Theory Strata Full Spectrum CBD + THC Gummies for those looking for a well-rounded, enjoyable experience with just the right amount of relaxation and clarity. The 25mg of CBD and 2.5mg of THC per gummy is the perfect amount for those new to cannabis products.
For those looking to experience the unique effects of Delta 8 THC, Everest Delta 8 Gummies are a must-try. These delicious vegan gummies provide an easy and tasty way to get your daily dose of Delta 8 THC.
When we tried them out, we found that the gummies were distinctly flavored and well-made. Our testers enjoyed the subtle effects of the Delta 8 THC, which left them feeling relaxed and at ease. And with 20 mg of Delta 8 THC per serving, we found that they were the perfect way to get a moderate dose of Delta 8 THC.
Whether you’re just trying out Delta 8 THC for the first time or a seasoned user looking for a new way to enjoy it, Everest Delta 8 Gummies are sure to please. Their convenient packaging and variety of flavors make them a great way to get your daily dose of Delta 8 THC without having to worry about messy tinctures or complicated dosing.
OtterSpace has created a unique blend of THC and CBD gummies unlike most of the products we've tried. Their best seller Sour Blueberry Delta 9 Gummies, are delicious and offer a perfect balance of THC and CBD.
Both rookie and experienced cannabis users alike found the effects of the Sour Blueberry Delta 9 Gummies both relaxing and uplifting. The combination of 25mg CBD and 5mg THC was found to be ideal by most users, with many reporting feeling a relaxed yet focused sensation.
If this is your first foray into cannabis products, we highly recommend starting with a half a gummy (or even less!) to gauge how you feel. We found that the effects are felt more quickly when taken in smaller amounts and increase as you increase your dosage.
Evn products offer an easy and convenient way to get your daily dose of CBD – minus the THC. Their CBD Sour Gummy Bears are perfect for those looking to avoid the psychoactive effects of THC while still enjoying the therapeutic benefits of CBD.
To test the effectiveness of these gummies, our team sampled each flavor and provided feedback on the taste, texture, and effects. The gummies were all sour but in a pleasant way that didn’t overpower the taste of the CBD. They had a soft texture and melted easily in our mouths.
The effects of the gummies were evident after about an hour. One tester reported feeling relaxed and more focused, while another felt warmed up and ready to take on the day. All testers agreed that these gummies were a great way to get their daily dose of CBD.
We highly recommend Evn Broad-Spectrum Gummies for anyone looking to experience the therapeutic benefits of CBD without any THC. Their delicious flavor and easy-to-take form make a great addition to any health routine.
Verma Farms are well-known for creating high-quality CBD products, and their Pear 500mg Full Spectrum gummies are no exception. Available in 20-count packs, these gummies provide a potent 25mg of full-spectrum hemp extract in each serving.
We sampled several of these gummies and found them to be well-made and flavorful. The pear flavor was subtle yet delicious, and the organic and natural ingredients provided a unique twist to classic gummy flavors. The full-spectrum hemp extract provided an added benefit, as it contains a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes that work together to create the entourage effect.
Verma Farms is committed to using US-grown unadulterated hemp that meets the highest standards for quality and safety. We found that these gummies were effective in providing relief from pain and inflammation, as well as helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
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