What’s The Difference Between THC and THCA?

Texas Tonix has a mission to better the lives of everyone by offering a premium selection of CBD oil tinctures, gummies, lotions, pet treats and so many other great natural alternatives that have been third-party tested and comply with all Texas State Laws.

Click on the link below to read up on Texas’ State Laws regarding CBD.

CBD State Laws – By UBIX Processing

THC laws vary drastically from state to state, possibly due to the misconception of the true nature and chemical properties of 

cannabis products. Each state has its own laws regarding the Total THC or Delta-9 THC levels that make cannabis products considered high THC cannabis and not hemp.

Over the past few years, cannabis has propelled itself into the natural medicine world, with CBD being one of the most commonly used herbal remedies. With all of the technicalities, we know that the cannabis industry can be a bit confusing. We will start here by breaking down the definitions of some of the most common terms. 

Let’s Start With The Basics

THCA: most abundant non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis, a non-intoxicating cannabinoid (meaning this isn’t what makes you feel high). 

Delta-9-THC: more commonly known as simply THC, the primary psychoactive ingredient found in cannabis (this is what makes you feel high)

CBD: an active ingredient in cannabis-derived from the hemp plant (not a psychoactive ingredient – you don’t get high using CBD products)

Hemp: a variety of cannabis Sativa plant that produces THC, but not enough to get you high

Common Misconception: THCA Gets You High

Raw cannabis, no matter how much you consume, will not get you high. A common misconception in the cannabis industry is that delta-9-THC, aka THC, (the component that gives off the euphoric effect) is already present when harvested raw. When instead, there is actually an inactive compound called THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), which has a different chemical structure and stimulates different effects on your body.

Out of the hundreds of cannabinoids that cannabis plants grow, the majority of them are THCA cannabinoids. Very few cannabinoids actually give off psychoactive effects or give you that “high” feeling. The larger shape of the THCA molecule does not allow it to be picked up by the CB1 receptors (cannabinoid receptor) meaning there are no intoxicating side effects. THCA is what comes just before the psychoactive THC effects.

How Does THCA Turn Into THC?

Heating or lighting raw cannabis will remove the carboxylic acid, the A, from THCA, which alters the chemical structure. It is then able to be picked up by the endocannabinoid system as a THC molecule and trigger our CB1 receptors, which in turn causes the euphoric effects. In simpler terms, the THCA is transformed into THC when heated up. 

THCA Is A Superfood

Fresh, raw, and unheated cannabis can be juiced or added into smoothies to utilize the non-intoxicating effects that THCA has to offer. The leaves that haven’t been dried or cured are full of antioxidants and antibiotic compounds, which can be used to ease the discomfort that comes with arthritis, lupus, and other chronic pains or illnesses. Listed below are a few of the other helpful properties that THCA offers.

  • Anti-inflammatory- reduce inflammation and relieve pain
  • Anti-proliferative- prevent the spread of prostate cancer cells
  • Neuroprotective- protect against neurodegenerative diseases 
  • Antiemetic- reduce nausea and vomiting

Cannabidiol or CBD is in an acidic form when harvested and has similar properties and benefits.

Decarboxylation

Aside from heat and light, an unactivated THCA compound can go through the decarboxylation process and turn into a THC molecule. Listed below are some of the most commonly used methods to decarboxylate weed.

  • Sunlight conversion
  • Smoking
  • Vaporizing
  • Vape pens
  • Cannabis concentrates
  • Conventional oven

Read up on the specific health benefits of using CBD for you or your pet by checking out these links:

https://texastonix.com/cbd-health-benefits-of-cbd

https://texastonix.com/cbd-helth-benefits-uses-for-pets/

Visit Us Online Or In-Store

Texas Tonix would like to assure you that all of our CBD and Hemp products have been tested by 3rd party labs and certified as shelf-stable. We carry full and broad-spectrum CBD products, as well as CBD isolates. Visit Texas Tonix online or in-store to purchase CBD products and see how it can help you achieve a higher quality of life. From beauty and lifestyle to pets and livestock, our store is stocked with CBD oil, CBD gummy chews, CBD liquid vape, flower, and several other items. Don’t settle for the aches and pains when there is a natural remedy for you, your family, and even your pets. 

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