What is THCA? Discover its effects

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, better known as THCA, is a compound found in the cannabis plant that offers a variety of properties and potential therapeutic benefits distinct from its more famous counterpart, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Today in Cannactiva we explain what THCA is, examining its origin, synthesis and how it differs from other cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and THC.

What is THCA?

THCA is a cannabinoid precursor of THC, which is found in raw cannabis plants, i.e. without combustion or before heat is applied.

The cannabis strains highest in THCA are those with high THC content, as THCA is the form in which THC is found in cannabis. The exact concentration may vary depending on the crop and growing conditions.

THCA is not psychoactive, i.e. it does not induce the euphoric effect typical of THC.

THCA Formula

The chemical formula of THCA is C22H30O4.

Transformation of THCA into THC

THC is found in the cannabis plant in the form of THCA. THCA is popularly said to be the “inactive” form of THC, because it is its precursor.

THCA is transformed into THC when heat is applied. For example, when lighting a joint.

THCA is converted to THC when heated through a process called decarboxylation, such as when smoking or vaporizing cannabis. Thus, when lighting a cannabis joint, the heat converts the THCA into psychoactive THC.

While THCA does not present psychoactivity, THC does produce mental effects.

This transformation of THCA to THC also occurs effectively when vaporizing or cooking marijuana edibles (1).

Although THCA is converted to THC by the heat applied in the processing for consumption of marijuana, this process is partial. Research has shown the presence of THCA in body fluids, such as blood and urine of marijuana users (2).

Origin and synthesis of THCA

THCA is produced naturally in cannabis, specifically in the glandular trichomes, those small crystals that cover the leaves and flowers of the plant, through an enzymatic reaction that produces it from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA).

THCA Extractions

Obtaining THCA extracts involves solvent extraction and crystallization methods. Initially, a solvent such as butane, propane, or CO2 is used to obtain a product concentrated in cannabinoids and terpenes.

Subsequently, by means of purification and separation techniques, the solvent is eliminated, obtaining THCA concentrates. This concentrate undergoes a crystallization process to form THCA crystals, called THCA diamonds when in its purest form.

The crystals are separated from the “terpene sauce”, resulting in pure THCA-rich extracts or the isolated cannabinoid, ready for consumption by vaporization, dabbing, or incorporation into edible and topical products.

Differences between THCA, CBD and THC

THCA is not psychoactive and does not interact with the CB1 receptors in the brain in the same way that THC does, so its effects are different. THCA is found in cannabis that has not been combusted or heated, and has unique therapeutic properties.

THC is another active ingredient in cannabis that produces euphoria and other psychoactive effects. Unlike THCA, THC directly activates CB1 receptors in the brain.

CBD (cannabidiol) is another non-psychoactive cannabinoid with a wide range of therapeutic applications, different from THCA in its chemical structure and effects on the body.

How is THCA taken?

THCA is found in the raw form of the marijuana plant. When consumed, in the form of cannabis vaporizations or joints, THCA is converted to THC after heating the cannabis, leaving only traces of THCA in the final product.

In addition to bud form, another popular form of consumption is THCA diamonds, or pure THCA crystals, intended for vaporized or smoked consumption (in which the THCA will be converted to psychoactive THC). However, this product is only legal in countries where marijuana is legalized, for example in some U.S. states.

There are also THCA gummies on the market in some countries where it is legal to add cannabinoids to edible products (not in the European Union).

Effects of THCA on the endocannabinoid system

THCA interacts with the endocannabinoid system differently than THC. Although it does not bind significantly to CB1 or CB2 receptors, it can affect the endocannabinoid system and other cellular pathways through its unique molecular structure.

Although THC exerts its psychoactive effect by binding to CB1 receptors (3), it is suggested that THCA may also interact with these receptors; however, it is not known why THCA does not produce the “high” sensation (4).

Benefits of THCA: Current Research

Current research indicates that THCA has the potential to be beneficial in the management of various conditions, such as inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, nausea and certain types of cancer. However, clinical trials are needed to deepen the understanding of the usefulness and therapeutic effectiveness of THCA.

Studies conducted in cell cultures (in vitro) suggest that THCA has useful properties in the relief of certain ailments. These include potential anti-inflammatory (5), antiemetic (6), antitumor (7, 8), immune system modulating (9) and neuroprotective (10) effects.

In addition, it has been observed that THCA could improve symptoms related to obesity-related metabolic syndrome (11) and offer brain protection by activating receptors involved in the protection of neurons (12).

Side effects of THCA

Since THCA is not psychoactive, it is generally considered to have fewer side effects compared to THC. However, individual reactions may vary and more research is needed to fully understand the possible adverse effects.

The consumption of THCA concentrates, crystals or diamonds will produce the same adverse effects as THC, since by heating, THCA is converted into THC. This applies to when THCA crystals are vaporized, smoked or cooked, producing mental or psychoactive effects and can lead to side effects similar to those of THC, such as dizziness, dry mouth, munchies, and alterations in perception and mood.

One study has suggested the importance of considering that the absorption and elimination of THCA may differ significantly from those of THC. Comparatively, higher blood concentrations of THCA than THC have been reported when both were administered in equal amounts to animals in preclinical studies (13).

THCA in Spain: Is it legal?

In Spain, THCA is not specifically regulated, but any product that can be converted into THC, such as THCA, falls under the general cannabis regulations. This means that their sale is illegal. The same is true in other European Union countries.

Conclusion

THCA is the cannabinoid precursor of THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, the world’s most widely known illegal substance. The uses and potential benefits of THCA represent an interesting area of research. Its non-psychoactive nature makes it a promising compound for the relief of a broad spectrum of medical conditions. Thus, its therapeutic potential will be discovered little by little as the scientific understanding of cannabis continues to evolve. From Cannactiva, we will keep you informed of these and other news from the cannabis world. See you soon!

References

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2. Jung, J., Kempf, J., Mahler, H., & Weinmann, W. (2007). Detection of Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A in human urine and blood serum by LC-MS/MS. Journal of mass spectrometry : JMS, 42(3), 354-360. https://doi.org/10.1002/jms.1167
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9. Verhoeckx, K. C., Korthout, H. A., van Meeteren-Kreikamp, A. P., Ehlert, K. A., Wang, M., van der Greef, J., Rodenburg, R. J., & Witkamp, R. F. (2006). Unheated Cannabis sativa extracts and its major compound THC-acid have potential immuno-modulating properties not mediated by CB1 and CB2 receptor coupled pathways. International immunopharmacology, 6(4), 656-665. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intimp.2005.10.002
10. Moldzio, R., Pacher, T., Krewenka, C., Kranner, B., Novak, J., Duvigneau, J. C., & Rausch, W. D. (2012). Effects of cannabinoids Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol, Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid and cannabidiol in MPP+ affected murine mesencephalic cultures. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology, 19(8-9), 819-824. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2012.04.002
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