High Potency THCa

High Potency THCa

THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid–specifically Delta-9 THCA, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in hemp and cannabis (Cannabis sativa) plants. It is the acidic “precursor” to THC and exists primarily in young, freshly harvested cultivars. THCA is non-psychoactive until it converts to THC through non-enzymatic reactions when exposed to heat. Known as decarboxylation, this process activates cannabis’ psychoactive properties.
Does High Potency THCa make people high?

THCA does not possess psychoactive properties in its natural state. The molecular structure of THCA prevents it from binding to the brain receptors associated with producing a feeling of being high. However, this applies only when THCA is consumed raw, such as by juicing freshly harvested cannabis.

‍
THCA vs. THC

Delta-9 THC and THCA are both tetrahydrocannabinol chemicals with a critical molecular distinction: THCA has a carboxylic acid group on a benzene ring, and THC doesn’t. The extra ring gives THCA a three-dimensional shape and a larger chemical structure incapable of binding to neural receptors to produce psychoactive effects. This also shape makes THCA a crystalline solid while THC is a liquid.

When THCA converts to THC, it loses that extra group and becomes the intoxicating compound consumers know and love.

THC’s unique shape allows it to bind well with CB1 and CB2 receptors located primarily throughout the brain, central nervous system, and immune system. This neural affinity affects mental perception, resulting in feelings of euphoria, cerebral creativity, and body-buzzing effects.

THCA Therapeutic Effects

THCA shares many of THC’s therapeutic qualities. But the extra carboxyl group in THCA results in different interactions with the human body than THC. For instance, THCA displays some effects more in common with CBD, cannabis’ other widely known cannabinoid.

Research shows that High Potency THCa has promise for multiple health benefits and medical uses, including:

Appetite loss and nausea relief for people with cancer or eating disorders
Reducing pain and inflammation
Reducing chronic pain and muscle spasms, particularly for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis
Slowing the progression of cancer cells, specifically prostate cancer
Brain health, such as protecting memory and coordination and being effective against Huntington’s disease and other neuroinflammatory diseases, like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS
Relaxation, potentially as a sleep aid and for insomnia
Reducing seizures and spasms, such as for epilepsy and multiple sclerosis