There are several cannabinoids on the market offering various effects. Many provide euphoria, others non-euphoric wellness, and some do both. But what about THCA? Does THCa get you high, or is it a non-euphoric experience? The answer depends on how you consume THCA — there’s a big difference between when you consume it raw and when you heat it.
As you can imagine, this property causes much confusion with legalities, uses, and effects. But not to worry. This article will straighten everything out, ensuring you know what you’re doing when you explore and experiment with this multi-faceted cannabis compound.
What Is THCa?
THCa (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid, THC-A, THCa, or THC-a) is a non-euphoric cannabis plant cannabinoid. It’s present in both marijuana and hemp plants. THCA has a similar chemical structure to THC (Delta 9 THC, Delta 9, D9 THC, D9, or THC). However, THCA features an additional carboxylic acid grouping in its raw cannabis form, making it the acidic precursor to THC.
So, what does THCA do? When consumed in its raw or “uncooked” form, u, reduce discomfort, and promote overall well-being without causing euphoria. The cannabinoid produces specific results based on its interactions with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. Cannabinoids that bind with the CB1 receptor produce strong euphoric results. They may also bind with the CB2 receptor to relieve physical discomfort and soreness and aid immunity, among other benefits.
When in its acidic form, THCA does not bind directly to the main ECS receptors. However, the cannabinoid may interact with other non-cannabinoid receptors and pathways, indirectly influencing the ECS and providing potential wellness benefits.
Can You Get High From THCa?
No, THCA, in its raw form, does not produce euphoria. However, when heated, THCA turns into THC, which produces euphoria and will cause you to feel elevated. How is this possible?
The carboxylic group in THCa prevents it from binding to the CB1 receptor, restricting euphoric activity. However, when the compound is heated, it undergoes a process called decarboxylation. This process causes THCA to lose its additional carboxylic acid group, turning it into THC, the most popular euphoric cannabinoid in the world. When this happens, THC interacts freely with the CB1 receptor.
So, does THC get you high? You better believe it does! It’s what it’s most famous for. THC produces euphoric, or as some like to call them, “psychoactive effects” when consumed.
The Science Behind THCa
As we mentioned, when heated, THCA undergoes decarboxylation and turns into THC. How exactly does this occur, and what are the effects of such a transformation? Let’s examine the science of THCA in both raw and heated forms.
Decarboxylation
Decarboxylation may sound like a fancy term, but it merely means heating THCa and causing it to become euphoric. This process occurs when THCA in raw cannabis buds is smoked, vaped, or cooked. Decarboxylation causes non-euphoric THCa to lose a carboxylic acid group, turning it into euphoric THC. Once this occurs, THC can interact with the CB1 receptors in your brain to cause the elevating sensations that enthusiasts crave.
Read more: What is Delta 8
Activation of Effects
THCA’s euphoric effects are directly related to how it interacts with the CB1 receptor after it has been decarboxylated. This receptor is in the endocannabinoid system and impacts various aspects of mental wellness, including euphoria. In its raw cannabis form, THCA’s carboxylic acid group prevents it from directly binding to the CB1 receptors in the brain. Once the carboxylic acid is removed through decarboxylation, THCA turns into THC, where it freely binds with the receptor, causing euphoric effects.
Consumption Methods
Your THCa consumption method is important. If you consume THCa in its raw form, as it appears in flower, distillate, or oil, it will be non-euphoric. However, if you consume THCA in a manner that requires the application of heat—such as smoking, vaping, or eating baked edibles—it will convert into high-potency THC.
Read more What Does THCV Do?
Medical Use
According to the latest research, Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid offers several potential health and wellness benefits, such as calming the body’s response to negative environmental stimuli, reducing muscle soreness, and helping to protect cognition. THCA will not produce paranoia and anxiousness, making it beneficial for mental wellness. You also don’t need to smoke it, reducing your risk of respiratory symptoms, chronic bronchitis, and other conditions that may affect lung health.
Legality and Testing
So, is THCa legal? Yes, in its raw form, THCA is federally legal as long as the products containing it are hemp-derived and do not exceed 0.3% THC. THCA hemp products are generally legal in states that allow cannabis, as it does not produce euphoric effects. However, it can covert into THC, which is illegal if it is not hemp-derived and total concentrations exceed 0.3%. Always stay on top of your state laws regarding cannabis to determine if THCA is legal in your state.
How Do You Decarb THCa?
Decarboxylation occurs instantly when you heat THCa. This typically occurs when you smoke and vape fresh cannabis plants. It can also occur when curing and drying cannabis and when baking with it.
The chemical reaction occurs between 200 and 245 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are using an oven to decarboxylate cannabis plants for edibles, leave them in for 30 to 40 minutes. Be careful not to decarboxylate cannabis for too long, as doing so can burn off its cannabinoids and terpenes, which are compounds that give each strain its distinct flavor and aroma.
Read more What Do Delta 9 Gummies Do
You may want to grind THCa-rich cannabis flower before decarboxylation. This process will expose more surface area to ensure it is evenly heated.
There are several ways to decarb THCa. Your options include the following.
- Smoking. If you smoke THCa, it will instantly decarboxylate into THC. There are various methods for smoking cannabis. You can smoke it in a joint, a pipe, or a bong.
- Vaping. Like smoking, vaping will also instantly convert THCa into THC. Vaping is growing in popularity as a cannabis consumption method. People enjoy it because it is discreet and easy to use, and THCa vapes come in several delicious terpene-rich flavors that enhance the experience and disguise the cannabis smell.
- Baking. Raw cannabis plants are typically decarboxylated before they are added to cannabis edibles. They are converted into THC and then infused in a medium like butter or oil before being added to baked goods and other edibles like gummies. Be aware that edibles take a long time to hit, usually 45-60 minutes. But when they hit, they hit hard. Go slowly when consuming these cannabis products.
Benefits of Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid
If scientific studies indicate anything, THCA holds great potential for human wellness. THCa may provide several benefits, including the following:
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties. Like many cannabinoids, THCa has properties that may aid the body’s response to negative stimuli. This occurs due to THCa’s interaction with the CB2 cannabinoid receptor in the endocannabinoid system. The receptor is linked to various physical functions, including immunity. When THCa reacts with your CB2 receptors, it can help lower the chances of negative reactions from environmental stimuli.
- Neuroprotective Properties. A 2017 study revealed THCa’s potential neuroprotective effects. THCa is more effective than its heated form at activating certain proteins that help to protect brain cells and improve movement in certain medical conditions. This bodes well for certain conditions affecting these areas of human health.
- Physical Discomfort-Relieving Properties. THCa is effective in helping to relieve related conditions associated with physical discomfort and overall soreness. It also increases serotonin and dopamine, reducing physical discomfort signals that run from the brain to the nervous system. A 2020 study revealed its potential to treat collagen-induced arthritis.
- Anticonvulsant Properties. Various forms of cannabis have been included in seizure prescription medications. So, how does THCa measure up? A 2022 study found that it has the potential to prevent seizures when stabilized and combined with Delta 9 THC.
FAQs About if THCA Gets You High
How Does THCa Affect the Body?
THCa has varying effects on the body, depending on whether it is consumed in its raw or heated form. Note that THC in its raw form is not a raw food supplement. However, when consumed raw, it will produce various health and wellness benefits and a general feeling of overall well-being. If you consume it heated, it will turn into THC and produce euphoric effects due to its interaction with the CB1 receptors in your brain. You’ll also enjoy the classic sensations of THC this way, which are physically soothing and relaxing.
Does Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid Pass Any Drug Tests?
Drug tests are designed to look for THC, not THCa. So, if you take THCa, it should not make you fail a drug test. However, if you consume THC (THCa in its heated form, i.e., smoking or vaping), it may produce a positive result.
What Is the Best Way To Consume THCa Weed?
There is no “best way” to consume THCa. It depends on your personal preferences and wellness goals. If you want to enjoy the wellness benefits of THCa without the euphoric effects, consume it raw. If you prefer euphoria, use the decarboxylated version via smoking, vaping, or baking.
Final Thoughts – Does THCa Get You High? [Yes and No. What You Need to Know!]
When it comes to the THCA cannabinoid, it may or may not produce euphoric effects. THCA will not get you high when consumed in its raw form. However, it will produce euphoric effects when it undergoes decarboxylation and transforms into THC via heating. This occurs when THCA is smoked, vaped, or baked into edibles. And if this is what you are after, then you’re in for a very euphoric experience. You may feel excessive happiness, which produces very calming, physically relaxing benefits.
We welcome you to explore THCA products to learn more about their wellness benefits and effects. Remember to ask yourself, is THCA safe to smoke? It is if you source THCA flower from a trustworthy and reputable brand to ensure the desired results. Go slowly when consuming THCA cannabis products for recreational and medical needs. Here’s hoping you have a positive experience regardless of which THCA product you decide to take.
