THCa vs. THC: What's the Difference?
20th Jan 2023
Most people are familiar with THC but what about THCa? The "lesser-known" cannabinoid is quickly taking the hemp industry by storm. But before we dive into THCa vs. THC, it’s important to get a few things cleared up. First, let’s quickly clarify what people mean when they refer to THC. From a practicality standpoint, they’re usually looking for the psychotropic, “high” effects that THC delivers.
Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the cannabinoid most commonly associated with giving users a “high”. Additionally, legal regulations that vary from state to state can make it difficult to acquire Delta-9 THC products, which means accessibility isn’t the same for everyone. What if there was a better and legal way to acquire the effects of THC? As it turns out, there is: THCa flower or THCa concentrates.
THCa vs. THC
THCa stands for Tetrahydrocannabinol-acid and is the precursor to THC. THC wouldn’t exist without THCa. Here are some quick notes to help you understand the differences between THCa and THC:
- THCa is the most abundantly found cannabinoid produced by the cannabis plant. Raw cannabis flower contains high amounts of THCa.
- THC is the activated and psychoactive version of THCa.
- THC is not found in raw flower in high amounts. Instead, flower has to be decarboxylated (which involves heat and/or burning to remove one carboxyl group) to convert it into THC.
Similarities and Misconceptions with THCa vs. THC
In their chemical composition, THCa and THC are very similar, the main difference being the additional carboxyl group that is present in THCa. Remove that extra carboxyl group and the two are one in the same.
It is a common misconception that THCa won’t give you the effects you’re seeking when you look for THC. THCa flower, like that sold at Hemp Generation, is designed to be smoked in a way that specifically transforms a significant portion of its content into THC. While the THC content displayed may be low, that will all change once decarboxylation takes place.
Take our Pink Cookies THCA Flower, for example. Its raw form shows that it contains 0.24% Delta 9 THC, which means it can be legally sold online and in the state of North Carolina without any concern. Its THCa content, however, is 23.60%. When smoked or vaporized, a large amount of this will transform into THC.
Note: Before purchasing and/or using THCA or related products, always be sure to check with the laws in your state.
Hemp Generation: Providing THCa For a the Body and Mind
Hemp Generation was founded in 2018 with the goal of changing the perceived healing methods of a conventional nature by using high-quality, natural alternative products. We focus on both long-term wellness and education in the hemp industry.
For questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us at 919-371-1528. You can also connect with us through LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.
Sources:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28853159/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006295219303922
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3792001/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5627671/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8864425/