Understanding THCA: How It Affects Your High
THCA is the non-intoxicating compound that are primarily found in fresh cannabis plants. Unlike THC, which causes a ‘high’ from its psychoactive effects, THCA doesn’t intoxicate users. It needs heat to undergo decarboxylation, a process that converts THCA into the psychoactive THC.
Does THCA Affect you High? Is THCA Stronger than Delta-8?
THCA does not intoxicate the user as it is not psychoactive until it is heated. This misunderstanding often arises from its relationship with THC as they have similar names. However, their effects are distinctly different, which we will dive further into later in the article. When compared to Delta-8 THC, a cannabinoid known for its milder high sensation than Delta-9THC, THCA is even less potent in its natural state. In short, Delta-8 is psychoactive and can intoxicate without any transformation like THCA.
THCA Positive and Side Effects
Positive Effects
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Research shows THCA helps treat conditions like arthritis, lupus, and nausea without causing a high.
- Neuroprotective Properties: Studies suggest THCA may guard against diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis.
Side Effect
THCA is generally considered safe and non-psychoactive in its raw form, contributing to its good safety profile. However, consuming it in large amounts might result in minor symptoms like stomachaches, diarrhea, or allergic reactions. You may find more about the safety aspect of THCA to inform yourself on its benefits and legal landscape.
How Long Does THCA Stay in Your System?
Metabolism, body fat percentage, usage frequency can influence the duration on how long THCA remains in human’s body system. THCA like many other cannabinoids may linger in the body for days to several weeks depending on each individual’s biological condition and consumption amount. It is important to note that in hair, cannabinoids may be detected for longer-term to up for months.
In standard drug tests, they often target the THC metabolites, not THCA. However, since THCA can convert into THC in the body, it could potentially lead to a positive test result if the conversion is performed internally. Therefore, it is important to seek medical advice based on your health needs and lifestyle.
Does THCA Convert to Delta-9 When Smoked?
In short, yes. THCA converts to Delta-9 THC due to the heat which decarboxylates it at around 220 degrees Fahrenheit (104 degrees Celsius), turning it into the psychoactive THC which responsible for the high sensation associated with smoking cannabis. Once THCA is heated up, its carboxyl group content will be released as carbon dioxide molecule which makes the user high from the smoke.
How Different Forms of THCA Affect the Experience of Being High?
Different forms of THCA (raw flower, concentrates, edibles) provide varied experiences and results due to their consumption method. Raw flowers contain THCA and must be heated to convert to THC. On the other hand, concentrates offer a more potent experience if they are decarboxylated. Edibles, which involve the extra step of cooking or baking also convert THCA to THC from the heat, providing a delayed but prolonged high sensation compared to smoking or vaping.
This overview showcases how THCA interacts with our body and clarify misconceptions on its effects while also highlighting the necessity of heat to activate its psychoactive nature.
To understand and learn more about the THCA topic, keep an eye on our blogs for more educational and detailed analysis of cannabis compounds while staying informed with cannabis development in different states. Always remember to check out our latest portable DabGo™ Disposable Dab Pen.
