THCa is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis. It remains non-psychoactive until it is heated. When THCa is heated, it turns into delta-9 THC which gives it psychoactive properties. Arguably the best thing about this is that it can cause both psychoactive and non-psychoactive results depending on how it is used.

What Is THCa?

TCHa, also called tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is the most abundant non-psychoactive cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. It has a chemical compound that contains an additional molecular carboxyl ring. This additional carboxyl ring prevents THCa from binding with the brain’s CB1 and CB2 receptors. 

The CB1 and CB2 receptors cause THC to give a user an intoxicating feeling. THC has a molecular compound that binds with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain. The additional carboxyl ring in THCa prevents it from binding with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain, making it a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. 

Without THCa, we wouldn’t have THC. This gives THCa the nickname of being the precursor to THC. Once heated, THCa turns into the THC cannabinoid that we know and love. 

What Happens When THCa Is Heated?

When THCa is heated, it goes through a process called decarboxylation. Decarboxylation removes the additional carboxyl group in THCa. This turns TCHa into regular THC. So, if you want to experience the intoxicating effects of THCa, all you need to do is heat it through vaping, smoking, or dabbing, and you will be able to experience THC. 

THCa is the acidic form of delta-9 THC. When THCa is heated, it turns into delta-9 THC, which is generally stronger and more potent than delta-8 THC. If you want to experience a more intense high, you can heat THCa to experience the intoxicating effects of delta-9 THC.

What Is the Best Way to Heat THCa?

Heating THCa through a vape pen is the best way to convert THCa into delta-9 THC to enjoy. Our vape pen (coming soon) will heat THCa and turn it into delta-9 THC for you to enjoy the intoxicating psychoactive effects that delta-9 THC has to offer. If THCa isn’t heated properly, it won’t go through the decarboxylation process required to remove the additional carboxyl group to turn it into delta-9 THC. 

Are THCa and THC Similar?

The main difference between THCa and THC is its psychoactive effects. THCa is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, while THC produces psychoactive effects. Aside from this significant difference, THCa and THC share many of the same effects. 

THCa can be calming and relaxing, much like full-spectrum CBD products that contain THC. This is what makes THCa such a versatile cannabinoid. It has non-psychoactive properties without being heated. If you want it to turn into delta-9 THC and produce psychoactive effects, it will need to be heated. 

Is THCa Legal?

All cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant must meet the state’s legal requirements to be considered legal to use. This applies to both psychoactive and non-psychoactive cannabinoids. 

Through the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived products that contain no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis are considered legal at the federal level. Because THCa is considered a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, it has not been classified as a controlled substance on the federal level, making it federally legal. 

Will THCa Show Up on a Drug Test?

THCa will show up on a drug test because it is the acidic form of THC. Even though THCa is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, its properties are still detectable in a THC drug test, even if the THCa hasn’t been heated to turn into THC. Because of this, it’s important to understand that THCa can show up on a drug test in the same way that full-spectrum CBD, delta-8 THC, and delta-9 THC products can show up on a drug test. 

Final Thoughts

THCa can cause a calming and relaxing experience with no psychoactive effects, like CBD products. When THCa is heated, it turns into THC and produces psychoactive effects. THCa can be used with a focus on promoting calmness and relaxation, or it can be used in a vape pen to create an intoxicating THC experience.