What is THC-A? An Up-Close Look
THC-A is short for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. This unique acidic cannabinoid is the THC precursor found in cannabis plant varieties, including hemp and marijuana plant. THC-A is not intoxicating in its acidic form, even though decarboxylation (heating to remove the acidic compound) will transform THC-A into delta-9 THC, which has psychoactive effects.
Potential THC-A Benefits
It is important to note, the full therapeutic potential of THC-A is not wholly understood just yet. The bulk of cannabinoid research has been aimed at what was once thought to be "active" cannabinoids like delta-9. This is partly because there was an assumption that if a cannabinoid did not cause euphoria, it must not have any noteworthy effects. Of course, today, we know this to be far from the truth. One major benefit of THC-A is the fact that people can use it to take advantage of some of the desirable effects of delta-9 THC without intoxication. For example, a lot of people turn to delta-9 THC products to help with physical tension or discomfort. However, consuming delta-9 naturally means you also experience some level of intoxication, which can interfere with your day. By contrast, THC-A may offer the same therapeutic support without causing inebriation.
- Targeting inflammation
- Offering neuroprotective qualities
- Providing a sense of calmness
- Alleviating nausea
What About THC-A Effects?
While the THC-A benefits are interesting, you may be curious about one important thing: how does THC-A make you feel? As unusual as it may seem, THC-A will not cause any level of euphoria or intoxication. Instead, most people claim that using this acidic form of THC only leads to a calm, relaxed state but leaves you with clear focus and no overwhelming sleepiness.THC-A FAQs
Is THC-A legal?
Much like other types of THC, THC-A is only legal if it is derived from hemp. And, even then, states have their own laws regarding the legality of hemp-derived THC products. For the most part, THC-A exists in a legal gray as long as the source is a plant that contains less than 0.3% THC on a dry weight volume based on the 2018 Farm Bill.How can you consume THC-A?
THC-A can be found in certain hemp-derived products. It is important to remember, once THC-A is heated, it will decarboxylate, which means it becomes delta-9 THC. Therefore, in order to consume THC-A and take advantage of THC-A effects, you must find a product that is infused with the cannabinoid like gummies or tinctures.What's the difference between THC-A and delta-8 THC?
THC-A and delta-8 THC (like the cannabinoid found in Bluerazz Rocket D8 Gummies) are both forms of THC. However, delta 8 THC is a non-acidic cannabinoid, and it is mildly intoxicating. Further, delta-8 THC is easier to find because it can be derived from hemp in larger quantities. Hemp only produces minimal amounts of THC, which means a lower quantity of THC-A as well.Will THC-A show up on a drug test?
THC-A does generate metabolites in the body that can be identical to the metabolites of THC. Therefore, THC-A would most likely show up on a drug test much the same as other THC products. How is THC-A different from THCP? THCP, which is in Blue Punch D8, D9, and THCP Gummies, is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiphoral—another form of THC. THCP has a chemical makeup almost identical to delta-9 THC, and it is an intoxicating cannabinoid. In fact, many claim THCP is more potent than delta-9 THC at lower doses.