If you are familiar with the cannabis/hemp industry, you may have heard about the confusing and complex cannabinoid called THCA. In this article, we want to clear some of the confusion and mythos surrounding this significant component of cannabis.
What is THCA and where does it come from?
As the cannabis plant progresses through its growth cycle, it first produces cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), which is then converted to either tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), or cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) through an enzymatic reaction. THCA is the acidic precursor to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and converts to THC through the process of decarboxylation; the removal of the carboxyl group (-COOH) through applied heat (Reilly-Chevalier, 2024).
THCA vs. THC
As stated above, THCA is the acid form of THC and is considered non-psychoactive until decarboxylated; when THCA is ingested, there is no psychoactivity involved. THC interacts heavily with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in our central nervous system (CNS), whereas THCA has minimal interaction with the same receptors (Earlenbaugh & Oleinik, 2022).
While decarboxylated THC is liquid at room temperature and unable to hold a crystalline structure, THCA is not. THCA at room temperature maintains a crystalline structure that is white or semi-transparent in appearance and can be isolated from the cannabis plant to contain up to ninety-nine percent THCA, making it incredibly potent (Earlenbaugh & Oleinik, 2022). THCA crystals or “diamonds” lack the additional terpenoids and cannabinoids that help complete the “Entourage Effect”, however.
Potential Benefits of THCA
Meanwhile, Earlenbaugh and Oleinik (2022) have shown that THCA is documented to interact with other receptors that heavily influence neuroinflammation, metabolism, and cellular homeostasis, which can lead to effects such as relief from pain and inflammation (para. 10-11). In two separate studies, THCA was found to be a better option for reducing gastrointestinal (GI) inflammation than CBD; it was also found that THCA has the potential to treat symptoms related to obesity-associated metabolic syndrome, reduce weight gain, lower body fat, and reduced problems with glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and liver steatosis (para. 17-18).
Conclusion
Much more research needs to be done with THCA to discover its full potential, but these avenues will be opening up in the future due to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) rescheduling of cannabis on the controlled substances schedule, allowing for more scientific research to take place without losing federal funding for academic institutions. Overall, THCA sets itself apart as a magical cannabinoid that demonstrates vast potential for medicinal benefits.
References:
Earlenbaugh, E., & Oleinik, G. (2022, May 17). THCA: What are THC crystals and what are their potential benefits? The Cannigma. https://cannigma.com/plant/what-are-thc-crystals-thca-crystalline/
Reilly-Chevalier, J. (2024, March 11). What is THCA? Is it safe? Is it legal? The Cannigma. https://cannigma.com/physiology/what-is-thca-is-it-safe-is-it-legal/
