THCA and THC are two similar terms widely used in the cannabis community, but many consumers are unsure what they actually stand for. Here are the differences and similarities of THCA and THC, and how they can impact the cannabis experience.

Chemical Structure of Cannabis

Cannabis plants consist of cannabinoids, which are the main chemical compounds responsible for producing psychoactive and non-psychoactive effects. Once consumed, cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), made up of two primary receptors: CB1 and CB2.

The main difference between THCA and THC is that one is a raw form, while the other is an active form. 

Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA)

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, or THCA, is an acidic cannabinoid that can be found in raw cannabis plants and hemp.  Raw THCA won’t get you high, as this type of cannabinoid is not intoxicating, but it changes its form through the process of decarboxylation. The process of decarboxylation is triggered by heat, turning THCA into THC, a psychoactive compound. This can include smoking, vaping, or any form of heating (cooking or baking edibles).

THCA Consumption Methods

There are numerous THCA products available, depending on your preference, with THCA flower, pre-rolls, and concentrates being the most popular. The common ways to consume THCA include:

• Smoking: THCA flower is smoked with a pipe, bong, or joint, or via THCA pre-rolls.
• Vaping: Cartridges and disposable all-in-one vape pens filled with high-quality THCA oil.
• Dabbing: Concentrates are consumed with dab tools for a potent and flavorful experience, with THCA Diamonds being the most popular THCA concentrate.
• Edibles: After decarboxylating your THCA via baking or cooking, you can make your own psychoactive edibles. There are THCA edibles on the market, but a lot of them also contain THC, so always check the label depending on if you want the psychoactive effects or not.
• Raw consumption: Consuming raw cannabis leaves through smoothies and juices is not an uncommon thing, as many people consume them for potential health benefits without the intoxicating effects.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as delta-9 THC or just THC, is the main cannabinoid found in cannabis, responsible for producing psychoactive effects. The potency of the cannabis product refers to the THC content.

THC Consumption Methods

There is a wide range of THC products to choose from, depending on your consumption preference and tolerance to cannabis. The common ways to consume THC products include:

• Smoking: You can smoke cannabis flower via pipe, bong, or joint. Pre-rolls and infused pre-rolls are also popular picks.
• Vaping: There are cartridges and disposable all-in-one vape pens with premium THC oil.
• Dabbing: Concentrates are consumed with dab tools for a potent and flavorful experience. THC concentrates come in many forms, such as wax, budder, shatter, crumble, live resin, and live rosin.
• Edibles: THC-infused gummies, chocolates, baked goods, and beverages are a popular pick due to easy dosing and discreet consumption.
• Tinctures: A liquid THC substance, used sublingually (placed under the tongue for fast onset of effects)
• Topicals: Applied directly onto the skin via creams, gels, oils, or patches for potential therapeutic effects without the intoxication.

Potential Therapeutic Benefits: THCA vs. THC

THC products are used both for medical and recreational purposes due to their psychoactive nature. Once consumed, THC can create euphoric, uplifting, or relaxing effects. THCA products are also used in both medical and recreational purposes, as they can produce the same effects once THCA is converted to THC through heat. 

The Legal Status: THCA vs. THC

The legal status of THCA and THC is slightly different due to a grey area. While THC is federally illegal, each state has its own laws and regulations, with some legalizing medical and recreational use. THCA can be legal only if it’s derived from hemp and contains less than 0.3% THC.  Always check with local laws regarding cannabis before buying and consuming.

Things to Consider Before Consuming THCA and THC products

When consuming THCA products (precisely those that will convert THCA into THC when heated) and THC products, there are some things to keep in mind, such as:

• Dosing correctly: If you are a beginner, make sure that you are consuming the proper dose and check the exact potency, regardless of whether you are consuming a THC or a THCA product.
• Side effects: Some people might experience dry mouth, dry eyes, increased anxiety, and paranoia if the dose is too strong for their tolerance.
• Not all THCA products are pure THCA: Some THCA products might be labeled as such, but can contain other cannabinoids, including THC.

THCA and THC may sound like they are the same thing, but they are not, as THCA is technically a precursor to THC. Regardless of whether you are a total beginner or an experienced consumer, knowing these differences can elevate your cannabis experience. Find your nearest dispensary and explore the selection of cannabis products.