By applying for 420 evaluations, you can access cannabis from licensed dispensaries. However, to ease your symptoms completely, you must learn how to use the herb right, what’s inside the plant, etc. The marijuana plant contains more than 100 chemical compounds called cannabinoids. THCA is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has various health benefits. Read on to learn everything you need to know about this amazing phytocannabinoid.
What is THCA?
THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), is found in raw cannabis plants. It’s a non-intoxicating cannabinoid. When marijuana is heated, THCA gets converted into THC. The process is known as decarboxylation. However, when making edibles at home, decarboxylated cannabis is used.
THCA is produced in trichomes, which are responsible for generating terpenes and cannabinoids. The process is known as biosynthesis that involves a series of chemical reactions triggered by enzymes.
Benefits of THCA?
THCA provides a wide range of health benefits. Preliminary research and anecdotal evidence say that THC plays a key role in bringing forward cannabis as an important medicine. THCA helps in stimulating appetite by acting as a receptor agonist. It is effective in easing pain, muscle spasms, and sleep problems.
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THCA delivers amazing soothing and neurological effects. Medical studies have found that THCA is effective in reducing symptoms of cancer, seizures, Alzheimer’s disease, and cachexia.
THCA has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation and inflammatory conditions, such as bowel syndrome, arthritis, Crohn’s disease, etc. It works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes, such as COX-1 and COX-2.
Research says that THCA is effective in reducing nausea and increasing appetite. A 2012 animal study reported that THCA has strong antiemetic properties.
How THCA is Different From THC?
THCA and THC are the two cannabis compounds. THC isn’t produced during the growing phase of the marijuana plants. Instead, the plants produce THCA in large amounts. However, when THCA is exposed to heat or dryness for a prolonged period, it becomes THC.
One of the major differences between THCA and THC is that the former is non-psychoactive while the latter is psychoactive. When you eat raw cannabis or drink raw plant juice, it won’t get you high.
The shapes of THCA and THC molecules are different. THCA doesn’t actually fit into cannabinoid receptors to which THC can easily bind.
In the marijuana plant, THCA represents about 90 percent of the THC content. Thus, checking the levels of THCA gives a clear cut idea about the potency of cannabis. Medical experts believe that during decarboxylation, the conversion rate between THCA and THC is around 70 percent.
Lab technicians usually calculate total THC in cannabis using the following formula-
THC = (%THCA*0.877) + (%THC)
How to Use THCA?
Since THCA is converted into THC when heated, it’s important to avoid heating cannabis if you want to receive the medicinal properties of THCA. So, some of the common methods using THCA are raw marijuana tinctures, THCA patches, eating raw THCA edibles, etc.
Additionally, you can use non-activated, non-decarboxylated cannabis products, such as tea and topicals. The tea is usually not heated to keep THCA content in it.
Topicals containing THCA are applied directly to the skin to receive localized relief. Remember, topicals may have a slower action than smoking/vaping because cannabinoids take time to get absorbed into the bloodstream.
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THCA oils can be consumed in various ways. They can help ease inflammation and physical discomfort. THCA is extracted at room temperature to avoid getting it converted into THC. However, over time, THCA becomes THC if THCA oils aren’t stored in a cool place.
Final Thoughts
THCA is a cannabis compound that provides anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-proliferative properties. It can also help ease sleep problems and nausea. When cannabis is heated, THCA gets converted into THC.
There are many ways to enjoy the medicinal properties of THCA. You can eat raw cannabis or make raw plant juice. Or, you can use THCA oils, teas, topicals, etc. Remember, store THCA products in a cool place as high temperatures can convert THCA into THC.
To buy cannabis flowers, edibles, and other products legally from licensed dispensaries, you need to apply for 420 evaluations. With telemedicine technology, you can get an MMJ rec card or medical marijuana grower license in just 10 minutes. The process is-
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