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THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a natural substance found in raw cannabis. It is one of the most abundant cannabinoids in the plant and is of particular interest because it is the precursor of THC, the substance known for its intoxicating effects.
What does THCA mean?
THCA stands for Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid, and occurs naturally in the flower of the cannabis plant before it is heated. It is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, which means that it does not cause any intoxication in its original state.
When heated - for example by smoking, vaping or cooking - THCA is converted to THC through a process called decarboxylation. Only then does the substance have its well-known effects.
The difference between THCA and THC
It is easy to confuse THCA and THC, but there are several clear differences between these two substances:
THCA and THC are two different forms of the same cannabinoid, but with completely different properties.
THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid) is the acidic, natural form of THC found in raw and unprocessed cannabis. It is not psychoactive in its original state, which means that it does not produce any intoxication. For THCA to be converted into THC, it requires heatingfor example, by smoking, vaping or cooking - a process called decarboxylation. Only after this transformation does the substance become psychoactive.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the active form which occurs when THCA is heated. It is THC that is known for its intoxicating effects and that affects the body's endocannabinoid system. THC is found in products where cannabis has been treated with heat, for example in smoked or vaporized form, or in some edible products.
To sum up:
THCA is naturally present in the cannabis plant and is not psychoactive.
THC is the active form formed when THCA is heated and is psychoactive.
The difference between the two lies in their chemical structure, psychoactivity and how they are consumed.
What happens to THCA when it is heated?
When cannabis containing THCA is heated, for example when smoking or cooking, the molecule loses a carboxyl group (COOH) - this is called decarboxylation. The result is that THCA is converted to THCwhich can then interact with the body's receptors and produce intoxication.
Does eating THCA Gummies get you high?
No, THCA gums do not cause intoxication as long as they have not been heated. THCA is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid in its natural state. For THCA to be converted into psychoactive THC heat is required - a process called decarboxylation.
If you eat THCA gums without heating them, e.g. in raw or low-temperature form, the following normally happens no conversion to THC. Therefore they provide not the same effect as THC-based products.
However, it is always important to check product content and manufacturing process, as some manufacturers may have preheated the extracts or combined them with THC.
Frequently asked questions about THCA
✅ Is THCA legal in the UK?
Legislation on cannabinoids varies between countries. In Sweden, it is the content of THC which determines legality. THCA is not intoxicating, but products that can be converted into THC may still be subject to laws on narcotics or drugs. Always check the rules applicable to your location.
✅ Are THCA and THC the same thing?
No. THCA is the precursor of THC and lacks intoxicating effect in its raw state. Heat is required to convert THCA to THC.
✅ Are there THCA products?
Yes, there are products containing THCA, such as raw cannabis, extracts and vapesbut it is important to check the product information and local rules before buying.
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