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THCA stands for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid and is known to be one of the most popular cannabinoids that is found in marijuana plants. THCA itself is not intoxicating for the user, but when it goes through the decarboxyolation process, it converts into THC which is intoxicating. THCA is produced in the trichomes of marijuana plants.

Trichomes are known as the little hairs that cover the outer surface of marijuana plants. These trichomes contain glands that produce terpenes, THCA, and numerous phytocannabinoids. THCA can be though of as what comes before THC. Without THCA, there would be no THC. When THCA is exposed to heat or dryness for a long duration of time, it converts into THC. THCA in itself doesn’t make a user feel high.

Decarboxylation is a process that THCA must goes through to change into THC. It basically enhances the cannabinoid’s ability to interact with the cannabinoid receptors in the body. THCA by itself doesn’t fit into the cannabinoid receptors in the brain in the same way that THC does. It contains an extra carboxyl group in the molecule. This is what makes THCA an acid.

THCA is sometimes overlooked because most people just stray towards the other cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Just over 95% of THCA is converted into THC when it is smoked. Even though THCA doesn’t produce intoxicating effects, it does have therapeutic and medicinal uses. It has been known to contain beneficial properties that are anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, anti-tumor, anti-emetic, and neuroprotective.

People may benefit from THCA for arthritis, lupus, neurodegenerative diseases, nausea, loss of appetite, insomnia, and muscle spasms. Many doctors have noted that THCA has shown a lot of promise in helping patients that suffer from epilepsy.

Use of Term

My doctor told me that THCA might help with the symptoms of my epilepsy, so I’m going to give it a try.

