When we’re discussing cannabis, it’s easy to get caught up in the many cannabinoids and how they influence us. Lately, two of them have been most prominent: THC-A and THC. Whether you’re new to the cannabis world or simply interested in learning more about the differences between the two, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about THC-A vs THC from their effects and applications to their legality in the United States. Let’s begin!
What is THC-A?
THC-A, or tetra hydro cannabinolic acid, is the uncooked, raw form of THC in the cannabis plant. If you have fresh cannabis that has not been cooked, it will be loaded with THC-A, not THC. This cannabinoid has no psychoactive effect when consumed by itself, so you won’t be high if you consume it raw.
The actual change occurs when THC-A is combusted under the process of decarboxylation. The process converts the chemical makeup of THC-A into THC, the famous substance responsible for the “high” effect of cannabis consumption. Decarboxylation occurs when you are smoking, vaping, or preparing cannabis.
As it stands, THC-A offers a range of possible therapeutic advantages without any psychoactive effect, and therefore this is an excellent option for people who want to use cannabis in a health-conscious way without getting high.
What is THC?
THC stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. It’s the thinking-altering substance most people think of when they hear the word “cannabis.” THC binds directly to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which creates the euphoric, intoxicating effects of cannabis use.
In contrast to THC-A, THC is fully activated and ready to interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system the moment it is being heated. Activation changes the way you perceive the world, expands sensory experience, boosts your mood, and brings about pain relief, among others.
Briefly, THC is the one that makes you high and THC-A is the raw material, which must be burned before it will make you high.
How are THC-A and THC Different?
Although THC-A and THC are similar, they act rather differently once in the body. THC-A is not psychoactive, so it will not affect your state of mind. You can consume raw cannabis flowers containing a high percentage of THC-A and gain potential neuroprotective or anti-inflammatory benefits without becoming high.
But THC is psychoactive. If you are smoking or consuming activated THC, you can see its impact on your mood, perception, and actions. THC, when it attaches to CB1 receptors in the brain, causes euphoria, relaxation, and altered sensory perception.
The second basic difference is in how they’re consumed. THC-A is typically consumed in its raw form — smoothies, juices, or some tinctures that don’t decarboxylate the cannabinoid, for example. THC is typically smoked, vaped, or cooked into food where the heat decarboxylation THC-A into THC, which engages the whole psychoactive potential.
Effects of THC-A
While THC-A won’t get you high, it’s a very promising substance for health. Recent studies show that THC-A is a very promising anti-inflammatory, and thus possibly a great resource for those suffering from chronic inflammation diseases like lupus or arthritis.
Furthermore, research has indicated that THC-A may possess neuroprotective effects. That is, it may be able to protect brain cells from damage, and this would be beneficial for individuals at risk of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. THC-A has also been demonstrated to possess potential anti-nausea and anti-vomiting effects, with the advantage of relief without the psychoactive effects of THC.
Because THC-A behaves differently within the body than THC, it’s an excellent option for those who want the therapeutic effect of cannabis without the psychoactive experience.
Effects of THC THC’s effect is stronger and has been studied extensively throughout the years. As soon as THC enters your system, it binds to your brain receptors, causing a sense of euphoria, heightened sensory perception, relaxation, and in some cases, heightened creativity.
THC is also a painkiller. Patients use medical cannabis with a high concentration of THC to control chronic pain, muscle spasms, and other pain syndromes. THC induces an effect of increased appetite — an effect with which most people are intimately familiar as “the munchies” — that is useful to chemotherapy patients or patients with such diseases as HIV/AIDS.
But one needs to consider that very large doses of THC also produce side effects like anxiety, paranoia, dry mouth, and memory loss. Due to its psychoactive nature, THC might not always be appropriate for everybody, particularly those sensitive to its effects.
Benefits of THC-A over THC
Both THC-A and THC have their benefits, and each one is appealing to different types of users.
THC-A is perfect for those who need health benefits and not the feelings of being stoned. THC-A is under investigation for being anti-inflammatory, for its promise in slowing the rate of neurodegeneration, and for beating nausea. It is a perfect choice for someone who wants to add cannabis as part of health regimens yet remain alert and clear-headed.
On the other hand, THC is highly beneficial to those who are afflicted with chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, and loss of appetite. The psychoactive nature of THC can induce not only bodily relief but also mental and emotional calm, which is of utmost importance in the medical management of most illnesses.
Short answer: If you are looking for clean well-being sans buzz, THC-A could be the ticket. But if you are looking for more relief, both physical and mental, THC could be the ticket.
The Legality of THC-A and THC in the USA
The United States has complicated cannabis law, and that of THC-A and THC is not an exception.
THC-A is a bit more broadly legal because it’s not psychoactive in its native form. The 2018 Farm Bill makes hemp products with less than 0.3% delta-9 THC legal. Because THC-A itself won’t make you high unless decarboxylated, most consider it legal in this situation.
But it is problematic because when THC-A is processed with heat, it converts to THC. Police and regulators will then likely scrutinize THC-A products closely, especially if they appear to be intended to be smoked or vaped, which inevitably would produce psychoactive THC.
In the case of THC, its legality varies significantly from state to state. States like California, Colorado, and Oregon legalized THC for both medical and recreational purposes. Florida and New York allow its use for medical purposes only under severe conditions. THC is illegal in states like Idaho and Nebraska.
It’s necessary for customers to check local regulations before purchasing or using THC-A or THC. Some states are starting to implement specific laws on cannabinoids like THC-A, especially as the market grows.
How to Use THC-A and THC
If you wish to incorporate THC-A in your care, you will be looking for such items as raw cannabis flower, THC-A tinctures, capsules, and topical creams. These are designed to be stored in a state that does not trigger decarboxylation so that you may experience the potential benefits with no psychoactive effect.
For the psychoactive effects of THC, you have a variety of products to select from, including cannabis flower to smoke, vape cartridges, edibles, tinctures, and infused beverages. Depending on the route of administration, you will experience varying onset and duration of effects. Smoking and vaping provide you with instant onset, while edibles have delayed onset but offer longer duration of relief.
It’s a good practice to start low, especially if you are new to either compound. Everyone reacts differently, and it’s a better practice to introduce yourself to cannabis gradually than to plunge headfirst into a high-dose experience.
THC-A vs THC — What’s the Right Choice for You
The choice between THC-A and THC ultimately boils down to what you’re attempting to do. If you’re seeking health benefits like reduced inflammation or nausea relief without the psychoactive effect, THC-A is a great choice to consider. It allows you to reap the medicinal benefit of cannabis without numbing your mental acuity. On the other hand, if you prefer stronger symptom relief for pain, anxiety, or insomnia and don’t mind (or even prefer) the psychoactive effects — THC may be your cannabinoid of choice. Either way, quality matters. Always purchase from esteemed sources like Artisan Vapor CBD to obtain safe, tested products that will perform as advertised. Marijuana is an extremely personal experience. Regardless of whether you do the THC-A, the THC, or a combination of the two, take the time to learn, experiment, and figure out what will best work for your body and mind.