Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is a cannabinoid that has recently captured the minds of enthusiasts throughout the cannabis community. The name of this cannabis compound sounds a lot like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and the two are related in a way, but there are also profound differences between THC and THCA. For years, cannabis consumers were almost exclusively concerned with THC. While that psychoactive compound will continue to get a lot of attention, people are starting to consider that THCA may be more important than we previously imagined.
What Is THCA?
THCA is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in raw or live cannabis plants. In other words, THCA won’t get anyone high or intoxicated (at least not while it’s still THCA). When THCA is decarboxylated with heat or over time, it will eventually convert to THC, which is why so many cannabis consumers value high concentrations of THCA.
Flower that has been labeled with THC concentration could more accurately be marked with THCA concentration. Still, there isn’t much of a difference for consumers who plan to decarboxylate that flower by smoking, vaping, or cooking.
How Does THCA Work?
Many consumers are still under the impression that THCA is only good for converting to THC, but researchers are starting to suggest otherwise. The scientific study of THCA is still relatively limited, but the information we have so far is promising.
It doesn’t seem like our growing knowledge about this cannabinoid will be especially attractive to people who are purely interested in consuming marijuana recreationally. As far as medicinal marijuana products go, though, what we’re learning about THCA could provide some major breakthroughs.
Research About THCA
Cannabis research has picked up considerably since the prohibition has been reduced and relaxed both in the United States and globally. However, we still can’t say with certainty that THCA has medical applications. That said, we do have some early research findings and anecdotal stories that suggest THCA may have the following potential benefits:
- THCA resulted in a significant overall reduction in seizures, according to one study.
- Another article suggests that THCA may have anti-inflammatory properties.
- A third group collected data to show that THCA may protect neurons.
- More research suggests that THCA may inhibit the growth of carcinoma and the cell viability of prostate cancer.
Anecdotes from patients are likely to inspire even more research into whether or not THCA can prove useful in any of the following applications, among others:
- Nausea and appetite loss
- Insomnia
- Pain
- Muscle Spasms
Ultimately, we’ll need to see significantly more scientific research before it could be considered responsible for making definitive claims about the effects of THCA. Until then, we expect cannabis scientists to continue their work toward verifiable answers.
Where Can I Find THCA?
Since THCA occurs naturally in raw and live cannabis, some people juice the plant material or use it to make smoothies. The ingestion of raw cannabis is a viable THCA delivery method, but it may not be the most appealing for the average consumer or patient. Luckily, some of the best concentrate manufacturers in Colorado are working to produce THCA concentrates for dispensaries.
Cannabis Concentrates for Dispensaries in Colorado
Here at Chronic Creations, we rely on years of experience and state of the art equipment to create premium cannabis concentrates. Our work is of the type of quality that inspires patients and consumers to return to their favorite dispensaries continuously. We’re capable of working with growers and dispensaries to create custom products and invite you to reach out to us for more information.
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