You should remember that most consumers already know about THC or Delta-9 TetraHydroCannabinol. We are talking about the essential cannabinoid responsible for psychoactive effects. At the same time, you may be familiar with other cannabinoids such as Delta-10 and Delta-8.

The THC alternatives are becoming more and more popular. For instance, a few states have banned the usage of delta-8 and delta-10 because of their psychoactive effects combined with semi-synthetic characteristics. When it comes to different hemp options, the most popular choice is THCA flower.

It is vital to check here to learn more about this particular topic. In further article, we wish to discuss product types, uses, benefits and compare CBD, THC and THCA. Let us start from the beginning.

What is THCA?

Tetrahydrcannabinolic acid or THCA is naturally occurring cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp plants. It features acidic properties, meaning it is precursor to THC and you can find it mostly in freshly harvested and young cultivars.

Remember that it is non-psychoactive until you decide to convert it into THC through various non-enzymic reactions. The main idea is to expose it to heat, and it will transform into THC through decarboxylation process, which activates psychoactive properties of THC.

As mentioned above, it does not possess psychoactive properties in natural state. The molecular structure doesn’t allow it to bind with receptors, meaning you can consume it without feeling intoxicated afterward. The main idea is to consume it raw, meaning you can juice up freshly harvested cannabis or combine it in other ways to keep it fresh and prevent it from burning.

Differences Between THC and THCA

THCA and THC are both tetrahydrocannabinol chemicals but they come with specific molecular distinction. THCA features a carboxylic acid on benzene ring, which is not something you get with THC. Watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rH7u7hnrGM to learn more about cannabis.

The additional ring provides a 3D shape, meaning a chemical structure is more significant and incapable of attaching and binding to neural receptors, therefore, providing psychoactive effects or high. The molecular structure allows THCA to have solid in crystalline form, while THC is mostly liquid.

The moment THCA gets in contact with fire, it will convert into THC, which will as a result, provide you with intoxicating compound and ability to feel high as with other cannabis products. THC features unique shape meaning it can bind with CB1 and CB2 receptors in brain, immune system and central nervous system.

This particular neural affinity creates a distorted sense of reality and mental perception that results in cerebral activity, euphoria and body-buzzing effects.

Cannabis and hemp plants are low in Delta-9 THC and high in THCA before harvest. However, after a while, the non-psychoactive cannabinol with convert to THC in a process known as decarboxylation, which is a reaction that releases carbon dioxide from its molecular structure.

Another way to speed up the reaction is by using an all-natural catalyst or heat to cause decarboxylation, which naturally happens while keeping cannabis leaves in storage or drying area.

The moment you decide to apply heat with an idea to smoke plants or cook cannabis for making edibles, you will ignite the reaction, meaning the remaining THCA will convert into THC.

With an idea to account for conversion processes, each laboratory must conduct the potency test by following USDA principles and methodologies.

Therapeutic Effects of THCA

You should remember that THCA comes with similar therapeutic qualities as other cannabinoids. The main difference lies in effect, meaning you will not experience euphoria, but you will still get the same effects for specific medical conditions. For instance, it is similar to CBD regarding health benefits, which is vital to remember.

By clicking here, you can understand the health properties of cannabis. A few studies have shown that this particular compound comes with various medical uses and health benefits, such as:

• Nausea relief and appetite loss for people with eating disorders and cancer treatments
• Reduces muscle spasms and chronic pain, especially regarding ulcerative colitis, Crohn disease and inflammatory bower disease.
• Slowing the progression of prostate cancer cells, which is vital to remember
• Brain health, because it protects coordination and memory, while it is effective against other neuroinflammatory disease such as ALS, Parkinsons, and Alzheimer’s, among others.
• Reduces spasms and seizures, which is important for people with multiple sclerosis and epilepsy. M
• It is perfect addition for insomnia and as sleep aid, because it provides certain relaxation effects.

Things to Know About THCA Flower

You should remember that THCA flower is smokable hemp that features high levels of this particular compound, which goes up to twenty-five percent, while it is low in psychoactive effect to keep it legal, meaning it goes below 0.3%.

When you look at it, the flower looks the same as hemp, while the practice states that it functions similarly as cannabis flowers. Therefore, you can use it, put in paper and smoke it or use other smoking aids, which will allow you to convert non-psychoactive cannabinoid into one with psychoactive effects.

Therefore, if you wish to experience mind-altering effects, you should find brands that will offer you the combination of compliance, quality and safety.

Edibles

You should remember that edibles require heating process during the cooking, which means that THCa will convert into its psychoactive counterpart. However, you can also find options that are exception to this rule, especially if you wish to consume cold-pressed beverages such as cannabis juice, which may not feature psychoactive effects.

You can also find various DIY juicing recipes that will offer you a peace of mind. The process of freezing and pureeing leaves and flower into frozen cubes will allow you to take advantage of cannabis plant and use its nutritional effects and health benefits, without experiencing high and potential side effects that come with regular cannabis.

Extracts

You can also find extracts in form of concentrates, tinctures, oils and other options, that will offer you various options. Although extracts mostly feature options with general THC, you can find the options that utilized raw cannabis extracts without inducing effects and with therapeutic benefits. That way, you can rest assured and avoid problematic side effects.