Does THCA Get You High? What to Expect Legal Status & More
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THCA or THCa tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, a non-intoxicating cannabinoid present in raw cannabis buds, which means that consuming raw THCA will not induce any form of psychoactive effects as THCA, unlike THC, does not link to cannabinoid receptors.
At the same time, raw THCA can convert to THC with psychoactive effects when heated, and what converts THC-A to THC is the process called decarboxylation.
This process removes a particular carboxyl group from raw THCA, and this happens naturally at a slower pace as marijuana plants mature and dry or quicker when a raw cannabis plant is heated through vaping or smoking.
What you can expect when you consume THC flower, how you can convert THC-A to THC, what are the potential therapeutic properties of THC-A, and how THC-A concentrates differ from Delta 9 and Delta 8 are just some of the many questions we address here so stick around.
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What Is THCA?
As mentioned in the intro section, THC-A, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid present in raw cannabis plants in addition to other cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD.
THC in its raw form, unlike THCA, induces different psychoactive properties, and psychoactive effects commonly reported by THC consumers include euphoria with mind-upliftment, relaxation, and stimulation.
At the same time, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid does not produce psychoactive effects when consumed from an undried and immature THCA flower or in its raw form.
However, when the decarboxylation process takes place, it converts THCA to THC, and consumers experience high effects.
Today, THC-A is more interesting for its potential therapeutic benefits, and based on preliminary research, THC-A has different neuroprotective properties and anticonvulsant properties, alongside antiemetic and anti-inflammatory properties [1].
This means that smoking THCA or consuming it in other forms may be beneficial to people dealing with different conditions, such as those with neurodegenerative and inflammatory conditions, like Alzheimer’s disease, especially when consuming products with a high THCA percentage, but more research is necessary.
Does THCA Get You High?
The main question remains: does THCA get you high? To understand whether consuming THCA makes you experience psychoactive properties, we need to examine its nature.
As mentioned earlier, THC-A is present in many different cannabis products in different concentrations and variations.
It is considered the acidic precursor of high-potency THC. THCA isolate in its natural form does not have any psychoactive properties simply because the cannabinoid’s molecular structure in natural form does not allow it to bind to the CB1 receptors scattered all over the brain.
The decarboxylation process converts THCA into THC and this process means removing the carboxyl group from the THC-A natural molecular structure usually through different heating options.
The same process can also happen on its own as raw marijuana ages and dries, and you get a product with a high THCA percentage that turns into pure THC when heated. As THC-A turns into THC, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system in different ways to induce “high” effects [2].
The bottom line is that THCA, in its unheated and natural form, does not induce any “high” feelings, while vaping, cooking, or smoking THCA converts the cannabinoid to THC, which is responsible for inducing “high” effects.
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Forms of THCA
This leads us to different forms of THC-A that deliver benefits even though THC-A in its natural state is non-psychoactive.
THCA Actual Flower of the Plant
The most natural form of THCA is the cannabinoid present in the hemp flower or the actual marijuana plant. In undried and fresh marijuana, the content of THCA is rather high, and this is why this form is preferred among those aiming for the therapeutic benefits of THCA.
Those who consume THCA as a raw food supplement for its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties usually opt for fresh cannabis plants.
Consuming TCHA in this form also ensures the ultimate THC-A preservation since, as you know, heating THC-A through vaping or smoking initiates its conversion to THC.
THCA Patch
Many consumers of THC-A also turn to transdermal patches, and these specific products are carefully designed to allow precise dosage control by delivering a steady and consistent dose of THCA to the bloodstream over a more extended period.
When consumed this way, THCA heads straight to the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system, so the therapeutic effects are usually felt quicker.
In addition, this method ensures that no THCA converts to THC, as heating of any kind is not involved.
THCA Diamond Crystals
Finally, there are also THC-A diamond crystals for those interested in consuming THCA for whatever reasons, and THC-A diamond crystals are usually referred to as the purest THCA form.
THC-A diamond crystals are manufactured through a unique extraction process that aims to isolate THCA from the raw plant, which results in getting a crystalline structure that looks like small diamonds.
THC-A diamond crystals can be dabbed or vaporized, which means that THCA consumed this way converts it to its psychoactive cousin, THC. This being said THCA diamond crystals are a preferred consumption method among those seeking more intense effects.
How Do You Decarb THCA?
Decarboxylation refers to a simple chemical process that aims to convert THC-A (inactive compound) to THC.
This being said, decarboxylation is an essential part of the THC-A experience if you are aiming for a “high” feeling, and below we discuss different decarboxylation methods.
Smoking
Smoking remains the most used decarboxylation method. When marijuana gets burned, the high temperatures convert THCA in its natural form into THC rather instantly.
The process occurs on its own, and consumers get to experience the desired effects of THC. More specifically, when the marijuana is ignited, consumers inhale THC, and the effects usually tend to happen rather quickly and remain for a few hours.
Vaping
Compared to smoking, vaping is known to heat marijuana at slightly lower temperatures, so combustion byproducts are out of the picture. Vaping produces vapor instead of smoke, so it may work better for some.
Vaping also effectively converts THCA to its psychoactive cousin, and this method allows a more customizable experience since many vaping devices come with different temperature options that significantly impact flavor.
Dabbing
Depending on your individual sensitivity, you can also convert THCA to THC, which is another popular decarboxylation method that involves the vaporization of different concentrates on a hot surface.
THCA concentrates are typically more potent, so dab pens are known to induce more intense THC effects. In addition, the effect onset time associated with dabbing is rather quick, making this method preferred among more experienced consumers.
Baking
Another popular decarboxylation method is baking, and this method is used to make cannabis-infused weed gummies. The process starts with heating the cannabis at a low temperature in an oven over a longer period.
More specifically, marijuana is generally heated at 220-245°F (104-118°C) for forty minutes, which allows THC-A conversion to THC without damaging the plant material in the process.
Sunlight
Finally, natural sunlight can also trigger the decarboxylation process, but compared to other methods, this is more time-consuming and oftentimes less efficient.
The UV light transforms THCA to THC at a slow pace in a completely natural manner. Unlike other methods, this method is more passive, and the products you get are less potent but more organic in their nature.
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What Are the Benefits of THCA?
This leads us to the potential benefits of consuming THC-A in different forms. Before you add THC-A to your routine, it is essential to inform your healthcare provider, especially if you are on some prescription medications.
Anticonvulsant Properties
One of the major benefits of consuming THC-A is the cannabinoid’s potential to induce anticonvulsant effects [3]. This means that THCA-A, in different forms, may help people dealing with seizures, such as those diagnosed with epilepsy.
It is also believed that THC-A in different forms may modulate neural activity, which, as a result, reduces the intensity and frequency of seizures [4].
Neuroprotective Properties
THC-A is also known for exhibiting certain neuroprotective properties [1]. This being said, the famed cannabinoid could be beneficial in the management and treatment of different neurodegenerative conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease [5].
Most believe that the neuroprotective effects of this cannabinoid stem from its ability to slow down and protect cells of the nervous system from damage in different ways.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
When you are dealing with some form of infection or injury, rise in inflammation is a completely natural response, but dealing with chronic inflammation increases the risk of autoimmune diseases, and other conditions.
THC-A in different forms is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can be a very useful addition to treatments that aim to fight off inflammatory conditions [6].
Anti-Nauseatic Properties
Vomiting and nausea are associated with many different conditions, from those that cause upset stomach to others that induce respiratory issues, such as chronic bronchitis, and negatively affect overall lung health.
THC-A in different forms is believed to have anti-nauseatic properties, which means it can be beneficial as an anti-nausea agent in people dealing with vomiting and nausea due to undergoing chemotherapy or dealing with other medical conditions that induce these symptoms [7].
THCA Side Effects
While there are different benefits to consuming THC-A, adverse effects may occur, and knowing the potential risks is essential to ensure the safest experience.
First of all, THC-A, just like other cannabinoids, can interact with certain medications, and combining THC-A with medications is not the best course of action.
As for the potential risks associated with THC-a, the most commonly reported side effects include feeling dizzy, experiencing nausea, changes in appetite, red eye, and dry mouth.
Some THC-A consumers may also experience changes in their heart rate and increased anxiety. Some may also experience respiratory symptoms, which are usually short-lived.
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How Long Does THCA Stay in Your System?
How long THC-A stays in your system depends on several different factors, including the consumption method, the dosage consumed, the frequency of use, and, of course, the person’s metabolism.
When consumed, THCA, which is transformed into THC, gets metabolized by the liver into over eighty different metabolites, and these different metabolites remain in your system way longer than THC.
This being said, THC-A or THC may remain in your system, ranging from a few days to several months. Drug tests check the presence of different metabolites that remain detectable in urine drug tests, usually for a few days up to several weeks after consumption.
THC-A and associated metabolites are typically detectable by blood tests for a few days as these different metabolites leave the bloodstream faster. With hair follicle tests, THC-A is detectable for a longer period, usually up to three months.
The frequency of use also plays an important role. In other words, THC-A and its metabolites remain longer in the system of more frequent consumers, and consuming higher doses also means that THC-A will linger for longer.
How Can You Consume THCA Without Getting High?
There are different options to consume THC-A without experiencing any “high” vibes, and these include consuming THC-A capsules, THC-A tinctures, and turning to topical applications and raw cannabis consumption.
THC-A Capsules
THC-A capsules fall into the category of the most discreet and convenient consumption methods. With capsules, you are promised a precise and controlled THC-A dosage every time, and since THC-A does not transform into THC, you will not experience any “high” effects.
In addition, THC-A in capsule form makes a great choice for beginner consumers, as well as those who do not like the raw taste of cannabis.
THC-A Tinctures
In recent times, THC-A tinctures have also grown in popularity. These are liquid extracts that are manufactured from cannabis in its natural form, and these products are consumed sublingually. In other words, you place a few drops of your tincture under the tongue for quicker absorption.
With THC-A tinctures, you are allowed hassle-free consumption as there is no need for digesting all of the plant material or inhalation associated with other popular consumption methods, such as smoking and vaping.
THC-A Raw Cannabis Consumption
If you do not want to experience the benefits of THC-A without any “high” feelings, raw marijuana consumption makes a great choice. You can easily add fresh and immature cannabis leaves to your smoothies or salads.
Since THC-A, in its raw state, is not psychoactive, adding fresh cannabis leaves to your smoothie or salad will not induce any “high” vibes. Either way, make sure you always use untreated cannabis leaves to reduce the risk of potential contamination.
THC-A Topical Applications
Finally, many who want to experience THC-A and its potential benefits without any “high” feelings also turn to different topical applications. More specifically, THC-A is commonly present in different topical formulations, such as balms and creams.
When these types of creams and balms are applied to the skin, the main cannabinoid may offer relief without traveling to the bloodstream, meaning consumers do not experience any “high” effects associated with other consumption methods.
Does THCA Show Up on a Drug Test?
Most standard drug tests look for the presence of THC, but since THC-A transforms to THC through different heating methods, it has different THC metabolites that are detected in a standard drug test.
The most common types of these tests include hair, saliva, blood, and urine tests, which all come with different sensitivities and detection windows.
Once again, while these tests do not specifically look for the presence of THC-A, they can detect it when THC-A transforms into THC.
Urine tests are capable of detecting THC metabolites for a few days to a few weeks. Chronic THC consumers can get a positive test for thirty or more days after consumption.
Blood tests can detect the presence of THC metabolites for a few hours to a few days, and these tests are usually used for recent use.
When it comes to saliva tests, they can detect THC metabolites for two days after consumption, while hair follicle tests can detect THC and its metabolites for three months and sometimes even longer.
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Is THCA Legal?
At the federal level, the THC-A cannabinoid is affected by the legal status of THC, and since THC remains illegal at the federal level in the USA, THC-A is also considered federally illegal.
At the same time, THC-A, unlike its more famous cousin, is not listed under the Controlled Substances Act, which allows for a legal loophole, especially since THC-A, in its raw state, is not psychoactive, unlike THC.
While federally illegal, the legality of THC-A remains in a gray area. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, derivatives of cannabis that have less than 0.3% THC are federally legal, and since this cannabinoid can be derived from hemp, its legal status is enigmatic.
More specifically, when the THC-A is derived from hemp and does not exceed 0.3% of THC when the process of decarboxylation takes place, it can be considered federally legal, but state laws also play an important role.
In some states, cannabis can be consumed for both medicinal and recreational purposes, while in others, it cannot be consumed for any purpose.
This being said, you want to familiarize yourself with laws and regulations in your area before you consider consuming THC-A in any form.
What is a High THCA Percentage?
When it comes to a high THC-A percentage, this usually ranges from 25% to 30% in flowers. A hemp flower is known to exhibit the highest THC-A percentage compared to other products, but the exact percentage depends on how farmers cultivate these flowers.
Those who consume products with a higher THC-A percentage can expect more intense and longer-lasting effects, and when the decarboxylation process takes place, these products are known to induce longer-lasting highs.
The percentage of THC-A is a major factor determining the intensity and longevity of effects, both therapeutic and high effects.
This being said, when looking to buy THC-A products in any form, examining the potency is crucial, especially if you are new to consuming this cannabinoid.
Those who are new to THC-A should stick to products with lower potency, while veteran THC-A consumers will have a greater experience with high-potency THC-A goodies, which, through vaping and smoking, will induce strong highs.
THCA vs. THC
The major difference between THC and THC-A lies in the fact that consuming THC in any form will result in experiencing different “high” effects, such as euphoria while consuming THC-A in its natural form does not induce any high effects.
This being said, natural THC-A is more favored among consumers who are aiming to experience cannabis’s therapeutic properties, while THC is more favored among recreational marijuana consumers who are seeking highs.
There are also differences between the two cannabinoids and the way they interact with the human body.
More specifically, THC-A’s structure does not bind to CB1 receptors in the brain, while THC does so on different days. For THC-A to induce any “high” effects, it has to be transformed to THC through the decarboxylation process or heating.
While THC is favored among recreational marijuana consumers for the fact it induces “high” effects, it may also deliver benefits for the body and mind, as discussed in this study [8].
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THCA vs. Delta-8
One of the major differences between THCA and Delta-8 lies in their psychoactive effects. THC-A is a non-psychoactive cousin of THC, meaning it does not produce a high when consumed in its raw form.
It must be decarboxylated, typically through applying heat, to convert into THC. Delta-8, on the other hand, is psychoactive, but its effects are considered to be less intense and more manageable than those consumers experience with Delta-9-THC.
THC-A is most commonly found in fresh cannabis plants and is available in different forms, including flowers for juicing or as a main component in topicals and tinctures.
On the other hand, Delta-8 is usually synthesized from CBD or Delta-9-THC and is available in concentrated forms such as edibles and vape cartridges.
While both THC-A and Delta-8 THC belong to the cannabinoid family, THC-A and Delta-8 have different molecular structures, which accounts for their differing effects.
THC-A is a precursor to THC, undergoing a transformation into THC through the decarboxylation process. Delta-8 is an isomer of Delta-9-THC, meaning it has a similar molecular structure with some differences in how carbon atoms are arranged.
THCA vs. Delta-9
While both THC-A and Delta 9 are present in marijuana plants in their natural forms, THC-A falls into the category of Delta 9 acidic precursors, which means that Delta 9 gets formed from THC-A through the decarboxylation process.
Once again, both are present in the varied cannabinoid family that has over one hundred different cannabinoids. Both have different health benefits, with Delta 9 being particularly well-researched due to its greater availability and popularity.
As for the main differences, once again, THC-A does not induce high feelings when consumed in its raw form, while THC induces high feelings in all different forms. There is also a difference in legal status.
In many areas, Delta 9 is illegal and very strictly regulated, while THC-A, due to its non-psychoactive nature, is not as strictly regulated. Being non-psychoactive, THC-A is more used for medicinal purposes, while Delta 9 is favored among recreational consumers.
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FAQs
For more information on THC-A and its effects, please check out our FAQs section down below.
Can THCA Cause a High?
In its natural form, THC-A does not cause any high effects, but when THC-A is heated through vaping or smoking, it turns to THC, which is known to induce intense highs, and the intensity of highs depends on the dosage and your individual tolerance.
How Powerful Is THCA?
The potency of THC-A in its ability to cause a high is non-existent due to its inability to interact with the brain’s receptors when consumed in its natural form.
For this cannabinoid to become psychoactive, it must be transformed into THC through a process known as decarboxylation, which typically means applying heat.
This process kicks off when marijuana buds are smoked, vaporized, or cooked, transforming THC-A into THC, and THC has the potential to produce high effects.
What Is THCA and Why Is It Legal?
When it comes to the legality of THC-A, it sits in a somewhat gray area. In many areas, THC-A is not specifically listed as a controlled substance. This status is partly because it is not psychoactive in its natural form.
However, since THC-A can easily be converted into THC, the legal status of THC-A can be subject to the laws and regulations governing THC and marijuana in general.
In areas where marijuana consumption is legal for medical or recreational purposes, THC-A is also legal. Conversely, in jurisdictions where THC is banned, THC-A might also be considered illegal due to its potential to convert into THC.
What Percent of THCA Is High?
Typically, a high THC-A percentage is somewhere between 25% and 30% present in fresh marihuana plants. With a strain that has a higher THC-A content, you are more likely to experience intense effects when the decarboxylation process takes place.
What Does THCA Do to the Brain?
THC-A is believed to have different health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, but it does not interact with the brain in the same way THC does to produce high effects.
Final Words
In the previous sections, we ventured into the world of THC-A, one of the THC cousins, which may not be as popular, but it is definitely worth exploring, especially among those who are more interested in the health benefits of marijuana.
Understanding how THC-A interacts with the human body and different THC-A forms is essential as you hop on this adventure, and this is why we looked into THC-A basics and more.
We also examined how different decarboxylation methods convert THC-A to THC, as well as some of the main health benefits associated with THC-A consumed in different forms.
As the community continues to evolve, we expect to see more on THC-A around, and we hope that this guide acts as a great starting point for all those interested in exploring the world of THC-A.
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References:
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Nallathambi R, Mazuz M, Ion A, Selvaraj G, Weininger S, Fridlender M, Nasser A, Sagee O, Kumari P, Nemichenizer D, Mendelovitz M, Firstein N, Hanin O, Konikoff F, Kapulnik Y, Naftali T, Koltai H. Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Colon Models Is Derived from Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid That Interacts with Additional Compounds in Cannabis Extracts. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2017 Jul 1;2(1):167-182. doi: 10.1089/can.2017.0027. PMID: 29082314; PMCID: PMC5627671.
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