Exploring THCA:
Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid

Exploring THCA

What is the

Difference Between THC and THCA?

If they were rungs on a ladder, you’d have to step on THCA before you got to THC. One comes from (or before) the other.  THCA is the precursor to THC (Delta-8-THC and Delta-9-THC) and it is in the hemp plant in its raw state.

You can eat hemp straight from the garden and never get high. There is no THC in hemp as it comes straight from the earth, rather it is THCA and this is not a psychoactive compound. The basic reason for this is that THCA is a molecule that is too large to combine with the cannabinoid receptors in the human body.

Think of it like this – the receptor is the engine that creates the effect. The compound is the key that starts the engine. THCA is the wrong key. It doesn’t fit, and it won’t unlock the potential of the cannabinoid receptors in the body. It has no effect at all.

“If they were rungs on a ladder, you’d have to step on THCA before you got to THC.”

Cannabis plants have hundreds of different compounds and at least 112 cannabinoid compounds that we are aware of. However, as research progresses, this may very well change. Cannabinoids are identified by their molecular shape and basic structure. Obviously, as with THCA and THC, there are some differences that matter. Only a small handful of the compounds in cannabis have a psychoactive effect, with the most well-known being THC.

BUT HOW DOES THCA BECOME THC?

 

When cannabis is heated, a chemical process happens called decarboxylation. This happens when cannabis is burned (smoked) or heated in another way. The heat removes the carboxylic acid atoms. This makes the entire molecular structure smaller and able to fit into the receptors of the endocannabinoid system.

At this point, the receptors in the brain are willingly bonding with the new molecule, known as THC. THC likes to bond with CB1 receptors, which are primarily located within the brain, thus the psychoactive effect.

THCA has benefits of it’s own: A Superfood

THCA is a superfood. When eaten raw, in smoothies and as a dietary supplement, it has the ability to ease arthritis pain, relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia and other chronic conditions. THCA has other benefits as well, such as:

 

  • Neuroprotectant qualities

  • Diabetes regulation assistance

  • Anti-seizure benefits

  • Natural anti-inflammatory

  • Appetite regulation – helps increase appetite and reduce nausea

THCA stands alone as a fantastic cannabinoid supplement for humans or even pets (because they have an endocannabinoid system as well). Thanks to science and ongoing cannabis research, we are learning of many potential benefits and uses for cannabinoids other than the two we are so accustomed to hearing about – CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

As we learn, we also find that some of the compounds work best when combined with others. This is leading cultivators, growers, and manufacturers to grow or make formulations of their own oils and supplements that have higher concentrations of certain cannabinoids that are beneficial for specific health conditions, and less of others, so that there is little to no psychoactive response within the body. New cannabis research is making medicinal cannabis a viable alternative for more people than ever before.

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The Cannabis Terpene Terpinolene

While the various benefits of cannabis terpenes are still being studied, current scientific research points to Terpinolene as an effective sedative

The Cannabis Terpene Trans-Nerolidol

Trans-Nerolidol a secondary terpene found in lemongrass, tea tree, and jasmine. It is being researched currently for use as an anti-parasitic and anti-fungal

The Cannabis Terpene Terpinene

Tea tree oil naturally contains Terpinene and this undoubtedly has much to do with the antiseptic, antifungal properties of the tea tree oil

The Cannabis Terpene Sabinene

Sabinene is ranked as the single most important ingredient in essential oils because of the antiseptic nature of this therapeutic terpene.

The Terpene Phytol

Phytol is known as an antioxidant and research is beginning to lead us to believe that it is effective against tumors, as well as convulsions and seizures.

The Terpene Pulegone

Pulegone can work as a muscle relaxer and has also been used for generations as a fever reducer. Some research studies have shown it may also improve memory.
Phellandrene

The Terpene Phellandrene

Phellandrene is the topic of many experiments right now that focus on the anti-fungal properties and antibacterial properties of this terpene.

The Terpene Nerolidol

Nerolidol has had plenty of medicinal research because it has been found to be an anti-protozoan. It has treated malaria with great success.
menthol

The Cannabis Terpene Menthol

Menthol is also an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. This enables it to help with pain associated with many chronic conditions, such as arthritis.

The Cannabis Terpene Isopulegol

The precursor to menthol, Isopulegol gives a somewhat minty smell to marijuana. Studies on lab rats have concluded that it may be an effective relaxant.

The Cannabis Terpene Isoborneol

As the name seems to imply, Isoborneol is related to the terpene Borneol. It is believed to aid in reducing oxidative stress, and Alzheimer's among other conditions.
Guaiol

The Cannabis Terpene Guaiol

In 2007, Guaiol was found to be a a good antimicrobial agent, particularly against bacteria and fungi. In 2013, Guaiol to be a good insecticide.
Geranyl Acetate

The Cannabis Terpene Geranyl Acetate

Like most terpenes, Geranyl Acetate is a known anti-fungal, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory. Many are beginning to see the potential in plants as medicine
Fenchol

The Cannabis Terpene Fenchol

Rich in antioxidants which are suspected to aid in fending off cancer, as well as boosting the immune system, Fenchol is a secondary cannabis terpene.
cymene

The Cannabis Terpene Cymene

Cymene is found in cannabis but also most commonly in thyme and in cumin. Cymene is known for anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, first and foremost.
cedrene

The Terpene Cedrene

The terpene Cedrine, when combined with other terpenes and cannabinoids, can produce powerful anti-inflammatory effects.
camphor

The Cannabis Terpene Camphor

What is Camphor? What are the health benefits of the cannabis terpene Camphor? From where else is Camphor derived?
valencene

The Cannabis Terpene Valencene

When combined with cannabinoids such as CBD and THC, the therapeutic effects of Valencene will help you focus, relieve stress, relax and get in the zone.
Terpineol_Terpene

The Cannabis Terpene Terpineol

What is Terpineol? What conditions can Terpineol treat? Where can the terpene Terpineol be found?
Ocimene Terpene

What is the Cannabis Terpene Ocimene

What is the cannabis terpene Ocimene? What is the medicinal potential of Ocimene? Where can the terpene Ocimene be found?

The Cannabis Terpene Myrcene

What is Myrcene? What conditions can Myrcene treat? Which cannabis strains contain Myrcene?
linalool

The Cannabis Terpene Linalool

This terpene has anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit those with arthritis or other autoimmune diseases, such as MS or Fibromyalgia.
limonene

The Cannabis Terpene Limonene

As the name seems to imply, the terpene known as Limonene is commonly associated with citrus fruits but is also produced by cannabis.
Humulene

The Cannabis Terpene Humulene

Humulene is a common terpene shared by cannabis and hops. Hops are the ingredient that gives beer its fragrant aroma and robust flavor.
The Cannabis Terpene Geraniol

The Cannabis Terpene Geraniol

Most commonly found in cannabis, rose oil, lemongrass, lemons and other fruits, Geraniol is a potent anti-fungal which also helps to regulate metabolism.

The Cannabis Terpene Delta 3 Carene

What is Delta 3 Carene? What conditions can Delta 3 Carene treat? Where is Delta 3 Carene found?
Caryophyllene

The Terpene Caryophyllene

What is Caryophyllene? What are the health benefits of Carophyllene? Which plants create Carophyllene?
Camphene_Cannabis_Terpene_Ginger

The Cannabis Terpene Camphene

What is Camphene? What are the health benefits of the cannabis terpene Camphene? From where else is Camphene derived?
Eucalyptol

The Terpene Eucalyptol

What is Eucalyptol? In which plants is Eucalyptol found? What are the health benefits of Eucalyptol?
Borneol is derived from Dryobalanops Aromatica

The Cannabis Terpene Borneol

Borneol is a terpene that is widely used in traditional Chinese Medicine. Referred to as “Moxa”, it is used for heart health, anxiety relief, and pain.
Alpha-pinene and Beta-pinene

The Cannabis Terpenes Alpha-pinene and Beta-pinene

What are the cannabis terpenes Alpha-pinene and Beta-pinene ? How do Alpha-pinene and Beta-pinene act within the body? What are the medicinal uses of Alpha-pinene and Beta-pinene?
Cannabis Terpene Bisabolol

About the Cannabis Terpene Bisabolol

What is the Cannabis Terpene Bisabolol? How is Bisabolol created? What are the medicinal benefits of Bisabolol?

What is Cannabigerolic Acid – CBGA?

What is CBGA- Cannabigerolic Acid ? What do we know about CBGA? What are the health benefits of CBGA?

What is Cannabigerovarin – CBGV?

Lauded to be the most effective of all the cannabinoids in combating cancer, CBGV is one of over 100 known cannabinoids. What is CBGV and what can it treat?

What is Cannabigerovarinic Acid- CBGVA?

What is CBGVA - Cannabigerovarinic Acid? How is CBGVA created? What are the medicinal benefits of Cannabigerovarinic Acid?

What is Cannabigerol? – CBG

CBG is another in a long list of cannabinoids that many people know absolutely nothing about, but you should. What is CBG? What is the medicinal potential of CBG?

What is Cannabinolic Acid – CBNA?

There is little is known about CBNA other than it is not a psychoactive. Presently, we can only surmise that it will have qualities similar to both THCA and CBN.

What is Cannabinol – CBN?

CBN, or Cannabinol, bears a large resemblance to CBD (cannabidiol) and provides a host of benefits when it is isolated. It shows a lot of promise, and companies are begging research facilities to explore this cannabinoid compound in greater detail.

What is Cannabichromevarin – CBCV?

What is CBCV? How does CBCV differ from CBC and other cannabinoids? What is the medicinal value of CBCV?

What is Cannabichromene – CBC?

What is CBC? How does CBC differ from other cannabinoids? What are the medicinal uses of CBC?
Cannabis-potency-testing-hemp-potency-testing- CBCA - Cannabichromenic Acid

What is Cannabichromenic Acid – CBCA?

CBCA is one of 112 known cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. When decarboxylation methods are used to heat the compound, it breaks down to CBC.

What is Cannabidivarinic Acid – CBDVA?

What is CBDVA - Cannabidivarinic Acid? How is CBDVA created? What are the medicinal benefits of Cannabidivarinic Acid?

What is Cannabidivarin – CBDV?

What is CBDV? Is CBDV the same as CBD? What is the medicinal potential of CBDV? Where can CBDV be found?

What is -Cannabidiolic Acid – CBDA?

CBDA is not only closely related to the compound CBD (cannabidiol) which is a well-known cannabinoid, it is the predecessor. CBD comes from CBDA.
CBD

What is Cannabidiol – CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a phytocompound found in cannabis plants. CBD is a cannabinoid compound which is known to bond with CB2 receptors of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). When CBD bonds with the CB2 receptors, a lipid is formed which helps do a number of things in the body.

What is Tetrahydrocannabivarin Carboxylic Acid – THCVA?

THCVA, in particular, joins the ranks of CBD, THC, CBC, CBGA, THCV and more cannabinoids that are being researched for their usefulness to the body. While CBD and THC are the most well-known of the cannabinoids, as science has continued to expand into cannabis research, and molecular isolation has improved, other cannabinoids have been able to be explored more fully.

What is Tetrahydrocannabivarin – THCV?

What is THCV? How does THCV differ from THC and THCVA? What is the medicinal value of THCV?

What is Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid – THCA?

What is the Difference Between THC and THCA? How Does THCA Turn Into THC? What are the medicinal benefits of THCA?

What is Delta 8 Tetrahydrocannabinol THC

Learn about Delta-8-Tetracannabinol, how THC-8 interacts with the human body, the medicinal benefits, and the difference between Delta-8-THC and Delta-9-THC

What is Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol – THC

When most people think of THC, they think of the euphoria or high associated with cannabis. While it is true that THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the chemical responsible for most of marijuana's psychotropic effects, it is actually a lot more complex than that.

Cannabinoids 101: Main Classes of Cannabinoids

While THC is the most well known of the cannabinoids, there are actually over 100 different cannabinoids present within the cannabis plant. Therapeutically, different cannabinoids have different therapeutic benefits and affect the body in different ways.  

Terpenes 101 – A Guide to Cannabis Terpenes

While primary terpenes largely influence how any individual plant smells, and effect a plant's growth and development, secondary terpenes aid the plant's defense. Whereas the unique aroma carried by each cannabis plant is a product of the primary terpenes present within the plant, the medicinal value of any given cannabis strain is a product of both primary and secondary terpenes combined. 

Cannabis and Hemp Testing Process

What is the process involved in testing cannabis and hemp potency? In this video Cree Crawford explains the science behind cannabis and hemp testing.

Presentation on Hemp

An in-depth presentation on hemp. Sheila Hemphill speaks on behalf of the Texas Hemp Industries Association in Austin, TX.

Cannabis and Hemp Testing for Growers and Cultivators

Testing for potency in hemp and cannabis is a science. Cree Crawford delves into the science of testing in the cannabis industry at an event for Texas Norml

Cannabis Science

Nishi Whiteley, author of the book Chronic Relief: A Guide to Cannabis for the Terminally and Chronically Ill, discusses cannabis science at an event for Texas Norml.

Learn about Cannabis Testing

Learn about cannabis and hemp potency testing. In-House potency testing allows for increased productivity and return on investment.

Ionization Labs team speaks at Hemp Stalk 2019

Accurate In-House cannabis and hemp potency testing. Cann-ID is the best in-house THC and CBD potency testing device on the market.

Chase McMicheal talks Cannabis testing and HPLC at Hemp Stalk 2019

What is HPLC? Chase McMicheal talks about high performance liquid chromatography) considered to be the standard for lab testing technology for potency.

In-House Potency Testing Solutions for Cannabis & Hemp

Cannabis & hemp industry professionals don't have to sacrifice accuracy when employing in-house potency testing. With Ionization Labs, the choice is “simply accurate” .
CBN_POTENCY-TESTING

CBN – Uncovering Yet Another of the Many Beneficial Cannabinoids Found in Cannabis

What is CBN? Learn more about Cannabinol, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in Cannabis, and arguably the next big thing in Cannabis therapy for mood, and sleep.

Factors Cultivators Need to Understand about Cannabis Potency Testing

Growers and cultivators need to develop potency testing to acquire a compliance certificate from in an accredited laboratory, label their products well, and have information on hand which will allow them to optimize their crops.

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