How THCA Differs from THC: A Detailed Comparison
If you have been using cannabis for a long time, you probably have heard about THC, but have you heard about THCA?
These two terms are often used in the same context, but these are very different compounds.
As a smoker, you’re probably aware of the fact that THC is one of those compounds that will get you high, but what is the fuss all about THCA? Well, while one is an intoxicating compound, the other one is not such a compound- THC and THCA in this case respectively.
While many may consider THC and THCA to be the same, there are certain differences between the two that you must know of. Continue reading the article to learn more about the differences between THC and THCA.
Understanding THC and THCA
THC is one of the major active ingredients found in cannabis plants like marijuana and hemp. It is one of those products that is responsible for getting you high. On the other hand, THCA is a non active ingredient and using it wouldn’t get you high. On being heated up, THCA can get converted to THC. You can shop thca vape cartridges online very easily.
While there are legality concerns surrounding the use of THC and it is banned in various places, the same cannot be said for THCA. The legality of THCA is a slightly complicated matter. This is mostly because THCA can be converted to THC. There are state and federal legal concerns surrounding its usage as well.
Benefits of THC
Most of the benefits discussed about THC are still potential ones because a lot of studies are yet being conducted to understand the exact impact. So, some of the potential health benefits of THC are as follows:
- THC usage can help to increase metabolic output, which in turn will increase the body mass index. As a result, it will help to lower the risk of diabetes and obesity.
- Many people claim that using THC has helped them control their anxiety and various functions of the body.
- If you know anyone who is addicted to opium, heroin or alcohol, using THC may help in overcoming addiction issues.
Benefits of THCA
Unlike its counterparts and many other cannabis compounds, THCA will not get you high as it is not an active ingredient. However, it can have a wide range of other benefits, such as the following:
- It has anti-inflammatory properties that can be helpful for treating arthritis, fibromyalgia and lupus.
- THCA can help you with your insomnia as it helps you sleep peacefully.
- It can also act like an efficient analgesic for relieving pain.
- THCA contains strong antioxidants that can help to fight off the free radicals.
- THCA also has anti-spasmodic qualities that can be helpful for treating muscle spasms.
Differences Between THCA and THC
Whether you’re using a THC or THCA vape, you’d be able to figure out the differences efficiently. It is crucial that you understand the differences between the two, so that you can use them accordingly, especially in terms of legality.
Some of the major differences between THCA and THC are as follows:
- Chemical Structure
THCA is often considered to be a precursor to THC because it has an extra carboxylic acid group. On being exposed to heat, especially in THCA vape, the carboxylic acid group breaks down and THCA gets converted to THC. The chemical structure further affects the physical properties as well as THCA losing a carboxylic acid group leads to a change in the psychoactive properties as well.
- Psychoactive Effects
If you’ve been using THC vape or in any other form, you’re probably aware of how effective it is, especially in terms of psychoactive effects. Not only does THC get you high, but also has other psychoactive effects especially in terms of altering your mood or reduced perception. Owing to these effects, THC has become extremely popular amongst the masses for recreational use.
Unlike THC, THCA molecules aren’t popular among the individuals for creating a psychoactive impact. Nonetheless, there are assumptions that THCA molecules contain medicinal properties, especially in terms of being anti-inflammatory and having neuroactive properties.
- Legal Status
As discussed, the legal status of THCA and THC is one of the major aspects that leads to the differences. As THC is a psychoactive element, it is a controlled substance in many states. While it may be allowed to be used for recreational and medicinal uses, the usage is quite limited. Furthermore, in other countries, THC may be completely banned because it has psychoactive properties.
THCA, however, is an extremely popular element, especially because of its legality. There’s no denial to the fact that the legality of THCA falls under a loophole. Since THCA does not have any psychoactive properties, its usage and purchase is allowed in various countries.
Most countries usually allow the individuals to purchase hemp-derived THCA, in the similar fashion as raw cannabis. Therefore, it can be determined that THCA isn’t as legal as it is considered to be. You can purchase THCA flowers legally and use them. On being exposed to heat, these THCA flowers will eventually get converted to THC, so you can use it accordingly if you haven’t had access to THC.
How to Consume THCA and THC?
Usually, the methods of consumption for THCA and THC have been similar among the audience. Well, this is mostly because of the wide range of products made from THCA and THC are available in the market. As the popularity grows, the effectiveness of each one of them is growing too.
The brands producing these THCA and THC are dedicated to establish strong experiences for the customers so they make more potent products. Some of the most common ways through which you can use THCA and THC include vapes, edibles, suppositories and topicals. It is crucial to understand the impact of each one and then use it.
Final Thoughts
Both THCA and THC are extremely popular among the audience. Therefore, it will be really tough to determine which one is more potent. However, if your area has legality issues, it is always advisable to opt for THCA. It is also important to note what is more accessible in your area. For example, if you have easy accessibility to THCA, that is what you should be opting for and vice versa.
