What is THCA?
THCA is the acidic form of THC, full name: tetrahydrocannabinol acid. As a cannabis plant matures and its buds grow, its terpene and cannabinoid content begin to develop. The first cannabinoid the plant will develop is CBGA, because it will at some point break down and produce primary cannabinoids, like THCA and CBDA.
THCA is not intoxicating if ingested. Chemically, it has an additional molecular carboxyl ring, which prevents it from binding to receptors in the brain responsible for feeling high.
You may be thinking, ‘what’s the point if it doesn’t get me stoned?’ But without THCA, we wouldn’t have THC or the numerous health benefits attributed to it.
When THCA is exposed to heat, such as when smoking, vaping, dabbing, or cooking, it will convert into the euphoric, THC effect.
