Cannabis contains over one hundred biologically active compounds known as cannabinoids. The two most discussed ones? THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid). These compounds are chemically related, but behave in completely different ways. They also have different effects on the body.
Since the legalization of Marijuana, THC has become a popular Cannabinoid, but THCA might be a new term. If you are curious about medical marijuana, you might also want to understand the difference between THC and THCA. This article outlines the difference between THC and THCA, their chemical structures, how THCA converts to THC, their interactions with the body, and current scientific findings.
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What is THCA vs THC?
Let’s start with understanding what cannabinoids are? Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds present in the marijuana plant. There are a ton of cannabinoids out there, but THC and THCA are the most talked-about.
Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds present in the marijuana plant. There are a ton of cannabinoids out there, but THC and THCA are the most talked-about.
So, is THC the same as THCA? No! THC is a psychoactive compound, while THCA is non-psychoactive. In fact, THCA turns into THC on heating. The main difference is in their chemical structure.
Raw THCA is non-intoxicating due to its larger molecular structure. It contains an extra carboxyl group (COOH), making the molecule too large to bind to CB1 receptors.
But here’s where things get interesting: when THCA is heated, it undergoes a process known as decarboxylation (removal of the carboxyl group), transforming it into THC.
Now, you know why consuming raw cannabis has no psychoactive effects, whereas smoking or vaping the same plant does.
THCA vs THC Key Differences
| Properties | THCA | THC |
| Psychoactivity | Doesn’t have psychoactive effects | Produces psychoactive effects |
| Source | Naturally found in raw cannabis plants | Formed when THC is exposed to heat or light. |
| Chemical Structure | Has an extra carboxyl group (COOH), making the molecule too large to bind to CB1 receptors. | Lacks the carboxyl group (COOH). |
| Interaction with Body | Preclinical studies suggest that THCA interacts with the inflammatory, metabolic, and immune pathways. | THC regulates neurological and endocannabinoid signaling within the body, particularly in the brain. |
| Legal Status | THCA is legal in Florida if it is derived from hemp and the product’s total THC content (including potential THCA conversion) is less than 0.3%. | The legality of medical/recreational marijuana varies by state. |
Benefits and Uses of THCA
THCA inhibits the key inflammatory enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, which makes it a potential treatment for conditions like arthritis and inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS).
Moreover, according to preliminary research, it can help protect nerve and brain cells from damage and degeneration, thereby indicating its potential benefits for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Research also suggests that THCA helps in reducing nausea and vomiting and can also help stimulate appetite, making it a good option for anyone experiencing appetite loss.
Benefits and Uses of THC
THC can help treat chronic pain and alleviate multiple sclerosis symptoms like spasticity and neuropathic pain.
According to various studies, THC may also help manage the side effects of chemotherapy, including nausea and vomiting. Moreover, it can also act as an appetite stimulant, thereby helping those with appetite loss due to medical conditions.
Want a night of peaceful sleep? THC can help with insomnia, as it promotes sleep by increasing deep sleep and decreasing REM sleep.
Many people have also found it helpful in reducing anxiety and depression. However, the effects are dose-dependent and can vary among individuals. However, the current body of research supporting this claim is limited.
Ready to start your marijuana journey but are confused about how to get a medical marijuana card in 2025? Get in touch with My Florida Green today.
THCA vs THC: Which Is Stronger?
Now that you know the key differences between the two, you might be wondering which is stronger.
Well, the answer is pretty straightforward. Raw THCA doesn’t produce a high. THC, on the other hand, is most well-known for its euphoric “high” due to its strong binding to CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, especially in areas of the brain that control mood, perception, and coordination.
THCA becomes stronger through a process called decarboxylation…the process of heating raw cannabis. The heat from smoking, vaping, or cooking raw cannabis turns the non-psychoactive THCA into psychoactive THC, which is just as potent as regular THC cannabis.
Excited to learn the relationship between THC and sleep? Read our guide to know what happens when you sleep high.
How to Convert THCA to THC?
THCA converts into THC through the process known as decarboxylation (removal of the carboxyl group). It happens when you heat the THCA.
The most common ways to decarboxylate THCA include:
- Smoking and vaping can cause immediate conversion.
- Oven decarboxylation, which includes heating cannabis at a controlled, low heat over a long period to activate THC.
- Natural aging, which takes place when cannabis is exposed to oxygen and light for a long period of time (typically months). It is a slow, inefficient, and rather unpredictable method compared to the heating methods.
Want to know more about other cannabinoids? Our in-depth guide on THCV and its benefits will surely be helpful.
Improve understanding of THC and THCA
Let’s wrap up this THCA vs THC debate on the final note that both are chemically related cannabinoids, yet they have different biological properties.
THCA exists naturally in raw cannabis and is non-psychoactive until heated, while THC is a psychoactive compound that produces a euphoric “high.”
The choice ultimately falls in your hands as to what you want to choose. It’s your personal health goals, desired experience, and local regulations that cumulatively decide what’s best for you.
Moreover, remember to always consult your healthcare provider or a certified medical marijuana doctor before using either, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
1. Does Smoking THCA Convert It to THC?
Yes, smoking THCA converts it to THC. The heat of smoking activates the process of decarboxylation (removal of the carboxyl group).
2. THCA vs. THC: Which Is Stronger for Sleep?
THCA is non-psychoactive in its raw form. Therefore, THC is considered stronger and more effective for sleep support owing to its sedative properties.
3. What Gets You Higher, THC or THCA?
THC gets you high owing to its psychoactive properties. THCA, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive in its raw, unheated form.
4. Does THCA Stay in Your System as Long as THC?
No, raw THCA does not stay in your system for as long as Delta-9 THC because it is a non-psychoactive precursor that is metabolized and eliminated more quickly.
