Exploring the World of Alt Cannabinoids: THCa — The Alchemical Weed
For People Looking for a Real Weed Experience in States Where THC9 is Prohibited
With the widespread legalization of CBD, there were many tests of legal cannabinoids for recreational and medicinal uses, the most popular of which was Delta 8, the first real psychoactive product to become widely available across the United States. Since then, various other alt cannabinoids have hit the market but none match THCa for providing the real legal alternative. It is all due to the strange alchemy of the molecule.
The Strange Alchemy of THCa
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa) is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant that is non-intoxicating but converts into THC when heated. It is considered to have a similar molecular structure as THC, but with a carboxyl group, making it incapable of binding to the CB1 and CB2 receptors responsible for the psychoactive effects associated with THC. Because of this, THCa has no psychoactive effects, and is not subject to the same legal restrictions that govern THC in many jurisdictions. However, some users report experiencing a mild “high” after consuming raw cannabis plants, which contains high levels of THCa. The effect is usually described as a subtle sense of euphoria or relaxation without the intense psychoactivity associated with THC.
The conversion of THCa to THC occurs during the process of decarboxylation, which typically happens when cannabis is heated during smoking, vaporizing, or cooking. This conversion is what produces the psychoactive effects commonly associated with cannabis use. Because THCa does not produce any psychoactive effects on its own, it is often used as a precursor to produce THC for medical and recreational purposes.
What does this all mean?
This process of conversion from THCa to THC is instantaneous upon combustion, meaning that it is indistinguishable in effect from smoking or vaping THC. In fact, the reported THC levels of most weed strains are reporting both THCa and THC together, with the bulk of the THC content being THCa. Some THCa has been converted to THC if the plant is harvested at maturity. For this reason, in states where THCa is not officially prohibited, the same marijuana plants are harvested just prior to maturity and cryogenically frozen in order to preserve the THCa content from converting, allowing it to be sold under the 1% THC threshold which is popular.
The ramifications of this are interesting for people who like the taste and smell of marijuana versus hemp drizzled with the concentrate of Delta 8. In states where this is sold, it’s essentially the same as getting actual dispensary quality bud in many of the same strains they are already familiar with using. The one slight difference is that, because it is often frozen, it tends to be more dry and the smoke more clear, making it feel a little like very, very clean weed.
A Wide Range of Health Benefits
Despite its lack of intoxicating properties, THCa has been found to have several potential medicinal benefits. Some studies suggest that THCa, before it is combusted, may have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective effects. It is also believed to have antibacterial properties and could potentially be used as an alternative treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections such as MRSA.
In addition to its medicinal benefits, THCa has also gained popularity as a “legal high” due to its lack of legal restrictions in many jurisdictions. Because it does not contain any psychoactive compounds, it is often marketed as a safer alternative to other recreational drugs. However, the long-term effects and safety of consuming THCa are not fully understood and more research is needed before any definitive conclusions can be drawn about its safety and efficacy as a recreational substance.
Where is THCa legal?
THCa is legal in nearly every state in the United States. In fact, there are only four states where it is illegal: Arkansas, Hawaii, Minnesota, Oregon and Rhode Island. However, there are some states, such as Kentucky, which have separate laws around the selling of hemp flower, making it hard to find in that form. In those states, it is still typically available in the form of vape cartridges or edibles.
THCa, as all cannabis products, is legal in Canada. In other countries, the legality of THCa generally follows the rules surrounding THC. Many countries make exceptions for CBD specifically, prohibiting all other cannabis products.
A Bright Future for Plant Medicine
As the cannabinoid market expands, innovative products are emerging, thanks to brave individuals who are willing to take risks. Among these, THCa has gained attention but has less published research compared to CBD. The ability to smoke or vape THCa allows for exploration in states where such research has typically been prohibited, especially at the corporate and individual levels. This has led to a renaissance of natural alternatives to big pharma and has paved the way for exploring other plants and mushrooms. It is fascinating to imagine how these trends will continue into the bright, green future ahead. With CBD being widely recognized for its medical applications such as treating epilepsy, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, it’s no wonder that other cannabinoids like THCa are gaining attention. As research continues to develop, we can anticipate more groundbreaking discoveries within the cannabis plant and its potential for alternative medicine.
