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THCa vs THC: What’s the Difference? Which One Is Stronger?

Did you know that most cannabis sold in dispensaries contains primarily THCa rather than THC? It may come as a surprise to many cannabis enthusiasts, but THCa may be what you are looking for if you want to get high.

So, you’re probably asking yourself, What is the difference between THCa and THC? Are they equally strong? Do they feel the same? Will THCa get you high? Let’s break down everything you need to know, from their chemical makeup and effects to their legal status.

THCa vs THC molecular structures.

 

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids, like THCa, THC, CBD, and many others, are a group of chemical compounds naturally produced by the cannabis plant. These compounds are responsible for the plant’s psychoactive and potential therapeutic effects, making them the key reason it’s so popular for both therapeutical and recreational use.

How Are Cannabinoids Made?

Cannabinoids develop within the plant’s trichomes, which are tiny, resinous glands that cover the flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant. These compounds are part of the plant’s defense system, protecting it from pests, UV rays, and other environmental threats. 

Over time, cannabis plants have evolved to produce over 100 different cannabinoids, each with unique properties.

What Do Cannabinoids Do?

Cannabinoids work with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to affect things like mood, pain, immune response, and sleep. This interaction explains why cannabis has such a wide range of effects.

Key Cannabinoids to Know

    • THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): THC is the cannabinoid responsible for the ‘high’ from cannabis. It binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, causing feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and sometimes amplified senses.
    • THCa (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid): THCa is the precursor to THC. In its raw form, it’s non-psychoactive, but when heated (through smoking, vaping, or cooking), it transforms into THC,providing the same psychoactive effects.
    • CBD (Cannabidiol): Popular for its potential therapeutic effects, CBD does not produce a high and is often used for anxiety, inflammation, and pain relief.
    • CBG (Cannabigerol): Known as the “mother of all cannabinoids,” CBG is the precursor from which other cannabinoids like THC and CBD are formed.
    • CBN (Cannabinol): A product of THC degradation, CBN is linked to relaxation and is often marketed as a sleep aid.

 

What Is the Endocannabinoid System?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a key system in the body, though it’s still not fully understood yet. It’s made up of a network of receptors, enzymes, and natural compounds that help maintain balance, also known as homeostasis.

How Does the ECS Work?

The ECS is made up of three main components:

Receptors: They are where cannabinoids do their work. There are two main types:

    • CB1 receptors: Found mostly in the brain and central nervous system, they influence mood, appetite, memory, and pain.
    • CB2 receptors: Located in the immune system and other organs, they help control inflammation and immune responses.

Endocannabinoids: These are molecules that the body naturally produces, and they act like cannabinoids. They bind to ECS receptors to help regulate different bodily functions. Two key endocannabinoids are:

    • Anandamide (AEA): Often referred to as the “bliss molecule,” it’s associated with feelings of happiness and well-being.
    • 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG): Plays a role in regulating immune system functions and inflammation.

Enzymes: These are responsible for breaking down cannabinoids once they’ve fulfilled their purpose. For instance, the enzyme FAAH breaks down anandamide, preventing it from lingering too long in the system.

How Cannabinoids Interact with the ECS

When cannabinoids like THCa or THC enter the body, they interact with the ECS by attaching to its receptors. This interaction can have many different effects, depending on the specific cannabinoid and receptor involved:

    • THC: Binds directly to CB1 receptors, creating psychoactive effects such as euphoria, relaxation, and altered perception.
    • THCa: Does not bind directly to CB1 or CB2 receptors in its raw form. However, when heated and converted into THC, it interacts with the ECS just as THC.

Abstract image of a hemp plant with a person walking on the background.

 

What Is THCa?

THCa (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid) is a natural, non-psychoactive compound in raw cannabis that transforms into THC when heated. 

The Chemical Composition of THCa

The key chemical difference between THCa and THC is a small extra bit attached to the THCa molecule, called an extra carboxyl group. This extra bit stops THCa from interacting with the brain’s CB1 receptors (the ones that cause the high). However, this changes after a process called decarboxylation.

What Is Decarboxylation?

Decarboxylation is the process by which THCa is converted into THC. This happens when cannabis is exposed to heat, light, or time, removing the carboxyl group from the THCa molecule.

How Decarboxylation Happens:

    • Heat: Smoking, vaping, or baking cannabis is the most effective and rapid way to decarboxylate THCa. The heat removes the carboxyl group, transforming THCa into psychoactive THC.
    • Light Exposure: Long exposure to UV light can slowly decarboxylate THCa, though this process takes more time.
    • Time: Given enough time, THCa can naturally turn into THC, even without heat or light, although this happens very slowly and not completely.

How much THCa turns into THC?

It is commonly accepted that around 87.7% of THCa turns into THC during decarboxylation, depending on the method used and how thoroughly the cannabis is heated.

THCa Effects After Decarboxylation

Once THCa is decarboxylated into THC, it becomes psychoactive and can produce the euphoric and mind-altering effects that cannabis is known for.

 

What Is THC?

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the most well-known cannabinoid and the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. It’s what causes the “high” people experience when using cannabis products like flowers, vapes, or edibles.

The Chemical Composition of THC

THC is very similar to THCa, but it’s missing a small part—a carboxyl group. This small difference allows THC to bind directly to CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system, causing its psychoactive effects.

THC Effects

THC can affect people in different ways depending on the strain, how much they use, and their personal tolerance. These effects are usually grouped into three main types:

Euphoric Highs:

Some strains, especially Sativa-dominant ones, can make you feel uplifted and euphoric. People often find they’re more creative, and sociable, and generally feel better when using these strains.

Relaxation and Sedation:

Indica-dominant strains are more likely to produce calming and sedative effects. These are ideal for unwinding after a long day.

Balanced Effects:

Hybrid strains combine the best of both worlds, offering a mix of mental stimulation and physical relaxation.

 

THCa Legal Status

On a federal level, THCa is legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp and its derivatives as long as they have no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. Since THCa itself is non-psychoactive, it is not classified as a controlled substance.

 

THC Legal Status

The legal status of THC is more complex and varies significantly between federal and state levels. 

Federally, THC is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This classification implies no accepted medical use, even though many states have legalized it for medicinal and recreational purposes.

On a state level, many states, including California, Colorado, and New York, just to name a few, have legalized THC for adult recreational use. Some others allow THC for medicinal purposes with a prescription. 

 

So, What Is the Difference Between THCa and THC?

The main difference between THCa and THC is how they’re structured chemically and how they make you feel. THCa is the precursor to THC, but in its raw form, it’s non-psychoactive. It only becomes psychoactive THC after decarboxylation, which can happen through heat, light, or over time.

However, if your goal is to get high, there truly isn’t that much difference between THCa and THC products, as both need to be heated up to activate the psychoactive effects.

As for their legal status, it is also different. THCa is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill as long as it contains no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. THC, on the other hand, is still federally illegal, with its legality varying from state to state.

 

THCa vs THC High Experience

If you’re looking for a potent and controlled high, opting for a THCa product might be the better choice. Here’s why:

High-THCa Products Are Easier to Get: It is much easier to find cannabis products with high percentages of THCa compared to THC. Because raw cannabis naturally contains more THCa, many flowers, concentrates, and other cannabis products list THCa percentages rather than THC. This gives you access to potent, federally legal options that can still provide the desired effects after decarboxylation.

 

THCa Consumption Methods

As we learned, decarboxylation is essential for activating THC and experiencing its effects. Here are the most common ways to do it:

Smoking THCa

Smoking is one of the most popular ways to consume THCa, as it instantly converts THCa into THC.

Smoking works by lighting up THCa-rich cannabis flowers or pre-rolls and inhaling the smoke. The heat from the flame does the job of converting the THCa into THC.

Popular Products:

Vaping THCa

Vaping offers a smoother, more discreet alternative to smoking. Using a THCa vape, the THCa is decarboxylated as it’s heated in the vaporizer.

Vaporizers heat cannabis oil or flowers at a lower temperature than combustion, converting THCa to THC without burning the material.

Popular Products:

THCa Vape Cartridges: Infused with strain-specific terpenes for tailored effects, like Gelato THCa Vape.

Cooking with THCa

Cooking with THCa-rich cannabis allows for the creation of edibles, a method known for its longer-lasting effects.

THCa flowers are heated during cooking, either by decarboxylating the flower first in an oven or as part of the cooking process itself. For example, the cannabis flower is infused into butter or oil, which is then used to make edibles.

Consuming THCa in Raw Form

While less common, some people choose to consume THCa in its raw form, typically for its potential non-psychoactive therapeutic benefits. You can ingest raw THCa by juicing flowers or adding them to smoothies.

 

THCa vs. THC FAQs

Will THCa Get Me High?

Yes, when you heat it up (like when you smoke, vape, or cook with it), it turns into THC, which is what gives you that euphoric feeling. 

How Can I Get High with THCa?

To enjoy the psychoactive effects of THCa, you need to heat it. Here’s how you can do it:

    • Smoke or Vape: The heat from smoking or vaping converts THCa into THC instantly, providing an immediate high.
    • Cook with THCa Products: Use THCa-rich flowers or concentrates to make edibles. Baking or cooking at the right temperature activates the THC, delivering longer-lasting effects.

THCa vs THC: Which Is Stronger?

Once THCa is fully converted to THC, it is just as potent as THC. So, really, it’s not about one being stronger, it’s about THCa becoming THC.

Does THCa Feel the Same as THC?

Yes, once THCa is decarboxylated, it’s basically the same as THC, and you’ll feel the same effects. The THC then interacts with CB1 receptors in your brain, which can lead to feelings of euphoria, relaxation, creativity, or even energy, depending on the strain. So, it doesn’t matter if you consume THCa that’s been decarboxylated or just plain THC—the high is the same.

Is THCa Natural?

Absolutely! THCa is a completely natural cannabinoid found in raw cannabis plants. It is the most abundant cannabinoid present before any processing, heating, or curing. Unlike synthetic alternatives, THCa is derived directly from the plant.

Is THCa as Potent as THC?

After decarboxylation, the THC produced from THCa is just as potent as any other THC. This means that high-THCa products can provide a powerful high once activated.

Do THCa Levels Affect How Much THC You Get?

Yes, the higher the THCa levels in a product, the more THC will be available after decarboxylation. For example, if a flower has 30% THCa, nearly all of it will convert into THC when smoked or vaped, resulting in a stronger psychoactive experience.

Is THCa Legal?

Under the 2018 Farm Bill, THCa is federally legal as long as it contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. This applies to products like THCa flowers and vapes.

 

Conclusion

THCa vs THC can have some nuances at first, but the key takeaway is that THCa offers the same high experience as THC products. Their main difference is their legal status and their initial chemical composition before decarbonization. 

Although THCa needs to be activated to get you high, it’s a really versatile and federally legal way to experience the same effects as THC.

You can enjoy the exact effects you’re looking for by using THCa products. From energetic Sativa strains to calming Indica varieties, Certified Headies offers premium THCa flowers, pre-rolls, and vapes to suit every need. Visit our THCa shop today and feel the difference for yourself!

 


 

References

Nadal X, Del Río C, Casano S, Palomares B, Ferreiro-Vera C, Navarrete C, Sánchez-Carnerero C, Cantarero I, Bellido ML, Meyer S, Morello G, Appendino G, Muñoz E. Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is a potent PPARγ agonist with neuroprotective activity. Br J Pharmacol. 2017 Dec;174(23):4263-4276. doi: 10.1111/bph.14019. Epub 2017 Nov 2. PMID: 28853159; PMCID: PMC5731255.