Applying The Heat: Are THC And THCA The Same?

Even if you’ve been in the cannabis world for a short time, you’ve probably already heard about the new kid on the block, THCA.

The popularity of this cannabinoid has skyrocketed in recent months and for a good reason. You’ve probably also heard that THCA and THC are the same thing, but let us give you a spoiler: they are not.

What is the real difference between THC and THCA? Let’s find out.

The cannabis plant produces many cannabinoids in addition to CBD and THC; THCA is one of them found in freshly harvested cannabis.

THCA is the acidic, non-psychoactive form of THC found in raw, unheated cannabis, while THC is the psychoactive form of the compound that results from heating or aging cannabis.

THC is responsible for the characteristic high associated with weed use, while THCA, by itself, has no psychoactive effects.

THCA has been shown to have potential health benefits, such as supporting healthy inflammation and promoting relaxation. At the same time, THC has been studied for its analgesic, anti-nausea, and appetite-stimulating properties.

THC and THCA have slightly different chemical structures.

THCA is the precursor to THC and has an additional carboxylic acid group, which is released when exposed to heat to create THC. In simple terms, when THCA is subjected to heat, it loses its “A” becoming THCA and causing the psychoactive effects we already know and love.

This is probably not the most chemically correct explanation, but in practical terms, you understand what we mean.

THC is known for its psychoactive effects, which include an enhanced mood, increased appetite, and reduced pain perception.

THCA requires heat to generate these psychoactive effects.

THC is a controlled substance in many countries and is only legal for medical or recreational use in certain places.

THCA, on the other hand, is generally unregulated and uncontrolled, as it is in a gray area of legality.

Let’s back up a bit and start at the beginning.

THCA is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in raw cannabis plants. This means that no matter how much THCA you consume from freshly harvested (unheated) cannabis, you will not suffer its psychoactive effects. Maybe a stomach ache from consuming raw herbs, but that’s up to you.

THC is the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis. It is the chemical responsible for producing the high that we know.

When consumed, THC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates a variety of physiological processes such as mood, appetite, and pain sensation.

Now, let’s get to the fun part. Up to this point, THCA and THC are two quite different compounds, and not just because of that little extra letter in their names. It is through heat that the magic happens, which makes them quite similar.

THCA is converted to THC through a process called decarboxylation, which involves heating or aging the cannabis plant.

When cannabis is harvested, it contains high levels of THCA and little or no THC.

However, when the cannabis plant is exposed to heat through smoking, cooking, or vaping, the THCA molecule loses a carboxyl group and is converted to THC. This process activates the psychoactive effects of the compound, making it more potent and bioavailable.

It is difficult to determine which cannabinoid comes out on top, between THCA vs. THC, as it depends on individual body chemistry and the desired effects you are looking for with cannabis.

We all react differently to different compounds; it even depends on the timing of consumption and dozens of other variables.

Although they share a molecular connection, THC and THCA are different.

THC is the active form responsible for the psychoactive effects, while THCA, in its original state, does not produce such effects. The key lies in decarboxylation, the process that converts THCA to THC through heat application.