Cannabis is made up of a range of chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. These are the components that interact with your body when you consume cannabis, delivering a range of fascinating effects and benefits. Many people know about THC, the main psychoactive cannabinoid that gets you high. However, you might also want to know about its precursor – THCA.
THCA is short for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. While you might not hear about it as much as THC, it’s much more abundant. Raw cannabis plants are full of THCA, and it’s only when exposed to decarboxylation that it turns into THC. Since THC is the psychoactive form of THCA, most people prefer to use THC products.
However, in addition to the many THC products out there, you can now find products infused with raw THCA. Products like THCA vapes, concentrates, and even pre-rolls are often made with hemp, making them widely available – you can even order THCA products online. With that said, you might first want to know about the differences between THC and THCA.
So THC vs. THCA, which should you use? Here’s a guide to understanding the differences and benefits between these cannabinoids.
What Is THC?
Consuming cannabis leads to a range of powerful psychoactive effects, such as intense euphoria and physical relaxation. These psychoactive effects are thanks to tetrahydrocannabinol or THC – the main psychoactive cannabinoid associated with cannabis. Although there are many variants of THC, the term THC usually refers to Delta-9-THC.
Delta-9-THC binds strongly to cannabinoid receptors in the body and impacts the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a biological system found in all mammals that can affect mood, pain sensation, sleep, and various other important functions, hence why Delta-9-THC has strong effects on the body and mind.
While many people get the effects of THC from smoking or vaping cannabis flower strains, it can also be consumed in other ways. For instance, many users prefer to use products like cannabis tinctures, vape cartridges, and topicals. You can also use orally-consumed products like THC capsules, softgels, edibles, and beverages. When consumed orally, Delta-9-THC becomes 11-hydroxy-THC.
Interestingly, THC isn’t psychoactive at first. It’s only when THCA is decarboxylated that it’s converted to Delta-9-THC. Decarboxylation involves exposing THCA to a high temperature to release its psychoactive potential.
What Is THCA?
THCA is short for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. As cannabis grows, it initially produces cannabinoids as acidic compounds. It’s only when exposed to processes such as decarboxylation that these compounds transform and convert into active compounds. In other words, THCA is the non-psychoactive precursor to THC.
The chemical structure of THCA is slightly different from THC. It’s only after decarboxylation that a carboxylic acid group breaks away from THCA and converts into psychoactive THC. Consuming THCA won’t make you feel high as it’s non-psychoactive and doesn’t bind to cannabinoid receptors the way that THC does.
Although it doesn’t possess the psychoactive qualities that Delta-9-THC does, some studies suggest that THCA may have therapeutic potential. For instance, research has identified neuroprotective activity and anti-inflammatory properties in tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, making it an interesting product for those interested in cannabinoids.
While raw THCA may have interesting benefits, many people are interested in THCA for its ability to turn into THC. While many THC products are still restricted throughout the United States, THCA can be sourced from hemp and infused into vape cartridges, disposable vape pens, tinctures, and other interesting products.
THC vs. THCA: Differences and Benefits
Although THC and THCA are very similar compounds, there are a few important differences to note. THCA and THC don’t have the same effects, especially since THC is psychoactive and THCA isn’t. They also differ in their legal status, making THCA products much more widely accessible than THC products.
THCA is technically THC in its raw, acidic form. Fresh cannabis is abundant in THCA, and it’s only when it’s exposed to high temperatures that it’s converted into THC. THCA contains an extra carboxylic acid group that, when subjected to decarboxylation, breaks off and becomes Delta-9-THC.
One of the main differences between these two compounds is their psychoactivity. THCA is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t get you high without decarboxylation. THC is psychoactive and binds to cannabinoid receptors to deliver powerful mental and physical effects. THCA can only deliver psychoactive effects after being converted to Delta-9-THC.
THC is known for delivering intense euphoria, deep physical relaxation, and mentally uplifting effects. Many people find these effects beneficial for counteracting pain, inflammation, sleep problems, mood issues, and other ailments. Although THCA is the non-psychoactive form of THC, some studies suggest it still has interesting beneficial properties.
THC can be consumed by smoking or vaping marijuana flower strains, as well as using THC-infused products such as edibles, tinctures, and vapes. However, THC is a controlled substance. THC products can be found in recreational cannabis stores in legal states, as well as medical dispensaries in states where marijuana is illegal. Users in states where marijuana products are still prohibited can’t legally buy products containing Delta-9-THC.
THCA is not a controlled substance. What’s more, THCA products are often derived from hemp, making them federally legal according to the 2018 Farm Bill. As such, THCA products are a good choice for those who don’t have access to regular THC products. You can even buy hemp-derived THCA products online.
Where To Buy THCA Products
Unlike regular THC products, you won’t need to find a marijuana dispensary or get a medical card to buy THCA products. THCA products sourced from hemp are available to adults across the United States and you can even buy them online. However, it’s important to make sure you get your THCA from a reliable, trustworthy vendor.
CBDivine is the best place to buy THCA products online. Here, you can find an impressive range of hemp-sourced products that adhere to strict quality standards. In addition to plenty of high-quality products, customers can benefit from premium service, convenient home delivery, and generous discounts.
Various hemp flower strains high in THCA are available, including indica, sativa, and hybrid strains. Not only can you buy these in the form of loose flower, but you can also buy THCA pre-rolls. Alternatively, you can check out a range of potent THCA concentrates and flavorful THCA vape products.
In addition to THCA products, you can also find other amazing hemp-sourced cannabinoid products. Those looking for mild psychoactive effects can benefit from Delta-8-THC products. Alternatively, consumers who would prefer to avoid psychoactive effects but still consume cannabinoids can check out a wide range of CBD products.
How To Use THCA Flower
Many hemp flower strains offer high levels of THCA. If you’re interested in THCA products, you might want to try one of these strains for yourself. You can use THCA flower just like other flower products. For instance, you might want to add it to a dry herb vaporizer to experience the smooth and flavorful vapor it produces.
Divine Farms THCA Flower offers a variety of strains for users to enjoy. Options include Blue Dream, Gelato, Granddaddy Purple, Grape Ape, Lemon Drop, Han Solo, Jealousy, OG Kush, and Super Silver Haze. Each strain offers unique properties and different flavors, so whether you’d prefer a fruity sativa strain or an earthy indica strain, there’s a suitable option for you.
Alternatively, you might want to buy THCA flower pre-rolls. These pre-rolled joints are already filled with high-quality hemp flower strains, saving you the hassle of buying extra accessories or devices to use them. Various indica, sativa, and hybrid strains are available and you might even want to try out a few to see which one you like the best.
Using THCA flower is a good choice for those who enjoy the alluring bag appeal, aromas, and flavors of hemp flower products. They’re also great for those who enjoy the experience of smoking or vaping. Some users might want to consider alternatives, such as vape cartridges or concentrates.
How To Use THCA Vapes
THCA vape products are another top option for users who want to try THCA. Vaping is a method of consumption that involves heating flower strains or extracts to release flavorful vapor without any smoke. Some products are designed for use with a separate vape pen or vape battery, although you can also use convenient disposable vape pens.
The CBDivine THCA Vape Cartridges are a great choice for fans of vaping. Each 2ml cartridge contains a high concentration of THCA and CBD, giving you the best of both cannabinoids. You can choose from multiple strains, including Gelato, King Louis VIII, Maui Wowie, and Zkittles. These 510-thread cartridges can be attached to any compatible vaporizer, such as the Variable Voltage 510 Vape Battery.
You can also try the CBDivine THCA Disposable Vape. You don’t need any extra equipment to use one of these – it’s ready for sensational vaping sessions straight out of the box. Each disposable pen contains a 2ml solution containing a THCA hybrid concentration along with a 20% dose of CBD. You can use it multiple times and even recharge it via USB-C in between sessions.
The CBDivine Disposable Vape Pens are available in plenty of strains to please your taste buds. Options include Ekto Kooler, Gelato, King Louis XIII, Maui Wowie, Super Sour Diesel, and Zkittles. Since each pen gives you such good value for money, you might even want to try a few different strains.
One of the great things about using these THCA vape products is that they give you smooth, inhalable vapor without any smoke. Not only are they easy on your lungs, but the vape is full of flavor, making for a particularly enjoyable session. Along with THCA, these products also contain generous doses of CBD to give you extra perks.
How To Use THCA Concentrates
If you’re looking for products with potent levels of THCA, you should consider buying THCA concentrates. Like other cannabis concentrates, these offer high levels of cannabinoids in a small, concentrated form. They can come in various types and textures and you can use them in various ways.
Some users smoke THCA concentrates by combining them with ground hemp flower. For instance, you can fill a joint or blunt with ground THCA flower before adding a few dabs of your chosen extract. You can also combine both in a bowl if you prefer using a pipe or bong. Alternatively, you can buy a readymade THCA Caviar Blunt.
Vaporizing is generally considered the best way to enjoy potent extracts. You’ll need a concentrate vaporizer or dab pen to enjoy concentrates. If you have a suitable device, simply add a small dab of your chosen product to the chamber before powering it up and enjoying the powerful vapor it provides. You can also use concentrates with a dab rig for even stronger hits.
THCA Crumble is a good choice for users interested in THCA extracts. Derived from hemp and created using advanced extraction techniques, this is an interesting product that gives you THCA with enhanced purity and strength. Crumble is known for its crumbly texture and makes for great dabbing or vaping sessions.
You could also try THCA Badder. Another highly potent extract made using a complex extraction process, Badder is a top choice for fans of concentrated products. It’s known for its pliable, buttery texture, which makes it particularly easy to grab a dab and use it with a dab rig or vaporizer. You can also add it to joints or bowls for smoking purposes.
THCA Badder Live Resin is also available for fans of high-terpene full-spectrum extracts. Live Resin is known for packing more flavor than regular extracts while still maintaining potent levels of cannabinoids. These extracts are just as soft and buttery as regular badder extracts, making them ideal for all methods of consumption.
Should You Use CBD Instead Of THCA?
While THCA products are well worth trying, you might also want to consider other hemp-based cannabinoid products. Cannabidiol (CBD) products are particularly popular for those who want to consume cannabinoids without any psychoactive effects, especially since these products are particularly safe and well-tolerated even in high doses.
Whether you should take CBD instead of THCA depends on what kind of effects you’re looking for. THCA can be decarboxylated into Delta-9-THC, so users who enjoy the effects of THC will likely prefer these products. Conversely, those who would prefer to avoid THC products altogether will be much better served by CBD products.
You can buy CBD products online in a variety of forms. CBD edibles are particularly popular as these give you a good helping of CBD in the form of delicious snacks like gummies and chocolates. CBD tinctures are also a top choice – these liquid products make it easy to measure the exact dose of CBD you want and take it sublingually or orally.
Other options include CBD flower, CBD beverages, CBD softgels, and CBD topicals. All of these products are great for those who are interested in cannabidiol, and you might even want to try a few of them out.
Should You Use Delta-8-THC Instead Of THCA?
Delta-8-THC is another fascinating cannabinoid offering a range of benefits. While THC generally refers to Delta-9-THC (the decarboxylated form of THCA), Delta-8-THC is another form of the cannabinoid. Although its molecular structure is very similar to Delta-9-THC, it’s a different cannabinoid and offers a unique experience.
Like Delta-9-THC, Delta-8-THC can be consumed in various forms. When consumed, Delta-8-THC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system and offers similar effects to regular THC products. For instance, it can induce euphoria, relax your body, and provide a stimulating burst of creativity and mental energy.
With that said, the effects of Delta-8-THC are milder than the effects of Delta-9-THC and it’s often referred to as THC lite. However, this doesn’t mean you should avoid it. Delta-8-THC products are ideal for users who are interested in the effects of THC but would prefer for them to be milder and more manageable. They’re also great for beginners who would rather not be overwhelmed by the intense effects of Delta-9-THC.
Interestingly, Delta-8-THC products are often derived from hemp. Since they’re hemp products containing low levels of Delta-9-THC, they’re federally legal in the United States and more accessible than regular THC products. You can even buy Delta-8-THC products online, making them a preferable choice for many consumers.
Conclusion
While THC is the main psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis that most cannabis users are interested in, THCA products are interesting for a variety of reasons. THCA is the precursor to THC, and when decarboxylated, it converts into Delta-9-THC, the form of THC that most users know and love.
Interestingly, THCA products are often produced from hemp extracts. As such, they’re much more widely available to users as you don’t need to visit a dispensary or obtain a medical card. You can even order THCA products online, including THCA flower strains, THCA vape products, and THCA concentrates.
If you want to check it out for yourself, you can find a range of THCA products online at CBDivine. You can also find various other high-quality cannabinoid-infused products, including Delta-8-THC and CBD products.