As the exploration of cannabis and its compounds continues, one cannabinoid gaining attention is THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid). While THCA is the acidic precursor to THC, it is not psychoactive on its own. As more people turn to THCA for its potential therapeutic benefits, it is essential to understand the possible side effects associated with its usage. Join us as we delve into the topic of potential adverse effects you may run into when using THCA.
We aim to provide valuable insights to help you make informed decisions about its consumption. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of potential side effects, you can approach the potential benefits of THCA usage with knowledge and caution, ensuring a safe and positive experience.
It's important to approach THCA usage by starting with low doses, especially if you are new to its effects or have a low tolerance. Monitoring your body's response and adjusting dosage accordingly can help mitigate potential side effects and increase your likelihood of seeing potential health benefits.
What is THC-A?
Have you found yourself wondering, What is THCA? Well, THCA or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a naturally occurring non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the raw, unheated cannabis plant. It is the acidic precursor to THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the well-known psychoactive compound found in cannabis. THCA is typically present in higher concentrations in fresh, undried cannabis plant material.
Not to be confused with the arguably the most famous cannabinoid THC. THCA does not produce psychoactive effects on its own, meaning it does not cause the "high" typically associated with cannabis plants and THC. When hemp flower is heated or exposed to light, THCA undergoes a process called decarboxylation, where it loses its carboxylic acid group (COOH) and is converted into THC. This conversion occurs through processes like smoking, vaporization, or baking cannabis.
Research on THCA is still ongoing, but it is believed to have potential therapeutic properties. It is being investigated for its anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antiemetic (anti-nausea) effects. Some individuals consume raw cannabis or products high in THCA for its potential health benefits without experiencing the psychoactive effects associated with THC.
How Do You Consume THCA?
There are of course many different ways to consume cannabis. THCA consumption is actually quite unique in the fact that its effects and your experience very much are tied to the way you consume it. Your personal reasons and goals for using it may dictate your preferred THCA consumption method.
You can do everything from vaping and smoking THCA to even consuming raw cannabis leaves. While eating raw cannabis leaves contains THCA, raw cannabis may only contain a little bit of THC, and you'll need to consume very large amounts to get high from it. Before the process of decarboxylation, the plant mostly contains THCA, which again, will not get you high.
Commonly found THCA products include THCA hemp flower, which can be found in the form of pre-rolls, joints, raw flower, and blunts. We are starting to see even more products being infused with THCA such as THCA gummies, and vapes. You can even enjoy the therapeutic potential of a THCA tincture if that is more your style.
THCA Side Effects: What are they?
Some individuals may experience feelings of drowsiness or increased fatigue after THCA consumption. This can vary depending on the dosage and individual tolerance.
While research on THCA's specific side effects is limited, there are some potential effects that have been reported anecdotally. It's important to note that individual experiences may vary, and these effects may not occur for everyone. The most commonly reported side effects of THCA usage include:
Dry mouth
Also known as cottonmouth, this is a common side effect experienced with various hemp and THC products. It can leave you feeling thirsty and with a dry sensation in your mouth.
Dry eyes
Individual responses to cannabinoids can vary, and some individuals may still experience dry eyes as a side effect when using THCA. However, compared to THC, THCA is generally considered to have less affinity for cannabinoid receptors and is not typically associated with the same level of dry eye symptoms.
Drowsiness or Fatigue
Some individuals may experience feelings of drowsiness or increased fatigue after THCA consumption. This can vary depending on the dosage and individual tolerance.
Inability to drive
THCA itself is not known to cause impairment that would render someone unable to drive or operate machinery. However, it's important to note that THCA can potentially convert to THC when exposed to heat or light, and THC is known to have intoxicating effects that can impair cognitive and motor functions.
The impairment caused by THC can vary depending on the dosage, individual tolerance, and other factors. THC affects each person differently, and the extent of impairment can differ based on factors such as the method of consumption, individual metabolism, and the presence of other substances.
It is generally recommended to avoid driving or operating machinery while under the influence of any cannabis-related product, including THCA, especially if you are unsure of its effects on you personally.
Memory impairment
Additionally, if THCA is consumed in a form that undergoes decarboxylation, such as smoking or vaporizing, it can be converted to THC and will therefore produce psychoactive effects, which may include short-term memory impairment.
Increased appetite
Similar to the "munchies" often associated with cannabis use, THCA may stimulate appetite, leading to increased hunger or food cravings.
Impaired motor skills
THCA, specifically when exposed to heat will convert into THCA causing intoxicating effects. Because of this users will experience a reduction in their motor skills and cognitive function just like any other intoxicating substance.
Reduced blood pressure
It's important to note that cannabis, and other cannabinoids, including THCA-containing products, can have an impact on cardiovascular function, which can in turn influence blood pressure. THC has been known to cause temporary increases in heart rate and blood pressure due to its effects on the cardiovascular system.
Failed Drug Test
Since THCA is a psychoactive substance found in the cannabis plant, it activates the same metabolites that break down Delta 9 THC in marijuana. Consequently, urine tests are designed to detect these metabolites. Therefore, even though THCA and Delta 9 THC are distinct compounds, standard urine tests do not differentiate between the two.
It's important to note that full-spectrum CBD products should also be avoided in this context. Although they are non-psychoactive unlike marijuana, there is still a potential for them to result in a failed drug test. It's crucial to remember that drug tests are designed to identify all forms of THC, including THCA.
Who Shouldn’t Take THC-A?
While there are no reported serious health risks associated with taking THCA products or other cannabis products, it is important to note that there are certain individuals who should avoid their use. This includes individuals who are subject to drug screenings, those prone to any of the issues mentioned earlier, and anyone currently taking medications.
If you have pre-existing medical conditions or are currently taking specific prescriptions, it is advisable to consult with your doctor before trying THCA. It's worth remembering that THCA is generally considered a non-toxic compound that can be well-tolerated by most individuals. Any common side effects that may occur typically resolve themselves by the following day.
Frequently Asked THCA Questions
What's the difference between THC and THCA?
The comparison of THCA vs THC gets made a lot. The main differences are that THCA is considered a non-psychoactive cannabinoid whereas THC is psychoactive. This can become confusing though because THCA, when exposed to heat converts into THC therefore causing the same intoxicating effects associated with THC.
Is THCA Illegal?
THCA is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill which states that hemp products are considered legal as long as they fall at or under 0.3% Delta-9 THC content on a dry weight basis.
What types of THCA products are available?
You can find a large variety of THCA products available with even more being released as its popularity continues to rise. THCA products come in the forms of THCA hemp flower, pre-rolls, disposable vapes, vape carts, and edibles.
Does THCA get you high?
THCA itself does not get you high. However, because it is a precursor to Delta-9 THC it does convert into THC when exposed to heat at which point it produces the same effects, including a psychoactive high.
What are the benefits of THCA?
The potential benefits of THCA range from anti-inflammatory (gut diseases), antiemetic (nausea and vomiting), neuro-protective properties, and anti-cancer (prostate).
Are there any side effects of THCA?
Side effects of THCA are possible, just like any other hemp derived THC product. Because THCA converts into Delta 9 THC you can expect all of the same potential side effects that you might expect from Delta 9. The most common include sedation, dizziness, anxiety (in high doses), dry mouth, and increased appetite.
Where can I buy THCA products?
You can buy THCA online at online retailers like Everyday Delta. All THCA products are rigorously lab tested to ensure high quality and outmost safety. Plus, with the added benefit of having THCA shipped directly to your door.
Are Potential THCA Side Effects Worth the Reward?
Now that you are fully aware of the most common side effects associated with THCA, you can make a more informed decision about whether or not it is suitable for you. However, it's important to note that further research is still needed to fully understand its effects. In the meantime, user feedback has shown promise for its potential benefits.
If you do decide to try THCA, remember to consider the potential adverse events and possible safety concerns. Start with a very small dosage and take it with food. It is crucial to gauge how your body reacts before considering a higher dosage.
Keep in mind that when consuming THCA gummies, side effects may take longer to manifest compared to other consumption methods. When taking THCA gummies or edibles, it is best to consume them with food and allow at least 4-6 hours to fully understand how you are affected before considering additional consumption. It is also wise to avoid consuming concentrated amounts.