This is an infographic on 19 Things You Need To Know About THCA.
It provides a brief overview of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), a non-psychoactive precursor of THC found in cannabis.
It covers everything from the basic definition and difference between THCA and THC to its health benefits, therapeutic uses, and legal status.
The document also briefly covers the scientific aspects of THCA, including its extraction and decarboxylation processes, and highlights ongoing research and future potential in the medical field.
This serves as an informative guide for those interested in understanding the properties and implications of THCA.
Feel free to share this essential guide to this popular cannabinoid powerhouse: THCA
1. Definition of THCA
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is a precursor to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is an active component of cannabis.
2. Distinction between THCA and THC
THC is the psychoactive compound that produces the “high” associated with marijuana use, while THCA is a non-psychoactive precursor to THC that requires heat to convert into THC.
To learn more about the difference between THCa vs THC check out this resource here.
3. Source of THCA in cannabis
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is found in fresh, undried cannabis. However, THCA is progressively decarboxylated to THC when cannabis is dried or heated.
4. Health Benefits of THCA
THCA is an effective neuroprotectant, so it is beneficial in the treatment of conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease.
5. Therapeutic uses of THCA
THCA is an effective neuroprotectant, so it is beneficial in the treatment of such conditions as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
6. Anti-cancer Potential
THCA may inhibit the growth of some types of breast cancer (IC50 of 9.8?M in MCF-7 and 18.2?M in MDA-MB-231) and prostate cancer cell lines (IC50 of 25?M in DU-145.
7. Absorption and bioavailability
Across all users, light and heavy, the bioavailability for inhaled THC is between 10% and 35%.
In general, inhalation produces a stronger psychoactive effect than ingestion. After inhalation, THC concentrations are higher in the brain than in the blood.
8. Legal status under USDA’s Farm Bill
The USDA’s Farm Bill made THCa legal as long as it is derived from agricultural hemp, which contains 0.30% THC or less, measured by dry weight.
9. Extraction and isolation methods
Natural oil added to cannabis & milled (optionally heated), generating THCA-rich liquid for extraction.
10. Decarboxylation Process
Heating unlocks cannabinoid power: acids like THCA become potent THC.
11. Ways to consume raw cannabis
Unlocking THCA’s Wellness Potential: Juicing, Culinary Oils, Vaping, Topical Benefits & More
12. Ongoing research and studies
THCA Research: Early promise fuels cancer, inflammation, and neurodegeneration studies. Clinical trials are underway. Understanding mechanisms and delivery methods key.
13. Side effects and safety
Cooking, heating, or vaping the legal version of the substance does turn it into the psychoactive compound THC.
Short-Term Side Effects of Heating/Smoking THCa: Euphoria and relaxation.
14. THCA Interactions with Medications
THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, interacts with nearly 400 prescription medications, and CBD (cannabidiol) interacts with more than 540.
15. THCa Dosage and Administration
Less is more with THCA: 30-50x more absorbable, effective at just 5-50mg daily. Don’t compare to THC!
16. Potential in topical applications
Lotions, balms, and creams: easy-to-use cannabis topicals for soothing sore muscles or everyday skin care. Smooth, versatile, effective.
17. Impact on the endocannabinoid system
THC binds with high affinity to the CB1 receptor, which mediates its abuse-related and reinforcing effects.
18. Impact on the endocannabinoid system
Unlike THC, THCA is a non-psychotropic cannabinoid.
In other words, it does not produce the intoxicating effect that is commonly associated with cannabis and THC.
19. Future of THCA research
While mostly converted to THC for its psychoactive effects, THCA’s medical potential warrants exploration in product development.
I hope you at least got some nuggets from this THCa infographic.
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