THCA is not as straightforward as other cannabinoids. Some claim it’s non-psychoactive, while others insist it can produce a high if you know how to use it. But what’s the real story? Can THCA cause a high?
Amid the whirlwind of cannabinoid information, THCA is gaining attention – and for good reason. We have investigated this cannabis chemical to find out what it really does to the human body and why different opinions exist as to its effects.
The main takeaway? THCA may be the all-purpose cannabinoid you have been looking for, whether your goal is a health-boosting addition to your smoothie or a euphoric experience.
What is THCA?
THCA is tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (it’s a mouthful, so we’re sticking with THCA). Think of it as THC’s chill, unbothered sibling. Unlike THC, it hasn’t been “activated” into its psychoactive form yet, which means it doesn’t get you high. If it seems like the clear answer to your question, wait until you understand how versatile this cannabinoid can be.
You can find THCA hanging out in fresh cannabis flowers and raw leaves while vibing in its natural state. It isn’t chemically made and can be sourced organically.
The heat of the moment
Add some heat to your THCA smoke or vape – and poof – you get a product that packs Delta-9 THC, which is actually responsible for a classic high. It’s like the superhero origin story of THC, and it all happens thanks to thermal conversion.
But does THCA cause a high in THCA-rich strains, and does it mean it’s marijuana or hemp? No matter how massive that percentage is in the cannabis product you’re buying, it is not regulated as high-THC varieties. THCA doesn’t count toward the Farm Bill limit until it is exposed to thermal conversion. So, technically, its raw variants are considered hemp.
The chemical difference between the two cannabinoids
Chemically, they are pretty similar, but THCA has a little extra piece, which is a pair of atoms that make molecules acidic. This stops it from binding to your brain’s cannabinoid receptors, meaning no high – unless, of course, you fire it up. Under thermal exposure, the extra pair of atoms disappears, and your THCA is all grown up. It transforms into Delta-9 THC, ready to deliver the sought-after (or not) euphoric experience.
Can THCA cause a high like Delta-9 THC?
In its unheated form, THCA is totally chill and won’t get you high. In other words, this cannabinoid will not change your perception and behavior. If you’re munching on fresh cannabis or using it right after harvest, your body will just process it like any other plant matter. It can’t match THC products under these consumption conditions.
But when you heat cannabis by smoking or vaping, for example, the thermal process chemically turns the cannabinoid into a magic compound with high-inducing potential. It develops the same potency a THC product would have. So, once it’s heated, watch out for the same mind-altering consequences as Delta-9 THC gives you.
THCA can also be found in products like oils, crystals, and those fancy diamonds. But unless you heat them, they won’t do much. If you eat THCA edibles straight-up, don’t expect a wild ride like with THC-laden yummies. Heat them up, though, and you’ll get the full experience.
Understanding the cause of THCA of getting you high and if it is legal
Here’s the deal with THCA. It’s good to go federally as long as it is a THCA-only product that has no traces of THC or other controlled substances. Without heating, there will be no legal issues in the US. Sounds simple, right? THCA is only as psychoactive as marijuana if you heat it up. Eating it raw? No high there.
Even though tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is federally compliant, you need to be cautious if you’re buying, selling, or using products with a high THCA content because:
- There’s always a chance that law enforcement groups or legal specialists might mix things up. New regulations may appear to classify tetrahydrocannabinolic acid with the same restrictions as those that apply to marijuana.
- This cannabinoid stays in its legal form as long as it’s in that unheated state before or after harvest. But if it’s tested later in a regulated marijuana market, it might be treated as marijuana based on its total THC content.
- The same plant could be labeled as both hemp and marijuana, depending on who’s testing it and when. It’s all about the timing and heating, which can fuel controversy and inconsistency.
Can THCA cause issues in drug tests?
You will be surprised that most drug tests aren’t actually checking for THC in cannabis. They’re looking for THC-COOH, which is a metabolite that THC turns into once it’s in your body. The same goes for THCA – it creates THC-COOH too.
The reason drug tests zoom in on this metabolite instead of THC itself is because THC-COOH sticks around in your body longer. But don’t worry: federal and other tests have ways of making sure tiny traces of THC-COOH won’t mess with your results.
Still, if you’re stressing about THCA and possible drug test results, it might be a good idea to hold off on using your products for a little while before the test. Better yet, chat with your doctor to get the full scoop.
The bottom line
The magic cannabinoid has some cool perks up its sleeve that could enhance your experience or add to positive effects. But if you are still wondering if THCA causes a high – the answer is no, not directly. This compound is admired for its transformative trick. When you heat it, it turns into THC, the stuff that does get you high.
Essentially, THCA paves the legal and discreet way for THC to work its magic. It’s like the backstage pass to your endocannabinoid system’s CB1 receptors without the need for a controlled substance.
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