The cannabinoid research keeps fascinating us with discoveries – all in the name of destigmatizing the plant that serves as a unique natural healer. However, the most impressive one is probably that of THCA flower vs. THC flower and how they compare in terms of psychoactive potential.
Now that we know the ‘magic herb’ was cultivated for ritual burning, therapeutic use, and mind-altering effects as far back as 2,500 years ago, this gives us valuable insights into its physical and mental health benefits.
THC vs. THCA: Flower nature
Due to being demonized for decades as an evil intoxicant, cannabis and THC (the part that’s behind psychoactive trips) are still prohibited in many locations. This has resulted in touting methods of synthesizing similar substances chemically as a formidable workaround for strict regulations and legal limits.
But semi-synthetic ‘novel’ cannabinoids gained notoriety for their side effects. They were often laced with contaminants or trace chemicals that left room for added toxicity.
Despite THCA flowers vs. THC isomers being a common choice for places where recreational use is illegal, quality and safety should come first when weighing the options. Nature’s way, THCA buds are better and more predictable for anyone seeking a high wrapped into a consistent experience with no unexpected effects.
What makes this compound so remarkable?
The crude form of THC that is abundant in unprocessed buds, THCA is just one step away from exerting the same effects on the body as regular weed. This is a fast and easy transformation. Even when shrouded in the pretentiousness of the term decarboxylation, it simply means exposure to light or heat.
Thus, there’s no difference in ways of consuming THC flower vs. THCA flower if you are after euphoric feelings or the deep relaxation of a full-body experience. You can use tetrahydrocannabinolic acid products just like you would regular weed. As long as you are going to heat them, expect the authentic high that is commonly attributed to THC.
Why are there higher levels of THCA vs. THC in flowers?
Freshly harvested buds contain mostly THCA and very little THC. Today, you have plenty of science-y reassurance and explanations regarding THCA producing a euphoric high when decarboxylated into THC. That’s why most users couldn’t be happier about relying on tetrahydrocannabinolic acid buds to plunge into these effects in a discreet and legal way.
It’s like Mother Nature had a plan B for us, knowing that THC would be deemed illegal one day. But, jokes aside, the question you would like the science on marijuana to answer is why the natural levels of THCA vs. THC in flowers differ so greatly.
The answer is straightforward: because these aren’t produced by the plant for anybody’s consumption or intoxication.
THCA is the cannabis species’ built-in protector from harsh environmental conditions that mainly serves to prevent its DNA damage. Shielding the plant from pollutants, free radicals, bacteria, and harmful UV exposure, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is its natural reserve that is activated as needed. Thus, some decarboxylation occurs naturally, but it doesn’t result in high levels of THC – unless you choose to facilitate that or make it a post-harvest step.
With this in mind, it’s clear why humans have been experimenting with cannabinoid content and terpene variations since discovering the magic of THC vs THCA in flowers. This is done through different growing methods and conditions as well as selective breeding, though cultivating THCA hemp and THC-rich buds has many similarities.
THCA flowers vs. THC products: Which option is yours?
Since most users are likely to decarb THCA buds, they can expect the high from those to be similar or even identical to what they would get from THC products. Though the effect of THC vs. THCA in flowers is a matter of their chemical structure and consumption method, heating is a common denominator, rendering the initial cannabinoid type less important than the individual profile and potency of the strain.
That said, ingesting raw THCA flower is getting due attention for a range of its non-euphoric therapeutic benefits:
- It has antiemetic properties.
- Studies prove it’s an amazing antiproliferative substance.
- It has a way to deal with inflammatory conditions.
- It’s full of neuroprotective qualities.
Once valued mainly as a THC precursor, unprocessed THCA is gaining recognition for aiding various health concerns and safeguarding your physical and mental health. Still, the choice depends on your preferences and where you want your cannabis journey to take you – with regards to specific local regulations wherever you happen to live or stay.
THC flower vs. THCA flower by legal status
In most consumers’ experience, any differences between THC and THCA only exist until the latter is decarbed. Yet, the major distinction is their legality, which is of utmost importance unless you live where THC is allowed for recreational use. Otherwise, its percentage is capped at 0.3%, and you don’t want to go over that threshold in the US. Getting in trouble with the law is not an option.
Like hemp and marijuana strains, THCA flowers vs. THC flowers are classified according to their THC content. Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, due to its non-psychoactive makeup and the ambiguity in the Farm Bill, is not a controlled substance. And you’ve guessed it: tetrahydrocannabinol is a completely different animal, the one that’s strictly regulated.
Many cannabis phenotypes are bred to contain high concentrations of THCA and yield intense psychoactive effects when decarbed. On the surface, these are entirely different products and cannabinoids. Technically, they make legal hemp that packs a powerful punch and converts to wicked weed.
Unlock the full THCA potential
The potential conversion of THCA to THC is a godsend for cannabis enthusiasts. While the former still maintains its unregulated status, you shouldn’t take it for granted and let the sleeping cannabinoids lie so they can come to your rescue when you need them with their relaxing, buzz-inducing effects.
The transformative power of THCA is one of the most enjoyable things the cannabis industry can offer. Choose premium strains at Venera to see it from your own experience!
