As you peruse the wine list at a restaurant, you may wonder if alcohol content can influence the nutty taste of your weed and whether uncorking a bottle unlocks more than just flavor. You’ve likely heard that alcohol can amplify a THC strain’s psychoactive effect, but does alcohol activate THCA?
Before you pair your next meal with cannabinoids and cabernets, read on to learn the truth behind this urban legend. We’ll reveal whether spirit drinks can turn THCA into its activated form and discuss factors that may influence it.
How does alcohol affect THCA?
On the Internet, you can find loads of unfounded assurance that ethanol found in alcoholic beverages can transform THCA, thereby activating your cannabis. The theory goes that since ethanol and cannabinoids are both soluble, the former lets THC molecules break free from the plant material so your body can absorb them.
The evidence to support this is zero. While ethanol may help THCA enter your bloodstream more quickly, it does not actually convert the acid form into tetrahydrocannabinol. Decarboxylation requires heat, not just ethanol.
So, don’t get too excited. To experience the most impactful effects when consuming raw cannabis (like in a cocktail), you’d need to put the plant material to the removal of a carboxyl group. This happens when high temps are involved.
Overall, the factors that influence decarboxylation are the following:
- THCA needs intense heat. As cannabis is heated, the acid slowly breaks down into tetrahydrocannabinol, carbon dioxide, and water vapor. At room temperature, this reaction may occur in years. But as the temperature increases and maintains stability (around 240°F), the reaction speeds up.
- Baking does the trick, too. When hemp goes through the oven, heat causes THCA to readily turn into THC. Baking cannabis is a popular way for people to make their own edibles at home. At 200-240°F for half an hour, a good portion of the acid becomes activated.
- Alcohol is a secondary factor. How does alcohol affect the decarbonization of THCA? Well, when cannabis is soaked in ethanol, the latter can accelerate decarbing thanks to faster breaking down of the carboxyl group. But it only performs a catalytic function and can’t activate your flower on its own.
Does THCA turn into THC in alcohol when infusing hemp tinctures?
If you’ve ever wondered if THCA in your hemp tincture turns into tetrahydrocannabinol when infused with alcohol, you’re not alone. Many homebrew tincture makers ask the same question, concerned if the acid will become mind-altering during the infusion process.
For tinctures, ethanol acts as a solvent while extracting cannabinoids from the cannabis plant matter. But because the acid form becomes active only when cannabis is heated, some THCA can only be activated when infusing cannabis in alcohol and then evaporating it at increased temps.
However, complete activation requires significant heat for a prolonged period. While alcohol does accelerate decarbing, its evaporation typically isn’t long and intense enough to fully decarboxylate the acid – it disappears too fast. You may end up with a mixture of both THCA and THC in the final tincture.
The ratio of both compounds depends on:
- Time and temperature – Lengthy temperature exposure is a surefire way to pull off activation.
- The amount of plant matter used – More material means more surface area for decarboxylation.
- Strain potency – Higher-THCA strains will convert more acid into tetrahydrocannabinol in the final product.
So, if you’re looking for maximized impact, activate raw hemp before infusing it. But for a mix of THC and THCA, the alcohol infusion method can also work. The blend of cannabinoids may provide broader therapeutic benefits due to the synergic effect.
Does drinking alcohol intensify a buzz?
Yes. Ethanol stirs up THCA effects and causes the compound to hit you harder and faster. When you couple cannabis with a glass of Merlot, your adventure gets amplified – alcohol dilates your blood vessels, increasing blood flow throughout your body and brain. That’s how cannabinoids in your system are transported more quickly.
Alcohol also inhibits certain enzymes that decompose the compound, allowing it to remain active in your body for a more significant time. The result is a boosted buzz that lasts longer than having THCA alone.
While the idea of mixing it with wine may seem gripping, it does complicate the risks associated with both substances. For some, this combo is an invitation to an upbeat high, perfect for parties. For others, this increased intensity leads to anxiety, dizziness, and other unpleasant conditions.
Like any substance, a little of what you fancy does you good. Pace yourself by starting with a minimal dose of THCA and seeing how the effects change with wine or beer before upping your intake. Be aware of how much you’ve drunk to avoid unwanted adverse effects.
Potential hazards of mixing activated THCA and alcohol
While experimenting with different states of inebriation seems to be worth a try, especially for recreational users, you must be aware of what may come next. We’ll leave a word of advice below:
- Your ECS is charged. THCA and alcohol both act on your ECS and heighten each other. Initially, this makes you feel very euphoric. However, as the crossfade gains momentum, it may lead to dizziness and impaired decision-making.
- Greening out is real. Consuming too much leads to a devastating weed hangover. Symptoms include vomiting, mass fears, anxiety, and – in severe cases – psychosis or dangerously low blood pressure.
- Harmful health effects are possible. When used long-term, the cannabinoid acid and alcohol may have health consequences beyond the temporary impact on your liver and cardiovascular system.
Hopefully, it’s more straightforward for you now as to whether alcohol activates THCA. To wrap it up, let us note that everyone has a different tolerance for substances. Please pay attention to how both alcohol and cannabinoids affect you individually before marrying them. Start with tiny amounts of drinks and buds. The effects of mixing the two can be pretty strong, even in small doses.
