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Does THCA Get You High? Buyer’s Guide

Does THCA Get You High? Buyer’s Guide

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THCA—tetrahydrocannabinolic acid—is one of the many components found in cannabis, and it has been gaining more attention as research on its health benefits continues to grow. But what is THCA? Does it get you high like THC or can it have other effects on your body? In this post, we’ll explain everything you need to know. Read on for our comprehensive guide that will help make sense of this unique cannabinoid!

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Does THCA Get You High?

When discussing cannabis, most people immediately think of THC and its well-known intoxicating effects. However, did you know that there’s a lesser-known cannabinoid called THCa that serves as the precursor to THC? Though it is nearly identical to THC, it doesn’t produce a psychoactive high when consumed. Instead, THCa must be converted into THC through smoking or heating to experience the euphoric, mind-altering effects. So can you get high off of THCa alone? The answer is no, but learning about this cannabinoid and its role in the cannabis plant can help deepen our understanding of the varied chemical compounds that make up this fascinating plant.

Cannabis contains a variety of compounds, including over 100 unique cannabinoids. One of these compounds is THCa or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. Unlike its cousin THC, it does not get you high in its raw form. That’s because it contains an extra carboxyl ring that cannot bind to CB1 receptors in the brain the same way THC does. However, once it’s decarboxylated (or “decarbed”), THCa converts into THC and can produce the intoxicating effects associated with cannabis use. Dispensary flower often lists high THCa content, which can nearly equal the total percentage of THC listed on the packet. So remember, it may not get you high in its raw form, but it can certainly pack a punch once it’s decarbed!

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What Does A High Percentage of THCA in Hemp Mean?

As the hemp industry continues to evolve, you may have noticed some hemp products boasting a high percentage of THCa. But what exactly does this mean? Simply put, THCa is the acidic precursor to THC, which means it does not produce psychoactive effects until it’s heated and converted to THC. Some hemp strains naturally contain higher levels of THCa, while others may have been boosted with THC isolate after being harvested. Both methods produce similar outcomes, but it’s important to note that both are still considered legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. As federal regulations do not control THCa, many hemp brands have incorporated THCa flower into their product lines. Keep this in mind when browsing hemp products with high levels of THCa and make sure to purchase from reputable sources.

Essentially, THCa and THC are the same thing, but in different forms. THCa is the raw, untouched version of THC, and it won’t get you high if you eat it. This is why we smoke weed instead of eating it. When you heat THCa, whether through a lighter or oven, it converts into THC, which produces the psychoactive effects. So it’s the heat, not the plant itself, that causes the high.

If you’ve ever wondered how weed can have such a substantial effect on the mind, the answer lies in the process of decarboxylation. THC, the compound in marijuana that’s responsible for the high, actually starts as THCa. But through heating or exposure to UV light, it can be transformed into THC. This is why consumption methods like smoking, vaping, and cooking are so important – they decarb it and turn it into the psychoactive compound we crave. As an everyday cannabis user, it’s helpful to know how to determine the potency of your weed. You can add the Delta 9 THC percentage to the THCa percentage to find the total decarbed THC percentage when you’re ready to smoke.

Related Link: HHC vs. Delta-8 THC: What’s the Difference?

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How High Can THCA Get You?

Have you ever wondered how high THCa can actually get you? Well, the answer is simple. THCa can get you just as high as Delta 9 THC. As the precursor to traditional Delta 9 THC, THCa has the ability to elevate your mind to the same extent as THC. When THCa is heated to a certain temperature, it rapidly converts to THC, which is the compound that ultimately gets you high. Research shows that this conversion only takes 10 minutes at 320°F (160°C) or mere seconds at temps over 392°F (200°C). Once converted, the extra carboxyl ring that distinguishes THCa is lost, and you’ll experience the same mind-altering high that you do when consuming THC. In short, THCa and Delta 9 THC are equally capable of providing an elevated experience.

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The THCA High

THCa is a critical cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. Without it, THC would not exist, and therefore, neither would the enjoyable experiences and healing properties it provides. Though many are unaware, THCa is the initial compound that produces THC when exposed to heat or light, transforming a non-psychoactive molecule into one full of powerful goodness. However, despite its remarkable qualities and benefits, further empirical research must be conducted to unlock the full potential of THCa. This will not only enable more intelligent decisions to be made about cannabis legalization in all states, but also permit greater access for medical patients who can reap much-needed rewards from this medicinal powerhouse.

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The information and content in this article are intended for informational purposes only. It should not be a substitute for professional or medical advice. You should always speak with a licensed professional before you follow anything you read online.

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