The world of cannabis is often dominated by THC, the substance responsible for the euphoria associated with marijuana. However, what lurks in the shadow of THC is THCa, a little-known yet fundamental molecule. While THC is indeed the main protagonist, this time we’ll be talking about THCa.
In this article, we’ll tell you
everything you need to know about THCa.
What is THCa?THCa, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid,is actually the immediate ancestor of THC. It was discovered in 1965 by the German professor Friedrich Korte, thus laying the foundation for our understanding of cannabis.
Without THCa, THC would be nothing more than an abstract concept. In fact, up to90% of the
total THC content in the plant comes from THCa. However, unlike THC, THCa is non-psychoactive in its raw state.
It has an extra carboxylic acid chain that prevents it from producing the psychotropic effects we generally associate with cannabis. How does THCa become THC?THCa exists in two main forms: THCA-Aand
THCA-B
. While the precise differences between these isomers remain unclear, they both transform into THC during
decarboxylation , a key process during the heating of cannabis.This chemical change transforms the inactive THCa into the iconic element of cannabis: THC, responsible for our euphoric experiences. What is the role of CBGa? To fully understand THCa, we must go back to its origins. CBGa, or cannabigerolic acid, is considered the “mother cannabinoid,” the cornerstone of various compounds, including CBDa, CBGa, and, of course, THCa.CBGa is the precursor to THCa and, consequently, to THC. This complex process is what gives rise to our high, as CBGa gives way to THC.
THCa: The cannabinoid that influences without intoxicating
THCa, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is often overlooked compared to its more famous offspring, THC. Unlike THC, THCa does not produce a high when consumed in its raw form.
This characteristic stems from its unique molecular structure, which does not bind strongly to CB1 or CB2 receptors in the brain. In fact, THCa’s binding affinity to CB1 receptors is approximately 60 times weaker than that of THC, explaining why it does not produce psychoactive effects. However, it is not entirely inactive. THCa interacts with several anti-inflammatory receptors, such as PPARγ, GPR55, and COX-1 and COX-2, suggesting positive effects on inflammation and mood. While it does not produce a high, THCa has beneficial properties that can positively influence brain chemistry and reduce inflammation. THCa and THC: What are the differences? THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main intoxicating cannabinoid in cannabis. Unlike THCa, THC has a strong affinity for CB1 receptors in the brain, thus producing the euphoric effects we associate with cannabis use. It’s THC that makes us feel high. The main difference lies in their molecular structure. THCa has an additional carboxyl group, keeping it in an acidic state.
This extra group makes all the difference in terms of its influence on our feelings. While THC is psychoactive, inducing a state of intoxication, THCa does not produce an intoxicating effect. It acts instead as a subtle modulator of brain chemistry, without the intoxicating effects of THC.
