THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid) | Cannabinoid Guide
Complete Guide to THCA in Medical Cannabis
Pronounced: tee-aych-see-AY
THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid) is a non-psychoactive major cannabinoid. Learn about THCA, the non-psychoactive precursor to THC. Discover why raw cannabis doesn't get you high and research on THCA's potential benefits..
Boiling Point
220°F (105°C) - converts to THC
Formula
C₂₂H₃₀O₄
Legal Status
Legal gray area; converts to THC when heated
Research Sources
6 peer-reviewed studies
Verified Via
PubMed / DOI
Evidence
Research-Backed
Updated
February 2026
What is THCA?
THCA is the raw, acidic form of THC found in living cannabis plants. It's non-psychoactive in its natural state because it can't bind efficiently to CB1 receptors. When heated (smoking, vaping, cooking), THCA undergoes decarboxylation and converts to psychoactive THC.
How THCA Works
Unlike THC, THCA doesn't bind well to CB1 or CB2 receptors. However, it shows activity at TRPA1 channels (pain), PPARγ receptors (inflammation), and may influence the endocannabinoid system through other pathways.
Researched Effects
Anti-inflammatory
Emerging ResearchPreclinical research shows anti-inflammatory activity without psychoactive effects.
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Research suggests anti-inflammatory properties
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Treats inflammation
Sources
Neuroprotection
Moderate EvidenceTHCA is a potent PPARγ agonist; improved motor deficits in Huntington's disease model and showed promise in Alzheimer's model.
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Strong preclinical evidence for neuroprotective properties
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Protects the brain or treats neurological diseases
Anti-arthritic
Emerging ResearchAlleviated collagen-induced arthritis in mice through CB1 and PPARγ pathways.
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Being researched for arthritis applications
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Treats arthritis
Sources
Anti-nausea
Emerging ResearchMay reduce nausea at doses lower than THC.
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May help with nausea
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Treats nausea
Sources
Medical Applications
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Emerging ResearchPPARγ agonist activity shows promise for Huntington's and Alzheimer's in animal models.
Arthritis
Emerging ResearchAlleviated collagen-induced arthritis in mice.
Nausea
Emerging ResearchMay work at lower doses than THC for nausea.
Dosing Guidance
Raw cannabis or THCA tinctures typically contain 10-50mg. Since THCA isn't psychoactive, dosing is more forgiving than THC. However, any heating converts it to psychoactive THC.
Safety Information
THCA itself is non-psychoactive. However, any heat exposure (even warm storage) begins conversion to THC. Store raw cannabis cold to preserve THCA.
Potential Side Effects
- Minimal side effects when not heated
- Converts to THC with heat (then THC side effects apply)
- May cause GI upset in some people
Drug Interactions
Limited data. Less likely to interact than THC since it's not psychoactive, but caution still advised with medications.
Scientific References
4 peer-reviewed sources cited
- 1
Nallathambi R, et al. Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Colon Models Is Derived from Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid That Interacts with Additional Compounds in Cannabis Extracts Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2017
THCA activated PPARγ for anti-inflammatory effects in colon models.
- 2
Nadal X, et al. Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is a potent PPARγ agonist with neuroprotective activity British Journal of Pharmacology. 2017
THCA improved motor deficits in HD via PPARγ.
- 3
Palomares B, et al. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid alleviates collagen-induced arthritis: Role of PPARγ and CB1 receptors British Journal of Pharmacology. 2020
THCA alleviates arthritis via PPARγ and CB1 receptors.
- 4
Rock EM, et al. Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid reduces nausea-induced conditioned gaping in rats and vomiting in Suncus murinus British Journal of Pharmacology. 2013
THCA reduced nausea more potently than THC in rodent models.
Research Verification
All citations link directly to PubMed or the original source. You can verify any claim by clicking the reference link. Learn more about how we research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is THCA?
THCA is the raw, acidic form of THC found in living cannabis plants. It's non-psychoactive until heated, when it converts (decarboxylates) into THC.
Does THCA get you high?
No. THCA cannot bind effectively to CB1 receptors and doesn't produce intoxication. However, any heat exposure (smoking, vaping, cooking) converts it to psychoactive THC.
Why do people use raw cannabis/THCA?
Some people juice raw cannabis or use THCA tinctures to access potential anti-inflammatory and other benefits without psychoactive effects. Research is still emerging.
Quick Facts
- Full Name
- Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid
- Category
- major Cannabinoid
- Psychoactive
- No
- Boiling Point
- 220°F (105°C) - converts to THC
- Formula
- C₂₂H₃₀O₄
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Medical Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before using cannabis products.
Individual Variation
Cannabis affects everyone differently based on genetics, tolerance, and other factors. What works for one person may not work for another.
Start Low, Go Slow
Always begin with the lowest effective dose and increase gradually to minimize risk of adverse effects.