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Major CannabinoidNon-Psychoactive

THCA

Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid

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

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 Research

Preclinical research shows anti-inflammatory activity without psychoactive effects.

✓ Compliant Language

Research suggests anti-inflammatory properties

✗ Avoid Saying

Treats inflammation

Sources

Nallathambi R et al., 2017

Neuroprotection

Moderate Evidence

THCA is a potent PPARγ agonist; improved motor deficits in Huntington's disease model and showed promise in Alzheimer's model.

✓ Compliant Language

Strong preclinical evidence for neuroprotective properties

✗ Avoid Saying

Protects the brain or treats neurological diseases

Sources

Nadal X et al., 2017 Kim J et al., 2023

Anti-arthritic

Emerging Research

Alleviated collagen-induced arthritis in mice through CB1 and PPARγ pathways.

✓ Compliant Language

Being researched for arthritis applications

✗ Avoid Saying

Treats arthritis

Sources

Palomares B et al., 2020

Anti-nausea

Emerging Research

May reduce nausea at doses lower than THC.

✓ Compliant Language

May help with nausea

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Treats nausea

Sources

Rock EM et al., 2013

Medical Applications

Neurodegenerative Diseases

Emerging Research

PPARγ agonist activity shows promise for Huntington's and Alzheimer's in animal models.

Arthritis

Emerging Research

Alleviated collagen-induced arthritis in mice.

Nausea

Emerging Research

May 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

THCA anti-inflammatory activity

Nallathambi R, et al. • Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research (2017)

PubMed ID: 29098186

Found anti-inflammatory effects in colon cells.

THCA is a potent PPARγ agonist with neuroprotective activity

Nadal X, et al. • British Journal of Pharmacology (2017)

PubMed ID: 28853159

THCA improved motor deficits in Huntington's disease mouse model through PPARγ pathway.

THCA alleviates collagen-induced arthritis

Palomares B, et al. • Frontiers in Immunology (2020)

THCA alleviated collagen-induced arthritis in mice through CB1 receptor and PPARγ pathways.

THCA and CBDA rescue memory deficits in Alzheimer model

Kim J, et al. • Journal of Alzheimer's Disease (2023)

THCA and CBDA rescued memory deficits and reduced amyloid-beta and tau pathology in AD-like mouse model.

Can You Pass the Acid Test? Critical Review on THCA

Moreno-Sanz G. • Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research (2016)

Critical review of THCA research and therapeutic potential.

THCA suppresses nausea

Rock EM, et al. • British Journal of Pharmacology (2013)

PubMed ID: 23889598

Found anti-nausea effects at lower doses than THC.

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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Related Cannabinoids

THC

Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol

CBDA

Cannabidiolic Acid

CBD

Cannabidiol

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.