Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) has quickly risen to the top of must-have cannabinoids coming out of the hemp market. And, it’s one of the more confusing cannabinoids to many, since the THCA product type you take determines whether what you’re consuming is THCA or delta 9 THC. You see, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is the raw precursor cannabinoid to delta 9 THC, found naturally in cannabis. Only when THCA is heated to a certain temperature does it convert into delta 9, activating its psychoactive properties and changing its chemical structure, resulting in a completely different array of potential benefits.
Now, since THCA products are taking over the market in all kinds of product forms, let’s examine both the potential benefits of keeping THCA raw, like it would exist in gummies and tinctures, and the potential benefits of consuming a THCA product that’s heated, like flower or dabs, which would actually be giving you delta 9. At GreenLife, we focus on selecting the freshest and cleanest products on the market today.
Just How Beneficial is it to Try THCA?
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid left in its raw form comes with unique benefits of its own, independent from delta 9 THC. The chemical structure of THCA, like all raw cannabinoids, prohibits it from directly attaching to the body’s CB1 and CB2 (cannabinoid) receptors, but it does work with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in different ways, regulating processes of the body through, mainly, its interaction with enzymes that are responsible for many functions of the human system.
THCA Can Boost Uptake of Serotonin
Turns out, THCA has the unique ability to increase serotonin levels, based on its interaction with enzymatic serotonin precursors. Serotonin is a critical neurotransmitter in the brain that balances a number of important processes in the body, and so taking anything that boosts serotonin uptake can have positive influences on sleep, mood, nausea and appetite. In recent studies, THCA was found to offer a uniquely powerful anti-nausea effect.
THCA Can Improve Neurological Function
Turns out that THCA might be a potent neuroprotectant, strengthening the neurons in the brain, and reducing neuroinflammation that is associated with a host of neurological disorders. Researchers have seen particular promise in applying THCA to those who have Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, and the cannabinoid may offer anti-seizure effects as well.
THCA Can Act as an Anti-Inflammatory
The potent anti-inflammatory benefits of THCA show that it can inhibit the precursor enzymes involved in the body’s anti-inflammatory response, to reduce and prevent excessive inflammation in the system. Researchers have shown particular interest in THCA’s potential to reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract. Other researchers have found that THCA may produce uniquely profound anti-inflammatory effects revolving around the digestive tract, and even believe that it may have a lot of promise when addressing irritable bowel diseases.
THCA Acts as an Antioxidant
THCA is an antioxidant, and this can improve immune function and have anti-aging effects on our health. Antioxidants protect the cells of the body against free radicals which cause cell damage, and could cause the body to age and decline more rapidly.
Potential Benefits of THCA After Decarboxylation
Once you heat THCA, it turns into delta 9 THC, a cannabinoid that many of us are far more familiar with. If you’re using THCA flower, THCA dabs, or THCA vapes, what you’re actually consuming is delta 9 THC, as the THCA has fully converted into this more established cannabis compound. So, let’s offer a refresher course on what delta 9 has to offer.
Delta 9 THC Can Offer Mood Benefits
Many people report a mood-lifting effect from consuming delta 9 THC, and its high is commonly described as euphoric. Studies explain how delta 9 THC attaches to the brain’s cannabinoid receptors that balance neurotransmitters like cortisol and serotonin, which have a surprising influence over our mood. People also find that delta 9 makes them feel less stressed, which is thanks to the way in which the cannabinoid may reduce our anxiety response.
Delta 9 THC Can Improve Sleep
Speaking of neurotransmitter-balancing effects, delta 9 THC may help us with sleep, by introducing a feeling of ease and tranquility in the mind, and also strengthening our melatonin production at nighttime.
Delta 9 THC Can Help with Poor Appetite and Nausea
A lot of us have experienced the munchies from cannabis products, and that’s because delta 9 works with serotonin receptors that regulate our desire to eat. Researchers have shown us that chemotherapy patients who lost their appetite were able to eat more after taking delta 9 THC. Plus, were able to derive more satisfaction from food.
On a similar note, delta 9 THC is known for its antiemetic (anti-nausea) properties. Numerous studies have shown us that delta 9 can decrease nausea thanks, once again, to its regulatory effect on serotonin, which plays a major role in our nausea response.
Delta 9 THC Can Offer Neuroprotective and Anticonvulsant Effects
Delta 9 seems to offer a lot of promise when it comes to managing neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis and epilepsy. The cannabinoid seems to offer powerful neuroprotective effects that strengthen our neurons and neural pathways, while acting as an anticonvulsant which can be useful to those who suffer from seizures. In fact, many states across the country have legalized medical marijuana for those with neurological disorders thanks to the host of research showing major promise in this area.
Delta 9 THC Can Reduce Physical Discomfort
Delta 9 THC offers analgesic properties, meaning that it can decrease pain felt in the body by interfering with the communication between the nerves’ pain receptors and the brain’s ability to receive pain signals from these pain receptors. Many people with chronic pain are prescribed medical marijuana thanks to the wealth of research showing how much delta 9 can be useful.
Delta 9 THC Acts as an Anti-Inflammatory
Like most cannabinoids we’ve studied over the years, delta 9 THC has been shown in many studies to offer anti-inflammatory effects throughout the body. This is yet another common reason why so many people have access to medical marijuana in the United States. Delta 9 seems to work directly with cannabinoid receptors involved in facilitating the inflammatory response in the body.
THCA: Sparkling with Potential Benefits Whether Left Raw or Decarboxylated
Essentially, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid has a lot to offer, both in its raw form and when converted into delta 9 THC through the application of heat. But, you now know that which product form you choose determines which of these potential benefits you’ll be treated to by taking the cannabinoid. So, choose your THCA product carefully based on the information we’ve shared, so that way, you get to experience those potential benefits. And, remember, products like THCA flower (vaped, smoked, cooking/baking) vapes, and concentrates (dabs, wax, shatter, etc.) will get you high. Find the highest quality THCA and Delta 9 products at GreenLife Remedies in Charlotte NC.
