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Understanding THCA: The Precursor to THC
THCA is the precursor to THC (the compound that gets you “high”), and THCA is what’s present in raw cannabis flowers before they get baked in an oven, or vape. When smoked/vaped, THCA undergoes something called decarboxylation. One carbon dioxide molecule is removed from the molecular structure of THCA during decarboxylation, and it has now been transformed into active THC which we are all familiar with!
When this process does not occur — i.e., when one consumes cannabis in its raw form — THCA remains a non-psychoactive compound, which means no high for you! It’s because of these non-psychoactive properties that there has been so much hype around the potential healing abilities of both CBD and THCA.
The Role of THCA Flower in Cannabis Extraction
Cannabis extraction is the process of isolating specific compounds from the cannabis plant to create a concentrated form of those compounds. There are many ways to extract CBD from hemp, but some methods are more efficient and safer than others. The most commonly used methods for CBD extraction are steam distillation, ethanol extraction and CO2 extraction.
The goal of cannabis extraction is to create cannabinoids and terpenes in their most concentrated form possible. These can then be used in the production of oils, tinctures, vape cartridges, edibles or topicals. THCA flower is an integral part of this process. When cannabis flower is extracted using any one of these methods THCA stays acidic until it decarboxylates, other times a concentrate might be made on purpose to preserve THCA because not every patient reacts positively with high levels THC.
For medical cannabis users seeking inflammation or nausea relief, among other conditions, a non-psychoactive THCA extract is perfect for you if you don’t want to get high.
Cold extraction methods are the best at achieving this. Rosin pressing (a solventless extraction), for example, can produce concentrates that feature robust amounts of THCA. Similarly, certain low temperature-oriented extractions not only target optimal THCA preservation but will aim to retain as many flavorful and therapeutic cannabinoids and terpenes as possible.”
The Conversion of THCA to THC in Concentrates
In most concentrates, the aim is to convert THCA into THC in order to access its psychoactive effects. With other concentrates, though, the goal is specifically to make use of THCA and any medicinal benefits it may have. This is often the case for products aimed at medical users. Concentrates made from THCA flowers will usually go through an extraction process purposely designed not only to preserve but also enhance THCA, rather than converting it.
One popular concentrate that makes use of THCA is what’s known as ‘THCA crystals’ or sometimes just ‘diamonds.’ These are pretty much just pure extracts of THCA. Many medical users find this a beneficial way of consuming cannabis as it doesn’t involve any THC high. By extracting out the purest form of THCA from a flower, you can consume it in its most concentrated form too. People will vaporize these or consume them using a style called ‘dabbing,’ which preserves the non-psychoactive nature of this compound too.
THCA can also be used to create tinctures or topicals. In tinctures, THCA is often dissolved in alcohol or another solvent and taken sublingually for fast absorption, while in topicals, it may be applied directly to the skin for localized relief. The benefit of using THCA in these products is that it offers users the ability to experience the medicinal benefits of cannabis without experiencing the “high” typically associated with THC.
Medical Applications of THCA Concentrates
THCA has been studied for its potential medicinal properties, and many believe it holds promise for various therapeutic applications. Some of the most prominent uses include:
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: THCA has been found to have significant anti-inflammatory effects. For people suffering from conditions such as arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), THCA-based concentrates can provide relief without the psychoactive effects of THC.
- Neuroprotective Effects: There is emerging evidence to suggest that THCA may have neuroprotective properties, which could be beneficial for individuals with neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. THCA could potentially help protect brain cells from damage, although more research is needed to fully understand its neuroprotective capabilities.
- Anti-nausea and Anti-vomiting Effects: THCA has been shown to help reduce nausea and vomiting, making it particularly useful for patients undergoing chemotherapy or those with gastrointestinal disorders.
- Appetite Stimulation: While THC is widely known for its appetite-stimulating effects, THCA may also help with stimulating appetite without the high, making it beneficial for people with conditions that cause appetite loss, such as cancer or HIV/AIDS.
The Future of THCA in Cannabis Concentrates
As more people begin to explore the medicinal properties of cannabis, it’s likely that THCA flowers and concentrates will also become more popular. With the rise of non-psychoactive forms of cannabis that still provide many health benefits, but without getting users high, we could see an entirely new perspective on using cannabis for wellness in coming years.
Conclusion
The role of THCA flower in cannabis extraction and concentrates is on the rise, and with an increasingly diversified cannabis industry catering to both medical and recreational users, this is unlikely to change anytime soon. THCA offers a non-psychoactive alternative to THC, which many people are increasingly turning to for its potential anti-inflammatory properties and neuroprotection without the ‘high’. Whether through cold extraction methods making use of THCA crystals or resulting tinctures and topicals, cannabis extracts using THCA flower have started taking but will continue taking the lead across the world. With more studies forthcoming on the applications of THCA, we can look forward to more advancements involving this potent chemical constituent in future cannabis products.
