Regardless of your experience regarding the growing of cannabis, it is likely you have heard of THC. The cannabinoid is responsible for the psychoactive effects of some marijuana strains, but not everyone knows the different compounds that cannabis can offer.
CBD has found fame of late due to the many healthy benefits it can offer, but there are other compounds that offer the same or even better results in some instances, including THCA.
Although THCA is not new in the world of cannabis, research has only been recent compared to other cannabinoids like CBD and THC.
The following is an overview of what is known so far regarding THCA.
What Is THCA?
THCA is an abbreviation for tetrahydrocannabinol acid, a compound of the marijuana plant that has shown to have healthy benefits.
Despite its name, THCA delivers different results to THC. THCA is found within raw cannabis, meaning it has not yet converted, eliminating the THC element.
What Are the Benefits of THC?
As with any natural product, the benefits achieved from using THCA can depend on several factors, including current medication and lifestyle.
However, some benefits from recent research have shown that THCA helps with the following ailments and illnesses.
Can Help with Nausea
Although an upset stomach may not seem too serious, knowing that there was a natural remedy to help soothe the condition would put many people’s minds at rest. Fortunately, there has been research carried out that using THCA in such instances can help prevent nausea.
Can Help Reduce Inflammation
There can be many reasons why we suffer inflammation, but it can make an injury more painful than it needs to be. The reduction of inflammation is another area where THCA has been shown to be effective.
THC vs THCA vs CBD: What Are the Differences
At surface level, there can be many similarities regarding THC, THCA and CBD. However, there are just as many differences that could make THCA a viable option.
THC is identified by its psychoactive effects, so while it yields many of the same benefits of CBD and THCA, it is not the right fit for everyone.
However, the similarities between CBD and THCA can mean that some new to the world of cannabis assume they are the same. The similarities include both coming from the same cannabinoids.
THCA and CBD can also offer many benefits, including help with sickness and inflammation.
However, there are some noteworthy additions that need to be considered. The way CBD and THCA are absorbed into the body is different.
CBD and THC bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brains and deliver a homeostatic effect that can help with ailments like anxiety and pain. THCA does not act in this way, but allows the endocannabinoid system to produce proteins and enzymes.
The release of the COX-1 enzyme is improved, which can help with healthy body tissue and safeguard the interior lining of the stomach from harmful acids. It inhibits the COX-2 enzyme, which is why it is so effective against pain.
THCA helps introduce the Interleukin-10 protein, which plays an important role in inflammation, while inhibiting the TNF-Alpha protein, which causes weakness in the body.
How Does THCA Become THC?
THC undergoes a decarboxylation process that transforms the chemical structure, which allows it to bind to CB1 receptors. This is achieved using heat and light, which is why there is so much focus on this among those in the cannabis growing community wanting to cultivate a potent crop.
In short, those wanting to benefit from THCA must ensure they are not smoking this strain, as this causes a reaction that affects the infrastructure and releases the psychoactive effects.
How is THCA Used?
Given THCA can be considered new compared to THC and CBD, it is understandable that some are unsure how it should be absorbed to achieve its benefits.
It is important to remember that while CBD does not offer psychoactive effects when smoked, THCA will. This is because the heat will alter the chemical structure to THC, delivering different effects such as smoking your herb with a dab pen.
However, there are still plenty of ways to yield the benefits of THCA, which currently include the following options.
Raw Cannabis
One of the most common ways to absorb THCA is via the plant itself. There are uncured strains that can be purchased, but those looking for affordability and choice may want to consider growing their own.
The following is a mere overview of the seeds that can be purchased that are perfect for THCA extraction.
Of course, everyone has a preference when growing their own cannabis, so there may be other strains you want to consider. If you are using dried plants, it is important that they have undertaken a decarboxylation process.
It is also important to ensure that those growing their own cannabis only use seeds from reputable and seasoned providers.
It can be tempting to choose the cheapest cannabis seeds available, but doing this often costs more in the long run.
THCA Crystalline
THCA crystalline is pure THCA that is perfect for sprinkling on food. In most cases, THCA crystalline will be tasteless, so is perfect for people who may have struggled with CBD or THC due to the aroma.
Creams and Balms
Those only wanting the anti-inflammatory benefits of THCA may want to consider topical balms and creams designed with this purpose in mind. Those purchasing pre-made creams will need to ensure that the THCA content is high enough to deal with injuries and ailments in an effective way.
Regardless of how you want to use THCA, the benefits can only be enjoyed when purchasing the right cannabis seeds. Fortunately, there is plenty of choice regarding cannabis seeds, each offering a natural resource of THCA, as well as strains that embrace the benefits of THC and CBD.
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