With the usage of cannabis plants growing each day, it’s not out of the way for consumers to be more curious. It’s been an ongoing trend in mainstream natural medicine. Research has shown that cannabis plants contain components – which are called cannabinoids – that can potentially promote wellness.
However, not all cannabinoids in the cannabis plant have the same effects on the human body. These components interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system, but they have very different effects. This article will explore the difference between THCA flower and THC and their distinct roles in wellness.
If you’ve ever been confused about the terms flying everywhere; THC, THCA, cannabis, cannabinoids, and all the other terms you can think of, this guide will clear that knowledge gap. Let’s help you put the pieces in place.
THCA Flower And THC
THCA is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in the fresh cannabis plant. Some THCA-dominant strains require specific conditions for high yield and potency. It stands for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. THCA is the precursor to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). This cannabinoid is unstable under certain storage conditions. As a result, it will decarboxylate into THC when exposed to light or heat.
It does not produce an intoxicating effect when consumed. This is because THCA does not bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, the two major cannabinoid receptors responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Instead, it interacts with other receptors in the body, such as TRPA1 and TRPV1, which are linked to pain perception and inflammation.
Now, let’s talk about THC. It is the primary psychoactive component in cannabis and produces a psychoactive experience by attaching itself to the CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system. This results in the release of dopamine, leading to a feeling of euphoria, relaxation, and altered perception.
THCA Flower: Potential Benefits for Health and Wellness.
THCA flower is versatile and that’s one thing to love about it. You can enjoy it raw and without the psychoactive effect. You can have it converted to THC by applying heat to unlock the euphoric effects. Whichever way, it’s totally up to you.
If you are looking to explore the potential health benefits of cannabinoids without experiencing psychoactive effects, the THCA flower is a great option for you. THCA flower has tons of health benefits. It is anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective. It can also aid focus and help to maintain healthy energy levels.
THCA flower also works effectively for pain management, especially in conditions like arthritis, muscle spasms, and neuropathy.
THC: Potential Benefits for Health and Wellness
THC is quite the famous and well-researched cannabinoid because of its psychoactive properties. It is chemically similar to your body’s endocannabinoids so they can interact with your cannabinoid receptors. This interaction affects the release of neurotransmitters in your brain. If you want to explore the benefits of hemp flower and you’re particularly keen on the euphoric sensations, THC is just what you need. You can heat, dry, smoke, or vaporize THCA flower, to make it undergo decarboxylation and convert to THC.
It also offers pain-relief effects and is commonly used to soothe chronic pain, muscle spasms, nausea, and other symptoms. According to a study published in the Journal of Pain, THC effectively reduced chronic pain in patients with neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that causes pain, tingling, and numbness.
You can also utilize THC for inflammatory conditions. THC has anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit individuals with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
How They Differ
While they are alike in name and therapeutic potentials, THCA flower and THC have distinct properties due to their chemical structure and how they react with the body. For starters, THCA has an extra carboxylic acid molecule so it is unable to bind to the CB1 receptor. In contrast, THC has a smaller size and binds seamlessly with the CB1 receptors.
Another major difference is their psychoactivity. THC is psychoactive so you get an intoxicating effect when you consume it. Whereas, THC is non-psychotic. This makes it perfect for people who don’t want to get high.
You can consume THCA in raw form by adding it to juices, smoothies, or homemade recipes so that the body absorbs the THCA content and benefits you. Likewise, you can consume THC via heating, vaping, smoking, or drying THCA flowers.
As with any cannabis product, make sure to check local laws and regulations, and consult with medical professionals before using it for therapeutic purposes.
