Does THCA Get You High? All You Need to Know

Discover whether THCA gets you high and everything you need to know about its effects and properties in our detailed guide.

Introduction to THCA: What It Is and Its Role in Getting High

THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a naturally occurring compound found in cannabis plants. It is the acidic precursor to THC, the well-known psychoactive component of cannabis. Unlike THC, THCA does not produce intoxicating effects on its own. This distinction is crucial for understanding how THCA and THC interact with the body.

When cannabis is raw, it predominantly contains THCA. It is only through a process called decarboxylation—when the plant material is heated or aged—that THCA converts into THC. This conversion is essential for the psychoactive effects typically associated with cannabis use.

THC interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the body to produce its well-known effects, but THCA does not have the same impact until it is transformed into THC. In this blog, we will explore how THCA works, its chemical properties, and why it does not produce the high associated with THC. We will also discuss how THCA’s role in the cannabis plant can influence your experience with different cannabis products.

Does THCA Get You High? Debunking Common Myths

There’s a common misconception that consuming raw cannabis or THCA products will produce a high similar to THC. However, as mentioned earlier, THCA is non-psychoactive. This means that if you eat or ingest raw cannabis, you will not experience the same effects as if you had consumed decarboxylated cannabis.

The myth that THCA gets you high likely stems from the fact that it is the precursor to THC. People often assume that because they are chemically related, they must have similar effects. In reality, the psychoactive effects are only realized when THCA is heated and converted to THC.

Let’s clear up some common myths:

Myth: Raw cannabis will get you high.

Reality: Raw cannabis, which contains THCA, will not get you high. The psychoactive effects are only possible when THCA is converted to THC through decarboxylation.

Myth: THCA is just as potent as THC.

Reality: THCA does not interact with the body’s CB1 receptors the way THC does, so it does not produce the same psychoactive effects.

Myth: Eating raw cannabis is the same as smoking it.

Reality: Eating raw cannabis will provide you with THCA but not THC, so you won’t feel high.

Myth: THCA products can substitute THC products for a high.

Reality: THCA products are ideal for those who want to avoid the psychoactive effects of THC while still benefiting from cannabis.

Myth: THCA is illegal in all states because it’s related to THC.

Reality: The legality of THCA varies by state, and while it’s legal in some places, it’s important to check local laws.

The Science Behind THCA: Why It Doesn’t Get You High in Its Raw Form?

To understand why THCA doesn’t get you high in its raw form, it’s essential to look at how cannabinoids work in the body. THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis, interacts with CB1 receptors in the brain, triggering the euphoric effects associated with cannabis. THCA, however, has an extra carboxyl group that prevents it from binding to these receptors, meaning it doesn’t produce a high.

Is THCA safe to smoke? When you smoke or vape THCA-rich cannabis, such as THCA dabs or THCA pre-rolls, the heat causes decarboxylation, converting THCA into THC, which then leads to psychoactive effects. Therefore, consuming THCA in raw or unheated forms won’t get you high, but smoking or vaping THCA-rich products will. If you’re looking to avoid the high, then consuming raw or unheated forms of THCA is the way to go. 

However, if you use THCA dabs or THCA pre-rolls, the decarboxylation process will convert THCA into THC, and you will experience the typical psychoactive effects.

Does THCA Get You High When Decarboxylated? Exploring the Process

Let’s talk about the most common question “Does THCA Get You High When Decarboxylated?” Below is a detailed explanation:

Decarboxylation Explained:

• THCA is the acidic precursor to THC.
• Decarboxylation is the process where THCA loses its carboxyl group (COOH) when exposed to heat.
• This process converts THCA into THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis.

When Decarboxylated:

• THCA, in its raw form, is non-psychoactive.
• After decarboxylation, THCA becomes THC, which can bind to CB1 receptors in the brain.
• This binding triggers the psychoactive effects or the “high” associated with cannabis.

Methods of Decarboxylation:

• Smoking/Vaping: Instantly decarboxylates THCA into THC, leading to immediate psychoactive effects.
• Cooking: Heating cannabis in an oven or during cooking (e.g., making edibles) decarboxylates THCA into THC, which then produces psychoactive effects when consumed.
• Tinctures: Applying heat during the preparation of cannabis tinctures can decarboxylate THCA into THC, making the tincture psychoactive.

Consumption Considerations:

• Raw Cannabis: Consuming raw cannabis (juicing or eating) won’t get you high because THCA isn’t decarboxylated.
• Temperature Matters: Proper temperature and time are critical in fully converting THCA into THC during decarboxylation.

Outcome:

• Once decarboxylated, THCA transforms into THC, leading to the psychoactive high associated with cannabis consumption.

THC vs. THCA: A Deep Dive into Their Effects and Psychoactivity

To further understand the differences between THC vs THCA, let’s compare their effects and psychoactivity side by side. This comparison will help clarify why THCA doesn’t get you high in its raw form, while THC is known for its potent psychoactive properties.

Aspect	THCA	THC
Chemical Structure	Contains an extra carboxyl group (COOH)	Lacks the carboxyl group, making it more bioavailable
Psychoactivity	Non-psychoactive	Highly psychoactive
Receptor Binding	Does not effectively bind to CB1 receptors	Binds to CB1 receptors, causing a high
Method of Consumption	Consumed raw or in unheated forms like tinctures	Smoked, vaped, or eaten after decarboxylation
Legal Status	Varies by state; often not considered a controlled substance	Varies by state; often regulated or illegal
Potential Benefits	Anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antiemetic	Euphoria, relaxation, pain relief, appetite stimulation

This table highlights the key differences between THCA and THC, emphasizing that while they are related, their effects and uses are quite distinct.

How Does THCA Get You High? The Role of Heat and Decarboxylation

• THCA in Raw Form:
• THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the non-psychoactive precursor to THC.
• In its raw form, THCA does not produce a high because it cannot effectively bind to the CB1 receptors in the brain.
• Role of Heat in Decarboxylation:
• Decarboxylation Process: Heat causes THCA to lose its carboxyl group (COOH), converting it into THC.
• Sources of Heat: Smoking, vaping, cooking, or baking cannabis all apply sufficient heat to trigger decarboxylation.
• THC Formation:
• Once decarboxylated, THCA is transformed into THC.
• THC is psychoactive and binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, which are responsible for regulating mood, appetite, and other functions.
• Psychoactive Effects:
• Immediate High: Smoking or vaping decarboxylated cannabis leads to an immediate psychoactive effect.
• Delayed High: When consumed in edibles, decarboxylated THC passes through the digestive system and liver, resulting in a delayed but often more intense high.
• Key Takeaway:
• Without heat-induced decarboxylation, THCA remains non-psychoactive. It’s the application of heat that turns THCA into THC, enabling it to produce the high associated with cannabis.

Does THCA Get You High in Edibles, Tinctures, and Raw Cannabis?

When it comes to different forms of cannabis consumption, the effects of THCA can vary widely. This section will explore whether THCA can get you high when consumed in edibles, tinctures, and raw cannabis.

1. Edibles: Edibles made with raw cannabis that contains THCA will not get you high unless the cannabis is decarboxylated before being incorporated into the recipe. If the cannabis is heated during cooking, the THCA converts to THC, which can then produce psychoactive effects when consumed.
2. Tinctures: Tinctures are liquid extracts of cannabis that can contain either THCA or THC, depending on the preparation method. If the tincture is made with raw cannabis and not exposed to heat, it will contain THCA and will not produce a high. However, if the tincture is heated during the extraction process, the THCA will convert to THC, resulting in a psychoactive product.
3. Raw Cannabis: Consuming raw cannabis, whether by eating the leaves or juicing them, will not get you high because the THCA remains in its non-psychoactive form. Raw cannabis is often consumed for its potential health benefits without the desire for psychoactive effects.

Why You Shouldn’t Expect a High from Raw THCA: Breaking Down the Chemistry

Raw THCA doesn’t produce a high because it lacks the ability to bind effectively to CB1 receptors in the brain. This is due to its chemical structure, which includes an extra carboxyl group (COOH) that prevents psychoactive effects. 

THCA needs to be decarboxylated through heat—such as smoking, vaping, or cooking—to convert into THC, which then produces the high associated with cannabis. Without this heat transformation, consuming raw THCA won’t result in a euphoric sensation.

In summary, THCA’s extra carboxyl group inhibits its interaction with the brain’s CB1 receptors, preventing any psychoactive effects. It is only after heat transforms THCA into THC that the compound becomes psychoactive. Therefore, raw THCA remains non-intoxicating and does not produce a high.

Does THCA Get You High? Understanding the Impact of Consumption Methods

THCA’s effects largely depend on the method of consumption. When smoking or vaping cannabis, the heat converts THCA into THC, leading to a high. Edibles made with decarboxylated cannabis, which contains THC, will produce a high. Conversely, edibles prepared with raw cannabis that retains THCA will not produce any psychoactive effects. 

Tinctures also vary in their effects based on preparation; those made with heated cannabis will contain THC and induce a high, while tinctures made with raw cannabis will only contain THCA and thus won’t get you high. Consuming raw cannabis juice, rich in THCA, will not produce a high due to THCA’s inactive state. 

Similarly, cannabis topicals containing THCA are applied to the skin and do not affect the bloodstream, so they do not produce a high. Lastly, eating or consuming raw cannabis provides THCA’s potential health benefits without inducing any psychoactive effects.

Potential Benefits of THCA Without the High: What You Need to Know

While THCA doesn’t get you high, it has garnered interest for its potential therapeutic benefits. Here’s what you need to know about THCA’s properties and how they can be harnessed:

• Anti-Inflammatory: THCA is studied for its ability to reduce inflammation, which could benefit conditions such as arthritis or other inflammatory diseases.
• Neuroprotective: Some research suggests that THCA may have neuroprotective properties, potentially offering benefits for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
• Anti-Nausea: THCA may help alleviate nausea and vomiting, making it a possible treatment option for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
• Anti-Proliferative: THCA has shown potential in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, though more research is needed in this area.
• Pain Relief: While not as potent as THC, THCA may still offer pain relief without the psychoactive effects, making it an option for those who want to avoid getting high.
• Appetite Stimulation: Similar to THC, THCA may stimulate appetite, which can be helpful for individuals dealing with appetite loss due to illness.

These benefits make THCA a valuable compound for those seeking the therapeutic properties of cannabis without the intoxicating effects associated with THC.

Conclusion

In summary, THCA is a significant component of cannabis that plays a different role compared to THC. While THCA is present in raw cannabis and offers various potential benefits, it does not produce the intoxicating effects commonly associated with THC. 

The key to THCA's transformation into THC lies in the process of decarboxylation, where heat converts THCA into its psychoactive counterpart. Understanding the distinction between THCA and THC is essential for making informed choices about cannabis consumption and its effects on the endocannabinoid system. 

Whether you are exploring the therapeutic potential of THCA or seeking the well-known high from THC, this knowledge can help guide your cannabis experience and product selection..

FAQs:

What is the shelf life of THCA in cannabis products?

THCA can degrade over time, especially when exposed to light, heat, and air. Proper storage can extend its shelf life.

Can THCA be detected in a drug test?

Standard drug tests typically screen for THC, but consuming raw cannabis with THCA could result in a positive test if decarboxylation occurs.

Is there a recommended dosage for THCA?

Dosage recommendations for THCA vary based on the form and purpose of use. It’s best to consult with a healthcare provider.

Can THCA be used in skincare products?

Yes, THCA is being explored for its potential anti-inflammatory properties in skincare, particularly in topicals for localized relief.

How is THCA extracted from cannabis?

THCA can be extracted using various methods, including cold-pressing, alcohol extraction, and CO2 extraction, depending on the desired product.

Can THCA be converted to THC in edibles without cooking?

THCA requires heat to convert to THC. Simply adding raw cannabis to food without cooking will not produce psychoactive effects.