The acronym THCA stands for Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid and it’s the precursor to THC. Like all cannabinoids, it is converted from Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). An enzyme found in the human body called THCA synthase pairs with CBGA, changing the compound to THCA. Buds from cannabis plants can have 0 to 30 percent THCA content. This cannabinoid is most often found in raw cannabis. With heat exposure, THCA is converted to THC. THCA drops a carboxyl group when heated, leaving behind the cannabinoid famed for having psychoactive effects. The two cannabinoids have an almost identical chemical structure other than the dropped carboxylic acids.
THCA is not a psychoactive cannabinoid in its raw form. If eaten raw, THCA doesn’t have intoxicating effects for most people. However, after smoking, vaping, or heating THCA flower the heat causes chemical compositions to convert from THCA to THC releasing the carboxylic acids.
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