Cannabinoid 101: THCA

There are more than 120 different cannabinoids identified within the cannabis plant. The most abundant and well-known of these is Delta 9 THC — a psychoactive cannabinoid that creates the sense of euphoria. This is what consumers aim for when they consume cannabis products. But there are not only psychoactive cannabinoids within the plant, there are also non-psychoactive cannabinoids. One of the most abundant non-psychoactive cannabinoids is known as Tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA).

Effects

THCA is best known as an effective neuroprotectant. Research has reported that THCA is such an efficient neuroprotectant that it has been used to treat neurological disorders like MS, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. Other benefits of THCA include stimulating appetite and relieving pain and inflammation, becoming an ideal cannabinoid for treating arthritis and seizures. This is similar to other cannabinoids, like CBG, which has also been used to help decrease the effects and advancement of neurological diseases like MS and Parkinson’s. Finally, research has shown that THCA has an effect on cancer cells, making new cells unviable and keeping cancerous cells from multiplying. 

THCA contains around 2 percent THC within it and attaches to CB1 and CB2 receptors within the brain. These receptors are what trigger the effects of cannabis and cannabinoids within the body. 

Potential Benefits

There is little research on cannabinoids within the US. This is because of the Controlled Substances Act created by the DEA in the early 1970s. Under that act, anything that comes from the cannabis plant, whether it had psychoactive properties to it or not, would not be classified as a Schedule I drug, which is the heaviest classification. Because of this, many requests for research and grant funding have been denied. And in fact, other countries now conduct the bulk of the cannabinoid research. But thanks to the Farm Bill passed in 2018 by the USDA, hemp is now a separate classification from cannabis.

As long as a final product contains less than 0.3 percent of Delta 9 THC within it, then it is legal to sell and consume among the general public. THCA is structurally different from Delta 9 THC, so it fits into this new definition of hemp. 

Right now, THCA is still in the research phase. There is still much to learn about this cannabinoid and all that it can do for humans further down the road. Right now, it shows great potential to be something life changing. But research is still to come.

What do you think of THCA? Let us know in the comments below. And, as always, check back for more cannabinoids news and reviews

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