As one of the newer cannabinoid compounds to hit the market, THCA has been gaining major traction as of late. It first began to gain mainstream popularity around mid-2017, but these days, THCA has all but overtaken the cannabis conversation. If you’re new to the topic and are looking to learn more about THCA benefits, you’ve come to the right place.

What is THCA and How is it Different from THC?

First things first, let’s iron out what exactly THCA is. Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is the precursor to THC. While the two share many properties, the slight variation in their molecular composition makes all the difference in their effects. THCA has an extra carboxyl group that THC does not. This inhibits THCA from binding to the endocannabinoid receptors, which means that it doesn’t yield the psychoactive effects for which THC is known. 

A lot of people wonder whether THCA will get them high. In its raw, unheated, non-decarboxylated state, THCA will not get  you high. Once it is exposed to sunlight and heat through decarboxylation, however, THCA loses its extra carboxyl group and transforms into psychoactive-inducing THC.

What are the Benefits of THCA?

THC and THCA share many of the same benefits, but there are also several THCA benefits that are unique to the acid. It’s always important to remember that the potential benefits listed are based on scientific research but cannot be guaranteed and are not proven. Instead, they suggest correlations between THCA use and potential beneficial outcomes. 

• Inflammation Relief from THCA

Both in its raw and decarboxylated form, THCA has been shown to exhibit an anti-inflammatory response in many individuals. This is particularly beneficial for those experiencing conditions that result in severe inflammation, such as arthritis, lupus, and other inflammatory issues. 

• THCA’s Neuroprotective Qualities

Some research suggests that using THCA may help slow down and/or prevent certain neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s. 

• THCA for Chronic Pain

THCA is regularly used as a potential remedy for chronic pain because of the ways in which it may impact how the brain perceives and experiences pain. This could be useful for arthritis as well as other chronic pain conditions. Numerous studies studying cannabis for medical use support the idea that THCA may contribute to reduced pain.

• THCA as an Anti-Nausea Aid

Using THCA for its antiemetic effects may help those going through chemotherapy tolerate food and get the nutrients they need with better digestion.

• Appetite Stimulation with THCA

Similar to the point above, THCA could benefit those experiencing malnutrition by stimulating their appetite. This is especially important for people not getting sufficient nutrition due to low appetites caused by side effects from their medication, which often includes cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Additionally, individuals experiencing eating disorders may find support for their appetites by using THCA.

• THCA for IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects about 10-15% of the U.S. Population. Symptoms between individuals may vary, but relief is hard to come by. While THCA is not a known cure for IBS, anecdotal evidence suggests that it may help reduce the severity of certain symptoms.

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