If you've been using cannabis for a while, you likely know about the benefits of THC and CBD, but what do you know about THCA? Though it is often overshadowed by THC, the compound that gets users high, THCA has various potential health benefits. Here's what you need to know about THCA.
What Is THCA?
THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a cannabinoid found in raw cannabis. That mason jar of cannabis you have in your cupboard is full of THCA, not THC. You turn it to THC when you smoke it, vape it or make edibles.
THCA is non-psychoactive, which means it even at high doses, it won't get you high. However, it does have its own unique set of benefits.
What Are The Benefits of THCA?
The research on THCA (and cannabis in general) has been ramping up in the past several years, but most of it is still done on animal models.
Some of the potential benefits of THCA include:
reducing inflammation
decreasing nausea
neuroprotection
One of the benefits of THCA is that it's a potent anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is at the root of many diseases, so this benefit is significant. THCA has also been shown to be effective in reducing pain and muscle spasms.
Another benefit of THCA is that it may be neuroprotective. This means it may help protect the brain from damage, degeneration and injury. This is especially important as we age since our brains are more susceptible to damage as we get older.
How do you get THCA?
The best way to get THCA is by consuming raw cannabis. When you smoke or vaporize cannabis, the THCA is converted to THC, so you won't get the benefits of THCA if you do that. Just like CBDA, the best ways to consume it are:
juice it
make a tea (get the recipe here)
make a low-temperature infusion
put it in capsules
or just grind it up and sprinkle it on your food like a spice!
You can also purchase THCA preparations in some places, though you'll have to be careful to store them properly. When THCA is not stored well, it slowly converts to regular THC.
How Does THCA Make you Feel?
THCA doesn't make you feel high like THC does, but it does have some effects on the body. Some people I've talked to report feeling more energetic after consuming THCA, while others say it helps them to relax.
This is normal with cannabis. It affects each of us differently and the only way to know what works for you is to try it.
There's also some evidence that THCA can help with anxiety and depression. One study showed that THCA improved symptoms of both in a group of people with social anxiety disorder.
While more research needs to be done, THCA shows promise as a treatment for various conditions. If you're looking for an alternative to THC or CBD, THCA may be worth trying. Just remember to consume it in its raw form in order to get the most benefits.
What are the side effects of THCA?
THCA is generally considered to be safe, but there are a few potential side effects to be aware of. You can decrease the potential for negative side effects by starting with a really low dose and increasing slowly. Though rare, some people have reported:
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Low blood pressure
If you experience any side effects, stop taking THCA and consult with a doctor.
What is a Good THCA Starting Dose?
Please remember that I'm not a doctor, and this isn't medical advice at all. Cannabis is not a one-size-fits-all kind of medicine, and most people have to try a few different doses to land at the right place.
Generally speaking, starting with a really low dose (1-2 mg) is best. Slowly increase your dose over time until you notice relief. Proper tracking is so important here so you can see what makes you feel better over time.
So, there you have it! These are just a few of the potential benefits of THCA. If you're looking for an anti-inflammatory or neuroprotective agent, this cannabinoid is worth checking out.
How do I get Help Figuring All This Out?
Still a little nervous about getting started? Have no fear - I can walk you through this process with my Complete Cannabis Consultation. People who book with me save money, time, and frustration.
You get:
two phone calls
a personalized Cannabis Guide
two months of one-on-one support
Have you tried THCA? What are your thoughts? Please let me know in the comments below.
With love,
Andrea