THC-A is a unique cannabinoid because it’s not psychoactive on its own. In other words, it has no effects when it’s consumed in its raw form.
However, THC-A does have psychoactive effects that many users enjoy when it’s heated or dried first. THC-A used to make gummies or included in vape oil delivers the effects that cannabis enthusiasts are looking for.
So, what are the effects of THC-A and why is it popular? Keep reading to learn more.
The Basics on THC-A
THC-A is a chemical found in cannabis and hemp plants. Specifically, it’s a phytocannabinoid – a chemical from those plants that causes certain effects when consumed. These chemicals act on the cannabinoid receptors in the human body to produce psychoactive effects and more practical effects (as is the case with CBD, helping to address inflammation and sleeplessness).
THC-A is prevalent in cannabis plants, especially in raw cannabis plants as opposed to those that have been dried and otherwise processed, as WebMD explains. THC-A occurs in lower levels in hemp plants, but is still present.
As Leafly explains, THC-A is a precursor to THC. In other words, THC-A is a chemical that can eventually turn into THC after being processed in some way. In the case of THC-A specifically, that processing comes in the form of heat, whether through drying and curing or by directly heating the chemical (such as by smoking or vaping) before consuming it.
The need to heat THC-A is crucial to keep in mind because THC-A by itself is not psychoactive. In other words, consuming THC-A that hasn’t been turned into THC by applying heat won’t cause any noticeable effects.
THC-A might have other effects, like helping users manage inflammation. However, THCA’s effects do not include an elevated mood, enhanced sense of creativity, or any other commonly reported effects of THC. Similarly, THC-A side effects aren’t noticeable for most users – in large part because few users consume raw, unchanged THC-A to begin with.
However, there is a market for raw THC-A. These users are seeking out possible therapeutic effects found in THC-A as opposed to a recreational result. They consume raw THC-A without heating or drying.
The good news is that it’s very easy to turn THC-A into THC. Cannabis growers help this change happen when they dry and cure fresh cannabis plants. And THC-A from other sources turns into THC when it’s baked or cooked as part of an edible, or when THC-A oil is heated in a vape pen, for example.
Legality of THC-A
THC-A, like many other cannabinoids, has a somewhat complex legal status. A few states have restrictions on the possession and sale of THC-A. However, this chemical is legal on the federal level when it ultimately comes from hemp. And many states do not have specific laws related to THC-A.
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the production and sale of commercial hemp containing no more than 0.3% THC (in technical terms, Delta 9 THC – the main cannabinoid found in cannabis plants).
It’s relatively easy for businesses in the hemp-based cannabinoid industry to take a prevalent cannabinoid from hemp, like CBD, and chemically convert it into THC-A. Products containing this form of THC-A are categorized as hemp and not cannabis.
Diving Deeper into THC-A’s Effects
If you’re wondering what the effects of THCA are, the simple answer is that this cannabinoid by itself doesn’t deliver the effects commonly associated with cannabinoids like Delta 8, THC, and many others.
The possible effects of THC-A that we know of are helping to reduce inflammation and/or pain and treat nausea. There may be other benefits of using raw or unaltered THC-A, but they’re unclear at this time. Remember, THC-A isn’t a psychoactive compound, so its effects are mostly functional as opposed to recreational.
THC-A products can be divided into two clear groups. There are functional THC-A products that people use to gain practical benefits, which are listed earlier in this section. Users take care to consume or otherwise use this form of THC-A without exposing it to heat or drying it out. They want to avoid turning it into THC.
The other product group for THC-A are vape carts, gummies, and other offerings that are made or consumed using heat or drying to create THC. In these cases, the end result is that THC-A effects aren’t important. Instead, users are looking for the effects of THC.
The effects of THC itself are very well-known. It causes feelings like euphoria and an increased sense of relaxation.
Users often report that their mood improves or elevates, and that they have an increased tendency to laugh. A sense of enhanced creativity is also commonly reported. In the big picture, THC is seen as a substance that helps people relax and unwind.
THC also has certain side effects, such as dry mouth, sleepiness, red eyes, and somewhat more serious issues like anxiety and paranoia. However, not all users experience these side effects, and many users can mitigate or avoid them by taking a small dose instead of eating multiple edibles or taking too many puffs from their vapes.
As an aside, if you’re wondering what’s a short-term effect from THC vapes or THC-A vapes, it’s the same as the effects and side effects listed above. As far as the long-term effects of a THC vape, some studies have found the potential of respiratory problems, but these issues don’t seem to appear for most users.
THC-A You Can Count on From Delta 8 Resellers
Delta 8 Resellers is proud to bring you the very best hemp-based THC-A products available on the market! By working only with top brands with long track records of happy customers, we prioritize quality in everything we sell.
Whenever available, we share the results of independent third-party lab testing on our products. These results are easily found on individual product pages. That way, you can check out the quality, potency, and purity of our products for yourself!
