Customers now have several cannabinoids available that they can take depending on the effects they want to experience. Some cannabinoids like CBG, CBD, and CBN produce various therapeutic benefits without the uplifting effects, while others like THC have made their name by delivering potent uplifting effects.
THCA is slightly different. Whether or not it gets you high depends on how you consume it, making it vital to understand the compound to make the most of its effects.
What is THCA?
THCA is short for Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. It’s a naturally occurring compound present in raw cannabis plants in addition to other cannabinoids such as THC and CBD.
THCA is the precursor to THC, meaning it facilitates the existence of THC. THCA is credited with having many therapeutic and wellness benefits, such as support for appetite and discomfort.
Does THCA Get You High?
If you're consuming THCA flower, knowing whether it will get you high is essential.
THCA, in its unheated form, cannot produce any euphoric effects. However, vaping, cooking, smoking, baking, or exposing THCA to heat causes it to convert into THC, which is responsible for inducing the psychoactive effects when consumed.
It all depends on the nature of the THCA product you choose and how you consume it. Some of the variations of the THCA products that can get you high include:
- THCA Flower: THCA flower is one of the most preferred ways of enjoying THCA. You can use the flower with various smoking and vaping equipment, including bongs, rolls, and vaporizers.
- THCA Pre-rolls: THCA pre-rolls are perfect for avoiding the hassle of rolling the THCA flower. They contain the THCA flower but with added convenience.
- THCA Vapes: THCA vapes are an alternative to smoking. They also subject THCA to THC and produce uplifting effects but are said to be much better than smoking in preserving various terpenes and cannabinoids. The vapes may deliver a more rounded experience.
Does THCA Show Up on a Drug Test?
Now that you know that THCA can produce uplifting effects when consumed through methods that subject it to heat, like smoking or vaping, the next question is whether it will show up on a drug test, especially considering that it converts to THC when it is heated.
Most standard tests look for THC metabolites in the provided sample. Because THCA converts to THC when exposed to heat, the metabolites can be detected in the standard drug test, and you will likely turn in a positive drug test.
How Long Does THCA Stay in Your System
Now that you know that THCA can produce a high, you may also be interested to also know how long it stays in your system. Some employers require drug tests for their employees.
THCA can remain in your system for a few days to several months. The exact time it takes depends on several factors, such as how long you have been taking THCA, how much THCA you take, your BMI, and the concentration of THCA in your preferred products.
The longer you take THCA, the more time you need to clear it from your system. Also, because THCA is fat soluble, if you have a high BMI, you store more THC in your body and require more time to break it down and pass it out.
You will also need to consider the sample requested for the test. Some samples have shorter testing windows than others.
Saliva, urine, and blood tests have shorter testing windows, while hair samples have the longest window. The sample required may be determined by the reason for testing, but hair samples are rarely required.
Final Thoughts
When subjected to heat, THCA converts to THC, which produces uplifting effects as well as other therapeutic and wellness benefits. What makes THCA a unique compound is that it is not limited in its concentration in the same way that THC allows cannabis lovers to enjoy the benefits of THC in significantly higher concentrations without breaking the law and while enjoying a more readily available cannabinoid.
