Both THCA and THC are different cannabinoids that are naturally present in cannabis plants, but they're actually not all that different when it comes to effects. This in-depth guide explores THCA and THC, how these cannabinoids compare, their benefits, and how you can use them safely to reap their benefits and properties.
What is THCA?
THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a natural compound found in raw cannabis. Before the plant undergoes any heating or aging process, it contains abundant THCA.
How Does THCA Work in the Body?
The main difference between THCA and THC is how they affect the body once consumed. Once heated, THCA converts into THC and interacts with your body the way THC does, binding directly to receptors in your brain linked with psychoactive effects.
This means that when smoked or vaped, THCA will produce noticeable mental shifts.
Many people also wonder about THCA and CBD, another popular cannabinoid that doesn’t produce psychedelic effects. The main difference between THCA and CBD is that the latter won’t turn into Delta 9 THC once heated.
What is THC?
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is a well-known compound associated with cannabis’s relaxing and uplifting effects. THC is formed when cannabis is exposed to heat for smoking or vaping, a process known as decarboxylation. This transformation unlocks THC’s unique properties, offering calming and mood-enhancing effects that can elevate both your downtime and creative pursuits.
What Are the Key Differences Between THCA and THC?
By now, you understand that THCA and THC are very similar. It all comes down to consumption. Let's explore this in more detail.
It is known that when you consume cannabis in its raw form, you won't feel the powerful elevating effects. The cannabinoid, whether THCA or THC, must be heated to activate its effects.
THC products can elicit powerfully relaxing and energizing effects, and that's because the cannabinoid interacts with the CB1 receptors in your brain.
The distinction is simplistic, but it allows individuals to choose the cannabinoid that best suits their desired outcomes and comfort level.
How Will THCA and THC Make You Feel?
Before they are heated, THCA products are non-psychoactive and suitable for daily use by people who want to experience natural wellness.
THC, in contrast, offers calming and mood-enhancing effects, so it is a good option for people who want to enhance their mood, unwind, and catch more Z's. THC products can encourage more restful sleep and help you feel happier and more relaxed.
What Are the Benefits of THCA and THC?
Why should you opt for THCA or THC products? What makes them special? Here’s what you must know.
Benefits of THCA and THC
The effects of THCA and THC are more noticeable, and depending on the strain, they will focus on relaxation, focus-sharpening, creativity-sparking, or extra energy.
People who use these products regularly report feeling a positive mood shift, which is ideal for creative or social settings, enhanced relaxation, and a sense of ease.
On top of that, THC can increase the enjoyment of everyday activities such as watching movies, drawing, dancing, listening to music or cooking.
What are the Best Ways to Use THCA and THC?
Here are the best consumption techniques that you can try today to take full advantage of your THCA and THC products.
Smoke or Vape
THCA is primarily consumed by smoking or vaping since the product needs to be heated prior to consumption. Once heated, the THCA converts to THC with the same effects you’d expect from normal cannabis.
How Can I Consume THC?
There are various ways to enjoy the benefits of THC, including smoking, vaping, tincture use, or edibles.
Smoking and vaping are the most traditional ways to consume THCA or THC products, as the effects are almost immediate.
While THCA must be decarboxylated in order to get the effects, THC products can also be consumed in edibles and tinctures. You can take them anywhere and consume them discreetly without carrying around bulky equipment and rolling paper.
That said, edibles such as brownies, chocolate, and gummies take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in, but the effects are long-lasting.
Tinctures offer precise dosing and can be taken sublingually for rapid absorption, so they're suitable for people who want to take a consistent dose every day.
The Best THCA and THC Products to Try Today
Koi offers top-quality, affordable THCA and THC products for all preferences. Here are some of the top-rated products you need to try now!
Consider the Koi THCA Vape for hours of relaxation and bliss. The Koi THCA + THCP + Delta 9 THC 5g Disposable Vapes are made with a fusion of botanical terpenes and live resin for a burst of aroma and flavor.
The blend contains THCA, THCP, and Delta 9 THC for a wide range of effects, including supporting stress relief, encouraging natural wellness, and easing soreness and discomfort.
They are available in five strain profiles: Blackberry Kush, Moon Berry, Cherry Gelato, Slurricane, and Watermelon Skitz.
If you want to experience the full effects of THCA, you can also try THCA Flower. Koi's quality THCA Flower provides boosting effects in the purest form from natural and legal hemp.
Which THCA Flower should you choose? Here are three recommendations from customers.
- Lemon Cherry Gelato Strain: Koi's Lemon Cherry Gelato Strain is an Indica blend with 35% THCA, which can help calm you down when you're feeling tense. Choose between three practical packs: 3.5g, 7g, or 14g.
- Banana Cream Jealousy Strain: Feeling low on energy? Koi's Banana Cream Jealousy is a powerful sativa blend containing 34.8% THC for tension relief, mood enhancement, and relaxation. Since it's sativa, it will also make you feel physically better and more energized.
- Oreoz Strain (THCA): The Koi Oreoz Strain THCA is a hybrid blend containing 31.4% THC. It's appealing to people who want to experience an overall sense of calmness and stabilize mood levels.
All Koi products, including THCA and THC, are laboratory-tested for purity, potency, safety, and flavor. Koi's THCA collection includes pre-rolls, flower, vapes, and more.
FAQs About THCA and THC
Does THCA Turn into THC Over Time?
Yes, THCA can naturally turn into THC if you expose the product to heat or light. In order to preserve the THCA, keep your raw cannabis products in a cool and dark place.
Are THCA and THC Products Safe?
Yes, THCA and THC products are safe, but make sure to purchase them from a reliable and reputable dispensary that ensures every item is lab-tested for efficacy and safety.
Order premium THCA and THC products from Koi today!
