THCA and THCV are a doorway to an exciting world of cannabis products. Understanding what each compound offers is an excellent starting point that ensures you have the right expectations of each compound and its benefits.
What is THCA?
THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a precursor to THC. It's an acidic compound found in unheated cannabis. When exposed to heat, THCA changes from its acidic form into THC.
THCA Benefits
Prior to heating, THCA has no uplifting properties. However, when heated, it can produce potent uplifting effects among other therapeutic and wellness benefits such as:
Appetite support
THCA might help appetite. Unlike THC, it might do a better job of enhancing your appetite, increasing “the munchies.”
Discomfort support
Most cannabinoids are associated with having some sort of discomfort support properties, and THCA is not any different. Anecdotal reports indicate it might have potent anti-inflammatory effects that can help with muscle and joint soreness.
Ways to Consume THCA
Most people considering THCA want to enjoy the potent uplifting properties that come from the THCA breaking down to THC. Some of the best ways to consume THCA to maximize this effect include:
- THCA Flower - THCA flower combines hemp flower infused with potent amounts of THCA. Our collection of THCA flower carries up to 31.4% of THCA, giving you the best chances of experiencing the expected effects. The collection comes in sizes of up to 14 grams, with the option of having your THCA flower in Sativa, Indica, or hybrid strains and different flavor options.
- THCA Vapes – THCA vapes are another popular method of enjoying THCA. Our THCA vapes are some of the most potent, combining other types of THC, such as THCP and Delta 9 THC.
What is THCV?
THC-V is an entirely different cannabinoid compound altogether. It is a minor cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THCA, it doesn’t directly turn to THC. THCV is an ideal option for THC and CBD fans looking for something different.
THCV Benefits
THCV offers numerous wellness and therapeutic benefits, such as:
Appetite Management
Many types of cannabinoids, THC included, are known to enhance appetite. THCV is said to have the opposite effect. It appears to curb appetite and increase satiety. If you’re looking to maintain a lean waistline, THCV could help you keep up with your diet goals.
Discomfort Support
Almost every cannabinoid is believed to have some sort of discomfort support. THCV also offers discomfort support properties and excels in anti-inflammatory support. You can read more about THCV benefits here.
Ways to Consume THCV
Consuming THCV is a little simpler because you don’t have to worry about keeping it away from heat. However, THCV gummies are the most preferred way to consume the cannabinoid. Gummies are not only easy to consume, but they’re also effective at delivering THCV into the bloodstream. Our THC-V Gummies are fortified with other ingredients, such as apple cider vinegar (ACV) and acai, to enhance the experience and amplify the wellness and therapeutic benefits you can enjoy.
Differences Between THCA and THCV
You might have already picked up on a few differences between THCA and THCV. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The two compounds are different in several ways, and that is what makes them unique.
Effects
THCA is non-psychoactive in its raw form. But when heated (like in smoking or vaping), it decarboxylizes and becomes THC, producing strong uplifting effects.
THCA extracts will not have that uplifting effect when consumed naturally or cold-pressed. However, as consumers have reported, they might produce other therapeutic effects.
THCV has similar uplifting effects as THC, with more subtle uplifting effects and an opposite effect on appetite.
Servings
The right THCA dosage varies based on whether you want to experience the uplifting effects or just enjoy the product for therapeutic purposes.
For therapeutic reasons, THCA is most effective in small and moderate doses. Therefore, you might need less of it if you want to feel some type of relief. The ideal dose will vary but is often in the range of 5-25mg of THCA daily. The range of serving can go as high as 5-50mg of THCA to achieve the desired results, depending on other factors like your experience with THC and other cannabinoids.
The most effective way to enjoy THCA is through smoking or vaporizing for the uplifting effects. The heat from the device decarboxylizes the THCA into THC, producing uplifting effects. The ideal serving for this purpose is more or less the same as with other cannabis products.
THCA flowers containing 15% or higher will be fairly strong. If you smoke such a high concentration of THCA, you should start with one puff and wait 15 minutes before taking another to measure the level of intensity.
THCV at high doses can produce uplifting effects, which some people describe as stimulating. However, it works best in moderate and non-psychoactive amounts.
If you want to consume THCV for its potential weight-loss benefits, 10mg is possibly the ideal dose. But keep in mind that this might vary from person to person depending on physiological factors and previous experience with THCV and other cannabinoids.
Legality And Availability
THCA and THCV are federally legal as long as the products are hemp-derived and comply with the 2018 Farm Bill.
According to the USDA's Farm Bill, THCA and THCV products must contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. To determine compliance, hemp companies must submit samples to third-party labs for potency testing. The samples must meet the requirements to be federally legal to sell and consume.
Although both compounds are federally legal, the legality at the state level varies by state. Some states have stricter regulations than those allowed by the Farm Bill, while others are more flexible and have regulations in place. You should confirm the legality of both cannabinoids at your location before purchasing them.
Which One is Better?
The better option depends on the effects you’re looking for and the reasons for taking the product. Recreational consumers may find THCA and THCV a better option than Delta 9 THC because of their more subtle, uplifting, and therapeutic effects.
For Energy
THCV is a cannabinoid that is more likely to help with energy. Its mildly uplifting effects are said to have energizing effects and are unlikely to give you that rush effect that comes with THC from Sativa strains.
For Sleep
Most people turn to CBD when dealing with sleep problems. It's said to enhance sleep quality and quantity, and these effects are well established in science. THCA is a psychoactive compound with the same effects as THC and might provide better relaxation effects than THCV, which has better stimulating and energizing support.
For Focus
THCV is the better cannabinoid for sharpening focus and concentration. It’s known to boost energy, creativity, and focus.
Can You Mix THCA and THCV?
Mixing THCA and THCV can produce a combination of effects because each compound has its own distinct properties. When combined, the effects of each cannabinoid might be enhanced, potentially leading to increased energy, focus, and reduced inflammation.
When mixing cannabinoids, you should know their tendency to enhance each other's effects and adjust your intake accordingly. Also, starting with low servings is crucial to understand how the effects will turn out before increasing the doses.
