What Is Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid in Relation to CBD?

How much do you know about tetrahydrocannabinolic acid and how it is related to CBD? Read on to learn more on the subject.

Forecasters predict the CBD market could reach a value of between $1.3 billion and $22 billion by 2022 thanks to the perceived and proven medical benefits of this cannabinoid.

Most people believe that THC and CBD are all that cannabis has to offer, but many other helpful components make up this plant.

For instance, like these well-known compounds, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid has plenty to offer those in search of better health. Find out more in this brief tetrahydrocannabinolic acid guide. 

What Is Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid?

Tetrahydocanninolic Acid, or THCa, is a precursor to THC. That means it changes into THC over time as it’s exposed to heat and light. 

This usually occurs after harvesting the plant. There is almost no THC in a live cannabis plant, but thanks to THCa, there’s plenty of it in dried or processed cannabis plant parts.

In its original form, THCa acts like a cannabinoid by binding with receptors in the endocannabinoid system, but it has no psychoactive effects. That’s because THCA molecules are too big to fit the CB1 receptors that influence the human brain. 

THCa vs CBD

Although THCa acts like CBD in that it doesn’t have any intoxicating effects, they’re two different things. CBD is a cannabinoid, while THCa is a cannabinoid acid.

That means they have vastly different molecular structures. 

Any CBD oil guide will tell you that you’ll benefit tremendously from taking CBD. It’s credited with a wide range of benefits, including the following:

  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Pain relief
  • Anti-anxiety and depression
  • Improves skin condition
  • May help combat cancer
  • Anti-nausea and vomiting
  • Promotes heart health

As a result, all types of CBD products are becoming increasingly popular. These include CBD capsules, oil, tablets, gummies, and topical lotions.

Click here for CBD topical information if you’re curious about this little-known use for CBD oil. 

THCa comes in powder, tincture, and capsule form. You can also dab it or smoke cannabis flower buds to access THCa.

What Are the Benefits of Taking THCa? 

Like CBD, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid advice abounds. Some research and much anecdotal evidence suggest that THCa may have the following health benefits:

  • Pain relief
  • Reduction in nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss
  • Anti-inflammation
  • Promotion of healthy sleep
  • Inhibiting cancer cell growth
  • Antispasmodic
  • Immune system modulation
  • Slows nervous system and brain damage 

If further studies confirm these initial investigations, there’s no doubt that THCa will play a pivotal role in cannabis medicine in years to come. 

Make Good Health Choices

Like most cannabinoids, any health benefits of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid stem mainly from anecdotal accounts. While there are studies underway regarding these substances, these remain largely inconclusive at this stage.

Most cannabinoids pose little risk and few side effects, but it’s always best to check with your doctor before taking any supplement, especially if you’re taking other medication.

You should also remain mindful of your state laws and the potential for testing positive for an illegal substance when taking cannabinoids. 

If you’d like to discover more tips for increasing your peace of mind, browse some more of my blog articles. 

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