Most regular cannabis consumers are familiar with THC and CBD. We recognize them as the two most common phyto- cannabinoids found in cannabis. We are familiar with the improvements they can make in a variety of different health conditions.
But have you ever wondered what other beneficial compounds cannabis contains?
There are over 100 cannabinoids, and THC has taken up most of the spotlight historically, but other compounds like THCa (or Tetrahydrocannabinol acid) have been getting a lot of attention lately. THCa is a precursor to THC, meaning that THC can be derived from it through the heating process called decarboxylation or “decarbing”. THCa can then be considered a “raw” form of THC.
What is THCA?
THCa is found in raw or freshly harvested cannabis and starts converting to THC when the plant begins to dry.
Why THCa?
Many regular cannabis users are unaware of the benefits of consuming raw, unheated, and uncured cannabis. When the plant is raw, it still contains its resin glands which full of cannabinoid acids, and rich with THCa! This means, in this raw, unheated form cannabis will contain very little THC, and people who use THCa do not experience much of the same psychoactive effects associated with THC, while still receiving many of the other health benefits it has to offer.
Benefits of using THCa
THCa only recently has started getting the attention it deserves and research has begun looking at all the benefits it has to offer. It has already shown to be effective with anti-inflammatory treatment, antioxidant, analgesic, antiemetic, neuroprotectant, anti-seizure and possibly as an Anti-cancer treatment. Some CHC patients have reported improved focus and concentration during THCa treatment.
THCa can by consumed by
juicing
tincture
topical
capsule
oil
adding to a meal without the use of heat before consumption
One of the best ways to consume THCA is by Juicing!
You can use 30g of freshly harvested cannabis leaves or about 10-15g of “raw” buds. Add it to you favorite Juicing recipe and you will have a THCA cocktail with the added goodness of the extra terpenes and flavonoids in your selected fruits and vegetables.
Bon appetite.
Wondering how to identify THCA-rich strains or where to find them, just remember that any strain rich in THC (that has NOT been decarboxylated) will have lots of THCA and make sure that you are always getting freshly harvested cannabis plants.
Written By: Garnet Skinner, CTE.
CHC Halifax, NS.