Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA)
THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the acid form of the cannabinoid, THC. It is non-psychoactive and is found in the raw cannabis plant.
THCa converts to THC when it is decarboxylated. This is achieved through heating by vaporization, baking, or in other forms of heating. When a person smokes cannabis, around 95% of the THCa converts to THC, which means there is still a small amount of THCa that gets ingested by the user.
THCa is found to have various therapeutic effects, especially at small doses.
The Benefits of Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid
Research has shown THCa as an effective treatment for epilepsy. A 2017 study indicated that this cannabinoid, in small doses (0.1-1 mg/kg/day), helps symptoms of epilepsy.
However, interestingly enough, higher doses of THCa seemed to make the symptoms worse. The researchers found that utilizing small doses of THCa combined with certain terpenes (linalool, for example) significantly increased the anti-epileptic effect.
This raw cannabinoid also has the potential of being effective for reducing vomiting and nausea. According to a 2013 research study, Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid potently reduced nausea and vomiting in rats. This cannabinoid may be a more effective alternative to THC in the treatment of nausea and vomiting.
Like other compounds of the cannabis plant, THCa has been shown to work most effectively combined with other cannabinoids and terpenes. These compounds work together synergistically, other known as the Entourage effect.
Here are some of the potential benefits studies have begun to reveal:
- Anti-emetic properties for treatment of nausea and appetite loss
- Anti-inflammatory properties for treatment of arthritis and lupus
- Anti-proliferative properties noted in studies of prostate cancer
- Neuroprotective properties for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases
Other possible medicinal avenues supported by patient stories include insomnia, muscle spasms, and pain.
More research is needed to be done on Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, but what has been revealed so far is very promising. It is highly incredible how dynamically healing and divine the cannabis plant truly is, even when used in raw form!