Does THCA Get You High? Everything You Need to Know

Explore the facts: Does THCA get you high? Discover the truth behind its effects, how it converts into THC, and much more. Curious about our THCA pre-rolls? Check them out here!

Understanding THCA: Does It Really Get You High?

When talking about cannabis, THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) often sparks curiosity. As a non-psychoactive compound found in raw cannabis, THCA doesn’t produce the "high" associated with THC. However, it has the potential to transform into THC when exposed to heat, leading many to wonder about its true effects.

What Is THCA?

THCA is the precursor to THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for the euphoric high associated with cannabis. In its raw form, THCA doesn’t cause psychoactive effects because its molecular structure prevents it from binding to CB1 receptors in the brain.

However, when THCA undergoes decarboxylation—a process where heat is applied—it transforms into THC, allowing it to activate those brain receptors and cause the well-known high. This conversion occurs when cannabis is smoked, vaped, or used in cooking, explaining why raw cannabis does not produce psychoactive effects.

How Long Does THCA Stay in Your System?

THCA's duration in the body varies based on factors like frequency of use, consumption method, and metabolism. Although standard drug tests primarily look for THC, THCA can convert into THC in certain conditions. Here’s how long THC (post-conversion from THCA) typically remains detectable:

  • Urine: 3 to 30 days, depending on use frequency.
  • Blood: Up to 36 hours.
  • Saliva: 1 to 3 days.
  • Hair: Up to 90 days.

Since THCA converts to THC through decarboxylation, the timelines reflect THC’s detectability, making it essential to understand the implications of consuming THCA-rich cannabis products if drug testing is a concern.

Can THCA Get You High?

By itself, THCA is non-psychoactive. It won’t get you high unless it’s converted into THC through heat. Once decarboxylation occurs, the converted THC can interact with the brain’s CB1 receptors, producing psychoactive effects.

The conversion of THCA to THC can be influenced by the method of consumption. For example:

  • Smoking or vaping: Immediate decarboxylation happens, causing a high.
  • Cooking or baking: THCA decarboxylates while exposed to heat, converting into THC.

What Are The Different Ways to Decarboxylate THCA?

Decarboxylation is key to unlocking THCA’s psychoactive potential. Here are common methods to decarboxylate THCA:

  1. Oven Decarboxylation: Heat cannabis in the oven at 220-245°F for 30-45 minutes to convert THCA to THC.
  2. Boiling in Water: Sealing cannabis in a waterproof bag and boiling it can slowly decarboxylate the THCA over several hours.
  3. Slow Cooker Method: Infusing cannabis into butter or oil in a slow cooker over low heat for several hours also decarboxylates the THCA.
  4. Microwave: This faster but less precise method can convert THCA with short bursts of microwave heat.
  5. Sun Drying: Exposing cannabis to sunlight over an extended period can decarboxylate THCA, but this method is less reliable.

These methods allow users to convert THCA into THC, enhancing the potency of edibles, tinctures, and other cannabis-infused products.

Exploring THCA’s Health Benefits

Though THCA itself doesn’t get you high, it has potential medicinal properties. Preliminary research suggests that THCA may have anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-nausea benefits, making it valuable for medical use without psychoactive effects. For users seeking relief without the high, THCA-rich products, such as tinctures or raw cannabis juice, could be a good option.

What Is a High THCA Percentage?

A high THCA percentage refers to a higher concentration of THCA in a cannabis product, indicating its potential potency once decarboxylated into THC. Here’s why high THCA percentages matter:

  • Potency Potential: More THCA means a stronger THC effect after heating.
  • Medical Use: High THCA content can be helpful for medical users preparing edibles or oils.
  • Product Labeling: Cannabis products often display THCA percentages to help users gauge potency.

THCA vs THC: Which One Gets You Higher?

The key difference between THCA and THC is psychoactivity. THCA does not produce a high, while THC directly binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, causing feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and altered perception. If you’re looking for a stronger high, THC is the compound to focus on, but it originates from THCA through decarboxylation.

Aspect THCA THC
Psychoactivity Non-psychoactive unless decarboxylated Psychoactive
Occurrence Found in raw cannabis Formed through decarboxylation
Effects No high, possible health benefits Causes euphoria, relaxation, altered perception

 

How Can You Consume THCA Without Getting High?

If you prefer to enjoy THCA’s benefits without the high, avoid decarboxylation. Here are some ways to consume THCA without converting it to THC:

  1. Juicing Raw Cannabis: Juicing raw cannabis leaves and buds preserves THCA.
  2. Eating Raw Cannabis: Incorporating raw cannabis into salads or smoothies maintains its non-psychoactive state.
  3. THCA Tinctures: Cold-extracted THCA tinctures avoid decarboxylation and maintain non-psychoactivity.
  4. THCA Crystals: Pure THCA isolates are non-psychoactive unless heated.

These methods allow you to benefit from THCA without worrying about intoxication, ideal for users seeking medicinal effects.

Does THCA Show Up on Drug Tests?

While standard drug tests detect THC, not THCA, it’s still important to be cautious. THCA can convert to THC if exposed to heat, and even small amounts of THC in products may lead to a positive test. Users should be mindful of how they store and consume THCA products if drug testing is a concern.

Final Thoughts

Understanding THCA and its conversion to THC is essential for anyone using cannabis. While THCA doesn’t produce a high on its own, its potential to transform into THC makes it a valuable cannabinoid for both recreational and medicinal users. As research continues, THCA’s benefits and applications will likely expand, offering more options for consumers.

FAQs

  1. How long does it take for THCA to convert into THC? It typically takes 30 to 45 minutes of heat exposure for significant THCA-to-THC conversion.
  2. Can THCA help with sleep? While not sedative itself, THCA’s anti-inflammatory properties may indirectly improve sleep quality.
  3. Is THCA safe for pets? Consult with a veterinarian before giving THCA to pets.
  4. Can you extract THCA at home? Yes, using cold-extraction methods, THCA can be extracted without converting it to THC.

    THCA offers a unique cannabis experience, allowing users to enjoy health benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC.

    Back to blog

    Leave a comment

    Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.