Cannabis is a complex plant with hundreds of compounds that create different effects. The cannabis plant harbors vital cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA). It serves as the precursor to delta-9-THC. In its natural state, it’s found in cannabis plants but not intoxicated like THC.
Nevertheless, THCA has more potential as far as therapy is concerned and is helpful for several conditions. This article explains THCA and its functioning mechanisms, advantages, and where to get the THCA flower bulk.
What Is THCA and How Does It Work?
THC comes from tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA). Decarboxylation converts cannabinoids from carboxylic acids produced by cannabis growth into non-acidic molecules. Most cannabinoids start acidic, which has different structures and effects.
Although abundant in fresh cannabis, THCA is unstable under controlled storage settings and swiftly decarboxylates into THC when exposed to light and heat. THCA decarboxylates even when stored at 4-18ºC (39-64ºF), making THC contamination practically unavoidable, according to a study. This THC contamination, even in pure extracts, renders THCA-only lab results difficult to interpret.
THCA does not provide a “high” when consumed because THCA does not connect to CB1 receptors, which bind THC well. (See our blog entry How Marijuana Works in the Body for more on receptors and the endocannabinoid system). Neither of the two major cannabinoid receptors binds significantly to THCA, according to the study.
We can confirm that THCA-rich extracts are anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective. THCA also reduces nausea and vomiting.
What are the Benefits of THCA Flower?
Much evidence already exists because of the very early stage at which THCA research is, suggesting multiple helpful effects with rising numbers. The most significant prospective areas include:
1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
A well-known benefit of THCA flower is its anti-inflammatory capabilities. The immune system reacts this way to injury or illness. Chronic inflammation can cause arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.
Both animal and human cell studies have demonstrated that THCA may reduce inflammation. A Journal of Natural Products study found that THCA is anti-inflammatory like indomethacin, a nonsteroidal drug.
2. Neuroprotective Effects
According to early research, THCA flowers may protect the brain and neurological system from injury and degeneration. It may help treat brain degenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, brain damage, and strokes.
In a British Journal of Pharmacology study, THCA protected dopamine neurons in a Parkinson’s disease rat. In a brain ischemia mice model, THCA reduced oxidative stress and inflammation, according to the Journal of Molecular Medicine research.
3. Relief Pain
THCA flower, the precursor of THC, relieves pain and relaxes muscles. It can effectively cure chronic pain and muscular spasms. In mice neuropathic and inflammatory pain models, THCA decreased inflammation and pain. In another British Journal of Pharmacology study, THCA decreased bladder contractions in isolated rat bladder tissue, suggesting it could treat overactive bladder syndrome.
4. Anti-Nausea/Anti-Emetic Effects
THCA flower also contains antiemetic and anti-nausea effects, suggesting it may prevent vomiting and nausea. This patient may utilize THCA for gastroparesis, cancer treatment-induced nausea, or motion sickness. THC can aid with nausea and vomiting, although its psychoactive effects may not suit all individuals. Unlike THC, THCA has antinausea and emetic effects without psychoactivity.
5. It Is Non-Intoxicating
THCA flowers are non-intoxicating and lack THC. THC is psychotropic and poisonous, making people euphoric and reactive. More THC has a greater effect on the body. THCA flowers have a minimal THC content, so you don’t have to worry.
Legality of THCA Flower
The legality of the THCA flower depends on the 2018 Farm Bill. The 2018 Farm Bill legalizes federal sales and consumption of bulk THCA flower with THC levels below 0.3% on a dry weight basis.
Since it is non-psychoactive and non-addictive, THCA is hemp under the 2018 Farm Bill and legal in the US. THCA can be bought and used legally under federal law. State-specific legality varies. We advise against buying or eating THCA flowers without consulting a local lawyer.
Where to Buy THCA Flower?
The THCA flower is the unheated, raw cannabis flower that contains high amounts of THCA and low amounts of THC. You can consume THCA flower in various ways: blending, juicing, or adding it to salads or smoothies. Nonetheless, it is not expected to find THCA flowers in most markets because the majority of cannabis products are decarboxylated to activate their THC. Thus, one may need to look around for such a product.
- One alternative is to grow your cannabis plants and harvest them before they are exposed to heat, air, or light. By doing this, you can be sure that you have preserved the THCA content and that your plants are free from pesticides and other contaminants.
- Nevertheless, cultivating cannabis plants could be illegal or impossible depending on where you live; therefore, you should always verify with local laws and regulations.
- Alternatively, you may consider buying wholesale THCA flowers from trustworthy suppliers specializing in raw marijuana products. ExhaleWell and Budpop are some online sites where you can find THCA flowers. They provide high-quality THCA flowers tested for their purity and potency in laboratories.
- They also offer various strains and flavors catering to different tastes and requirements. Still, one should be cautious while purchasing marijuana online due to possible dangers such as late delivery, legal challenges, or fake sellers. As a result, you should always research the product and check its reviews before making any purchase.
Conclusion
The raw state of the cannabis plant yields THCA, which is a cannabinoid but does not have the psychoactive impacts of THC. THCA flower is hardly available in markets; however, it can be grown at home or purchased through authenticated suppliers who specialize in supplying raw cannabis products.
For those people who may like to enjoy the benefits of marijuana without getting THC’s psychoactive effects, this THCA flower may be a good choice.