What is THCA? What is the effect of the cannabinoid and is it legal?
Here at Weedly, we are dedicated to bringing you the most detailed and up-to-date information on cannabinoids. If you are interested in the different types of cannabinoids, their effects, legality and how they affect the body, you have come to the right place. We go through everything from the better known ones like THC and CBD, to the newer and lesser known varieties like THCA, THCNM, THCH and THCJD. In our articles you will find facts, comparisons, and answers to common questions - so you can make informed decisions about what is best for you and your health.
Table of Contents THCA
What is THCA and what does it mean?
THCA stands for Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid , and is a precursor (acid-binding form) to the better-known and psychoactive substance THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). THCA occurs naturally in fresh cannabis and is the original form of THC found in the plant before it undergoes a chemical process called decarboxylation .
When cannabis is dried or heated, THCA undergoes a change where it loses a carboxyl group (CO2), converting it to THC , the compound that produces most of the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis. This process usually occurs when smoking, vaping, or cooking with cannabis.
What does THCA do?
THCA itself is non-psychoactive , meaning it does not cause the "high" feeling associated with THC. In contrast, THCA has been shown to have a range of potential therapeutic effects , including anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and neuroprotective properties. Research on THCA is still ongoing, but it suggests that THCA may have a positive impact on certain health conditions.
Is THCA a cannabinoid?
Yes, THCA is actually a cannabinoid, and it is one of the main compounds in cannabis. To explain a little more: THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is an acid form of THC, the well-known psychoactive compound often associated with cannabis. THCA occurs naturally in raw cannabis and is converted to THC when it is heated, for example by smoking or wetting – a process called decarboxylation.
However, although THCA is not psychoactive in its natural form, there are several potential health benefits of this compound. It has been suggested that THCA may contribute anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, making it an exciting topic for those interested in the medicinal potential of cannabis.
So even if you don't get the "high" from THCA, there is a lot to discover about this cannabinoid and its possible uses. At Weedly, we offer carefully selected products for anyone looking to explore the full spectrum of cannabis.
What effects does THCA have on the body?
THCA is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found naturally in the cannabis plant. Although it does not produce the usual "high" effect that THC does, THCA has nevertheless been shown to have several potential effects on the body. These effects are an exciting area of research, and we at Weedly want to give you some insight into both the positive and negative effects of THCA.
Positive effects of THCA:
THCA has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. This makes it potentially useful for people with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.
According to some studies, THCA may help protect brain cells and support brain health. It has been suggested that THCA may have neuroprotective properties that may be particularly useful for people suffering from neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.
Antioxidant activity
THCA acts as a powerful antioxidant, meaning it can help protect the body against damage caused by free radicals. This can help keep cells healthy and reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.
Anti-nausea
Some users report that THCA can help reduce nausea, making it useful for people undergoing treatments that cause nausea, such as chemotherapy.
Negative effects of THCA:
Limited research
Since THCA is relatively new on the market and research into its effects is still in its early stages, there are some uncertainties regarding its long-term effects on the body. More research is needed to fully understand all possible risks and benefits.
No psychoactive effect
For those seeking the psychoactive effect of cannabis, THCA will not provide the desired experience. THCA is converted to THC only when heated, so if you want the "high" effect, you need to first decarboxylate the THCA by heating the product.
May cause stomach upset
Some users report that THCA in high doses can cause mild stomach upset or discomfort. It is always good to start with small amounts and gradually increase the dose if you are not used to cannabinoids
Is THCA legal in Sweden?
Yes, THCA is legal in Sweden. Because THCA is not psychoactive, meaning it does not cause a "high" feeling like THC, it is not subject to the strict rules that apply to THC. Therefore, you can find products containing THCA without worrying about legal consequences, as long as they have not been converted to THC by heating or decarboxylation.
Why is THCA legal in Sweden?
THCA is legal in Sweden because it does not produce any psychoactive effects. According to Swedish law, it is primarily THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component of cannabis, that is subject to strict restrictions and prohibitions. THCA, on the other hand, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, meaning it does not affect the brain in the same way as THC and thus does not pose a risk of abuse or dependence in the same sense.
For THCA to be converted to THC, heat is required, as in the process of smoking or heating cannabis products. Therefore, it is legal to use THCA as it is, without converting it to THC, making it more accessible and safe for use in, for example, dietary supplements and skin care products.
It is important to remember that although THCA is legal in its natural form, products containing THCA may be regulated depending on other ingredients or if they contain THC in higher than permitted concentrations. At Weedly, we are careful to always offer products that comply with Swedish legislation and ensure that our customers have a safe and legal experience.
How is the THCA molecule built and how does it affect the body?
THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is a cannabinoid found naturally in the cannabis plant. Molecularly speaking, THCA is an acid form of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component best known for causing the "high" feeling when consuming cannabis. THCA is a precursor to THC, and its molecular structure differs in that it has a carboxyl group (COOH) that makes it inactive. For THCA to become active and convert to THC, heat is required – a process called decarboxylation, which occurs when cannabis is smoked, turned into food or cooked at a high temperature.
Although THCA is not psychoactive, it still has a number of potential beneficial effects on the body, thanks to its unique interaction with the body's endocannabinoid system.
THCA effect on the receptors
THCA affects the body's endocannabinoid system in a subtle way. It primarily interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are found throughout the body and brain. However, because THCA is not decarboxylated (not converted to THC), its binding to CB1 receptors is much weaker than that of THC. This means that THCA does not cause the strong psychoactive effects that THC does.
Research suggests that THCA may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. By affecting CB2 receptors, which are found primarily in the immune system and peripheral tissues, THCA can help reduce inflammation and support the body's natural recovery processes. This makes THCA an interesting option for people seeking relief from inflammation without having to worry about the psychoactive effects of THC.
Although THCA does not produce the same sensation as THC, there are indications that it can have a calming and balancing effect on the body. Many users report a sense of ease and relaxation, without experiencing any euphoria or "high" effects, making it a good option for those who want to benefit from the medicinal properties of cannabis without psychoactive side effects.
When will THCA become illegal in Sweden?
THCA is currently legal in Sweden because it is not a psychoactive substance. The legal status of THCA is based on its chemical structure and that it does not affect the body in the same way that THC does. In order for THCA to become illegal in Sweden, it is required that the legislation be changed and that it be classified as a prohibited substance, which has not yet happened.
It is important to keep track of any changes in legislation or regulation surrounding cannabis-related topics, as laws may change based on new scientific findings or political decisions. Right now, there are no indications that THCA will become illegal in the short term in Sweden.
As always, it is good to keep up with any legal changes and ensure that all use and trade of THCA complies with the applicable laws.
How effective is THCA compared to THCH, THCNM and THCJD?
THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the acid form of THC and is not psychoactive in its natural form. When THCA is heated (eg by smoking or vaping) it is converted to THC, which is the psychoactive component. Therefore, THCA is less potent in direct effect than other cannabinoids such as THCH, THCNM and THCJD, all of which are more potent in terms of psychoactivity and effects on the body.
Table of cannabinoids in comparison
| Cannabinoid | Potency (1-10) | Power (1-10) | Psychoactive (1-10) | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| THCA | 3 | 5 | 1 | THCA is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, meaning it does not cause a "high" feeling. Its therapeutic effects are more subtle and may include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. |
| THC | 6 | 7 | 3 | THCH is a cannabinoid similar to THC, but its effects are believed to be somewhat milder. It is not as psychoactive as THC, but can provide a more relaxed effect. |
| THCNM | 8 | 9 | 4 | THCNM is a relatively new cannabinoid that has been shown to be very potent in both effect and psychoactivity. It gives a more energizing and euphoric feeling, although it is slightly milder than THC. |
| THCJD | 7 | 8 | 5 | THCJD is a very potent cannabinoid that produces a strong psychoactive effect, similar or slightly stronger than traditional THC. It is useful for those who seek a more intense effect. |
Common side effects of THCA
THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, meaning it does not cause the usual side effects associated with THC. However, it may still have some side effects depending on usage and dosage. Here are some of the common side effects:
Common side effects of THCA:
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Dry mouth
Like other cannabinoids, THCA can cause dry mouth (dry mouth), which is a common side effect of many cannabis-related substances.
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Slight dizziness or headache
Although THCA is not psychoactive, some individuals may experience a mild sensation of dizziness or headache at high doses. -
Nausea
Some users may experience mild nausea when consuming large amounts of THCA, although this is less common than with psychoactive cannabinoids such as THC. -
Fatigue or sleepiness
Another possible side effect is light sleepiness or tiredness. This can be a positive effect for those who use THCA for its relaxing or pain-relieving properties, but it can be a disadvantage for others. -
Side effects at high doses
High doses of THCA can cause a range of milder side effects such as upset stomach or changes in appetite, although these are quite rare and individual sensitivity plays a big role.
Positive effects
THCA has many potential therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It can also have positive effects on mood and help relieve certain types of pain without producing the psychoactive effects of THC.
But, as always, it's important to use cannabinoids responsibly and to talk to a doctor if you're unsure about how they might affect you personally.