You've probably heard of THC, but what about its sneaky cousin, THCA? It’s like the secret agent of the cannabis world—just waiting for the right moment to turn you into a giggling mess. But does it actually get you high? Let's crack the code.
What is THCA?
Have you ever come across a sentence like this?
THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the acidic, non-psychoactive precursor to delta-9 THC, found in the raw cannabis plant.
You might be thinking, “Say whaaaaaaat?!...”
Yep, me too - at first, it sounded like a bunch of gibberish, and I had to double check whether I was reading a chemistry textbook. Lucky for both of us, there is an easier way to explain it:
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is THCA’s government name, the one it’d put down on its tax returns. But just like any good nickname, ‘THCA’ is way easier to say. Who has time for all those extra syllables?
When we say THCA is “acidic,” we’re just saying it’s an acid in its natural form, due to its chemical structure. When we say THCA is a "precursor," we’re saying it’s the starting material in a process that eventually turns it into delta-9 THC.
Lastly, saying THCA is “non-psychoactive” means that it won't have you seeing rainbows or contemplating the meaning of life…unless you start heating it up.
Does THCA Get You High?
The short answer is…it depends.
Yes, in its natural form, THCA can’t get you high, however—and here’s the fun part—when you introduce heat, things get exciting. Enter decarboxylation, the process where heat transforms THCA into the psychoactive superstar, delta-9 THC.
According to the University of South Carolina, delta-9 THC is highly psychoactive (or as some would say “it makes you feel like you are floating on a cloud of pure bliss”), and it is currently known as the most abundant form of THC in the cannabis plant, compared to its psychoactive counterparts delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC.
For more information on where the name "cannabis" comes from click HERE.*
What Temperature is Needed to Convert THCA into Delta-9 THC?
Now that you know heat is the magic ingredient, you’re probably wondering: how much heat do you need to turn THCA into delta-9 THC?
Now, one may think they can just chomp down on THCA flower to get high, but as much as having hot breath in the morning might feel like it could light up a candle, it's definitely not enough to decarboxylate THCA. You’ll need a bit more heat than that!
It turns out, it’s all about time—and temperature, of course.
Here is a THCA breakdown (pun intended) on how long it takes to fully convert THCA into THC, according to a paper written by the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA):
At 100 °C (212 °F): 3 hours to fully convert THCA into THC
At 98 °C (208.4 °F): 4 hours to fully convert THCA into THC
Above 160 °C (320 °C): Only takes around 10 minutes
At 200 °C: Seconds, literally
Good thing we have lighters and vape pens, huh?
To give you some perspective:
The average butane lighter flame reaches between 1,970 °F and 1,995°F (1,077 and 1,091°C)
The average cannabis vape reaches between 320 °F and 430 °F (160 °C and 220 °C)
According to MJBizDaily, a top-tier source in the cannabis industry, the ideal temperature for converting THCA into THC is 160 °C (320 °F). That is why most vape pens heat cannabis at lower temperatures - because too much heat can actually break down THC, turning it into less desirable compounds.
So if you are looking to get the most out of your THCA, remember: it’s all about finding that just-right temperature. Too little, and you’re waiting forever. Too much, and the heat monster is enjoying cannabis more than you.
But What About the Good Ol' Lighter?
I know some of you are probably thinking, “But I love my lighter, it’s just so easy!” And hey, I get it. There’s something nostalgic and satisfying about lighting up with a trusty lighter—it's quick, convenient, and, well, a classic.
While too much heat can break down your THC and make it less effective, sometimes the simplicity and ritual of using a lighter just can’t be beaten. It’s all about balance, right? So if you’re a fan of the flame, just be mindful of the heat levels and enjoy the process—it’s all part of the experience!
Ready to Explore THCA?
Now that you are better educated on THCA, why not check out some products that can take you from knowledge to experience?
Whether you’re into the old-school charm of a blunt or prefer the sleek, modern style of a vape, here are a couple of products we carry in-store to spark up your day:
THCA flower
THCA vape carts
THCA disposables
THCA wax
THCA diamonds
Key Takeaways
You’ve absorbed a lot of information, and who would I be if I didn’t weed through it all and sum it up for you nice and easy?
THCA in its natural state will not get you high
Heating up THCA turns it into delta-9 THC (the compound that can get you high)
The ideal temperature for converting THCA into THC is 160 °C
Healthy Harvest CBD provides great THCA options for your disposal
So there, no more confusion surrounding THCA, just a smooth, clear understanding in the air and it feels so good! 😊
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