THCA VS CBD | What’s The Difference?

September 10, 2024

As cannabis becomes more accepted and legal, people are exploring their options within this diverse plant family. THCA and CBD are two cannabinoids that are gaining a lot of attention.

Many are curious about how these compounds interact with the human body and which one is best for their needs.

So, what’s the difference between THCA and CBD? How do they affect the body? What are the legal implications for each? These are essential questions as consumers navigate the growing variety of cannabis products available today.

In this article, we’ll look in-depth at THCA and CBD. We’ll explore their similarities, differences, and potential uses. Whether you’re new to cannabis or want to learn more, you’ll find everything you need to make informed decisions right here.

What Is THCA?

THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is the non-psychoactive precursor or acidic form of THC. It’s one of the many different cannabinoids found in raw cannabis plants. 

Unlike THC, it doesn’t bind directly to CB1 receptors in the brain, which is why it doesn’t have psychoactive properties in its raw form.

When heated, THCA transforms into THC through a process called decarboxylation. This is what gives cannabis its famous psychoactive effects. So basically, before your cannabis flowers get toasty, they’re packed with THCA.

What about the effects? Let’s find out below.

What Does THCA Feel Like? 

So, what happens when you consume THCA? It depends on how you use it! If you eat raw cannabis or take THCA in its unheated form, you won’t feel any psychoactive effects. But if you smoke, vape, or cook with THCA, things change.

When heated, THCA quickly turns into delta 9 THC, and the effects are similar to traditional THC.

You might feel:

• Euphoria

• Relaxation

• Giggly mood

• Arousal

• The munchies

• Enhanced sensory experiences

Some people say THCA provides a cleaner high. Why? Because it starts as a purer form before changing. But once it’s converted to THC, your body can’t tell the difference.

Just like regular THC, you might experience side effects like dry mouth and red eyes. Some users may also feel anxious or paranoid, especially if they overindulge.

What Is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is another compound in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, meaning it doesn’t get you high.

CBD has become popular in recent years for its potential therapeutic benefits. CBD interacts with the body’s cannabinoid receptors, specifically CB1 and CB2 receptors, but in a different way than THC. This is what gives CBD its therapeutic effects.

However, unlike THCA, CBD doesn’t need heat activation. It’s active in its natural form and can be consumed directly from the hemp plant or in various CBD products.

While research is ongoing, people use CBD for a range of reasons. Some folks turn to it for help with chronic pain, inflammation, migraines, epilepsy, autoimmune diseases, depression, and anxiety.

What Does CBD Feel Like?

How does CBD actually feel? Since CBD does not induce psychoactive effects, it generally does not feel like anything. Instead, many people report a subtle sense of calm.

Here are some reported effects of CBD by users:

• Feel more balanced and less anxious

• Relaxed without feeling sleepy

• Focus better

• Less bothered by chronic pain

Remember, everyone’s experience with CBD is different. Some people won’t feel anything, while others will feel a lot. CBD is more about helping you feel relaxed and at home in your skin.

THCA vs. CBD: Chemical Structure 

While both THCA and CBD come from the cannabis plant, their chemical structures differ significantly.

THCA has a carboxyl group, while CBD doesn’t. When THCA is heated, this carboxyl group is removed, converting it to THC. This structural change allows THCA to become a psychoactive compound when exposed to heat.

CBD, on the other hand, maintains its structure regardless of heat exposure. This stability is why CBD remains a non-intoxicating cannabinoid under all conditions.

These structural differences explain why THCA can produce psychoactive effects (once converted to THC) while CBD does not.

Benefits Of THCA

THCA products are a favorite among cannabis enthusiasts because of their recreational and therapeutic benefits. Let’s explore some of these advantages:

• Euphoria: When THCA is heated and turns into THC, it can create feelings of happiness and contentment. Many users report feeling uplifted and in a good mood.

• Relaxation: Many people turn to THCA products for stress relief. After using them, they often feel deeply relaxed, both mentally and physically.

• Enhanced Socialization: Consuming THCA can improve social experiences. Users often feel more chatty, open, and connected, making social gatherings more enjoyable and helping with social anxiety.

• Appetite Stimulation: Like THC, THCA can increase appetite (the munchies). This can be helpful for those who struggle to eat or need to gain weight.

• Enhanced Creativity: Some users feel more creative after consuming THCA products, leading to new ideas or fresh perspectives on problems.

• Improved Sleep: Many find that THCA products help them fall asleep faster and enjoy better quality sleep.

• Reduced Anxiety: Some users report less anxiety after consuming THCA products.

Keep in mind that these effects can vary from person to person. Factors like dosage, individual biology, strain, and method of consumption all play a role.

Benefits Of CBD

CBD is well-known for its potential health benefits. For years, people have turned to CBD in the cannabis wellness field, making it one of the most researched cannabinoids. This research isn’t just for humans—there are even CBD products for pets!

CBD products come in many forms, including oils, tinctures, extracts, vaporized liquids, and capsules. Some companies even add CBD to food, drinks, beauty products, and dog treats!

Here’s a quick look at some expected benefits of CBD:

• Pain Relief: CBD may help with chronic pain by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system, reducing inflammation and discomfort.

• Anxiety and Depression: Many people use CBD to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression. It affects serotonin receptors in the brain, which help regulate mood.

• Sleep Issues: Struggling to sleep? CBD might be the answer. Many users report improved sleep quality when using CBD.

• Epilepsy: The FDA has approved a CBD-based drug called Epidiolex for certain types of epilepsy, showing the potential to reduce seizures for some individuals.

• Neuroprotective Properties: Research suggests that CBD may protect nerves, which could benefit people with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.

• Skin Health: CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties can help with acne. Many people apply CBD-infused topicals for various skin conditions.

• Heart Health: Early studies indicate that CBD might benefit heart health by lowering blood pressure, but more research is needed in this area.

While CBD shows promise for these uses, ongoing studies are essential. It’s always a good idea to consult your doctor before starting CBD, especially if you take other prescription medications.

THCA Vs. CBD Legal Status

So, how do THCA and CBD compare in terms of legality? Good news—both are generally legal, but there is some fine print you should know about.

First up, THCA. You’ll be happy to hear it’s legal at the federal level and in most states. Why? Well, it’s all thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. This bill says hemp-derived products with less than 0.3% THC are good to go. 

Now, what about CBD? It’s in a similar boat. CBD is also legal under the Farm Bill as long as it’s derived from hemp plants and contains no more than 0.3% THC. You can find CBD products everywhere - from your local health food store to online shops.

While these compounds are legal at the federal level, state laws can vary. Some states have stricter rules about cannabis products, including THCA and CBD. So, always check your local laws before you buy.

THCA vs CBD - Similarities 

Despite their differences, THCA and CBD share some common ground:

1. Source: Both compounds come from the cannabis plant.

2. Potential Benefits: Researchers are studying both cannabinoids for their possible health benefits. They are gaining popularity in wellness for managing pain and reducing inflammation.

3. Non-Intoxicating (Initially): You can consume raw THCA or CBD without worrying about feeling high. THCA only becomes psychoactive THC when heated.

4. Interaction with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS): Both cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system differently.

5. Legal Status: THCA and CBD are generally legal at the federal level as long as they come from hemp and contain less than 0.3% THC.

THCA vs CBD - Differences

Now, for the main differences between these cannabinoids:

1. Psychoactive Effects: THCA can produce psychoactive effects when heated and converted to THC; CBD cannot.

2. Common Uses: People often use THCA for recreational purposes, while CBD is more commonly used for potential health benefits.

3. Chemical Structure: THCA has a carboxyl group that CBD doesn’t. 

4. Medical Research: CBD has been more extensively studied for medical applications than THCA.

5. Product Availability: CBD products are more widely available and come in more forms than THCA products.

6. Drug Testing: THCA use may result in positive drug tests for THC; CBD typically does not.

Where To Buy THCA Products Online

While CBD products are widely available in wellness stores, THCA, especially high-quality THCA products, are rarer and only stocked at reputable dispensaries. If you want to purchase the best THCA products online, there is no better place to find these products than Bay Smokes.

Our THCA products collection includes:

• THCA Flower

• THCA Pre Rolls

• THCA Vape Cartridges

• THCA Concentrates

• THCA Diamonds

• THCA Gummies

Choosing Bay Smokes ensures exceptional quality and the convenience of online shopping, competitive pricing, fast shipping (with free delivery on orders above $70), and discreet delivery to your doorstep.

FAQ:

Does THCA Turn Into CBD?

No, THCA does not turn into CBD. When heated, THCA becomes THC, not CBD. These are distinct cannabinoids with different properties and effects.

What’s Stronger, CBD or THCA?

In terms of psychoactive effects, THCA (when converted to THC) is more potent than CBD. CBD does not produce psychoactive effects. However, “strength” depends on the desired outcome. For non-intoxicating effects, CBD might be considered more potent.

What Is The Difference Between THCA and CBD In Terms Of Their Effects On The Body?

THCA, if consumed via a method that involves heat, can produce psychoactive effects. At the same time, CBD is non-intoxicating, whether heated or raw.

Can CBD and THCA Show Up On a Drug Test?

CBD typically doesn’t trigger positive drug tests for cannabis. THCA, when converted to THC, can result in a positive test.

How To Use CBD and THCA?

CBD can be consumed as oils, edibles, topicals, or inhaled through vaping. THCA can be consumed by smoking THCA flower and concentrates or ingesting THCA edibles.

Can THCA Cause a High?

Yes, when THCA is heated, it converts to THC, which produces psychoactive effects. 

Is THCA Flower Real Weed?

Yes, THCA flower is real weed. It’s unheated cannabis that contains high levels of THCA. When this flower is heated (through smoking, vaping, or cooking), the THCA converts to THC, producing the effects typically associated with cannabis use.