THCa vs. THC: Which is Stronger?

November 01, 2024

Did you know that the cannabis plant is a treasure trove of over 400 chemical compounds? Among these are cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and omega fatty acids! With more than 100 cannabinoids to explore, THCa and THC are currently in the spotlight.

Getting ready for your next smoke sesh or just curious about the buzz? You might be asking: Which hits harder—THC or THCa?

Well, you’ve come to the right place! This ultimate THC vs. THCa article will discuss these two popular compounds’ differences, strengths, and effects. Let’s dive in!

Understanding the Basics

What is THCa?

If you’ve ever smoked cannabis, you’re probably familiar with THC. But what about THCa?

The names sound similar, so even experienced users can get confused. THCa stands for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, and it’s one of the many cannabinoids found in freshly harvested cannabis plants.

Unlike THC, THCa doesn’t get you high in its raw form. Think of it like CBD—eating raw THCa buds won’t produce intoxicating effects.

THCa is important because it’s the precursor to THC. In simple terms, THC can’t exist without THCa. Here’s how it works: cannabis plants produce cannabinoids like THCa and CBDA, which are carboxylic acids. THCa transforms into THC when the plant is cured, heated, or aged through a process called decarboxylation.

To keep it simple, you can think of THCa as the raw, unheated form of THC.

What is THC?

THC is the more famous cannabinoid, and now you know it starts as THCa.

THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is responsible for the classic “high” that cannabis is known for. It interacts with your brain’s cannabinoid receptors, which are part of the body’s endocannabinoid system, creating those psychoactive effects.

While THCa is found in raw and live cannabis, THC is more common in dried and cured cannabis products.

The Science Behind THCa and THC

Now that you are in the loop with the basics, let’s look at how THCA and THC work.

How THCa Converts to THC

The conversion of THCa to THC is called decarboxylation, and heat plays a key role in this process. To understand it better, let’s examine the differences between their chemical structures.

THCa has an extra carboxylic acid group (COOH) attached to its molecule, while THC does not. This extra group stops THC from binding to CB1 receptors in your brain, which is why raw THCa doesn’t get you high.

When you apply heat, that extra group breaks off and releases CO2, turning THCa into THC. So, each time you vape, light a joint or bake some tasty edibles, you’re triggering this chemical reaction and changing THCa into THC. You can impress your friends with this fun fact at your next smoke session!

Heat isn’t the only way to start this conversion. Light, prolonged storage, or the plant’s natural aging can also trigger the decarboxylation process, but heat is the quickest and most effective method.

Here’s a cool tidbit: the conversion rate of THCa to THC isn’t always 100%. Usually, about 87.7% of THCa turns into THC when heated. This info will help us later when we dive into the big question: which is stronger, THC or THCa?

Effects of THCa vs. THC

When it comes to smoking THCa flower and THC cannabis flower, they deliver similar experiences and effects since you’re technically inhaling THC in both cases. The heat from smoking or vaping converts THCa into THC instantly.

Unless you’re consuming raw cannabis (which won’t get you high), the effects of THC and THCa are the same when heat is involved. The specific benefits of THCa you feel will depend on the strain you choose.

Indica strains will help you relax.

Sativa strains will give you an energy boost.

Hybrid strains provide a balance of both.

Here are some common effects you might experience:

• Relaxation

• Creativity

• Euphoria

• Munchies

• Sleepiness

• Focus

• Energy

Keep in mind that overconsumption of both THCa and THC can lead to some unpleasant side effects, including anxiety, dry mouth, red eyes, dizziness, and even paranoia in severe cases.

THCa vs. THC Strength and Potency

So.. Which One Hits Harder?

Comparing the potency and psychoactive properties between THCa and THC isn’t straightforward.

Most people are looking to smoke, vape, or bake gummies with THCa flower or concentrates, which decarboxylate THCa. In these cases, decarboxylated THCa and THC are equal in potency regarding their psychoactive effects.

When indulging in THCa products, they might hit you harder than THC products. Why? Due to legal status, it’s often easier to find cannabis products with much higher levels of THCa than you typically see with THC levels in the market.

Let’s break it down:

• A typical THC strain might have 15-25% THC content.

• A high-THCa strain could have 30-40% THCa content.

Remember when we mentioned that typically, 87.7% of THCa turns into THC during decarboxylation? Let’s do some quick math:

• 25% THC remains 25% THC (no conversion needed).

• 40% THCa becomes about 35.08% THC after decarboxylation (40% x 0.877).

See the difference? The THCa product can pack more punch when heated because it starts with a higher percentage.

So, the bottom line is that decarboxylated THCa is as potent as THC, but THCa products can deliver stronger effects when heated due to their higher initial concentrations of THCa.

The Role of Terpenes

When we talk about the strength and effects of THCa and THC, we can’t ignore the role of terpenes. These aromatic compounds don’t just give cannabis its smell; they also affect the overall experience and potency of both THCa and THC products.

Common Terpenes and Their Effects:

• Myrcene: Known for relaxation and sedation.

• Limonene: Mood booster and stress reliever.

• Pinene: Promotes alertness and may counteract some of THC’s memory impairment.

• Linalool: Known for anxiety reduction and sedation.

• Caryophyllene: Unique for its ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system and enhance the pain relief of cannabinoids.

Reputable shops like Bay Smokes list their terpene profiles for their products. You can check these before you buy and choose a product that matches your desired effect. For example, if you want a more energizing high, you might choose a THCa or THC product high in limonene and pinene.

The Impact of Consumption Methods

How you consume THCa or THC products can also affect how hard they hit you. If you’ve tried dabbing or hitting a bong before, you can probably attest that it’s a whole different ballgame compared to puffing on a joint.

Vaping is similar to smoking but with less heat. This might preserve more terpenes and could lead to a more subtle effect. Many users report a “cleaner” high from vaping, and it’s easier on the lungs than traditional smoking.

And let’s not forget edibles, which, as you know, have a longer onset. The effects can be much more intense and long-lasting, especially if overconsumed, so start slow with these tasty treats.

As we mentioned before, if you want non-intoxicating effects, you can try juicing raw cannabis or using products like tinctures, topicals, or creams. These methods allow you to use THCa without decarboxylation, which some people use for wellness and therapeutic effects.

THCa or THC: Which is Right for You?

Now that you know smoking either THCa or THC delivers the same effects—thanks to the heat converting THCa to THC—the choice isn’t about strength but rather other factors like legality and availability.

Key Considerations:

• Legal Status: Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill (the loophole), hemp-derived THCa is legal under federal level and in most states. However, THC is still considered a controlled substance in many areas. This means THCa products are generally more accessible, but it’s always smart to check the laws in your area before making a purchase.

• Tolerance Level: If you’re new to cannabis or have a lower tolerance, you might want to start with products that contain THC. They provide a more familiar experience for those used to traditional cannabis. However, if you’re looking to explore something new and potentially stronger, THCa is definitely worth a try!

Considerations for First-Time Users

If you’re new to cannabis, start with lower THCa or THC products. For consumption methods, try vaping or smoking small amounts of flower. The effects are felt quickly, so you can easily gauge your reaction.

Some beginner-friendly strains to try:

• Blue Dream

• Mango Dream

• White Cherry Gelato

THCa Vapes are also suitable for beginners. They’re discreet, easy to use, and allow for precise dosing.

Considerations for Experienced Cannabis Users

If you’re an experienced cannabis user, consider trying products with higher THCa or THC percentages for a more intense experience. Here are some options to explore:

• High-Potency Flower Strains: Check out strains like Mr. Nasty or Gorilla Glue for a robust flavor and effects.

• Concentrates: Consider THCa diamonds for a concentrated and powerful experience.

• Dabbing and Bongs: These methods provide quick and potent effects, making them great for seasoned users looking for an immediate buzz.

If THCa or THC products are legal in your area, don’t hesitate to try both and see which one works best for you. Remember, everyone’s endocannabinoid system is unique, so what works for others might not have the same effect on you.

Ready to Make Your First Order?

If you’re ready to dive in and order THCa hemp flower, Bay Smokes has hundreds of strains to choose from! All our products are locally grown in the U.S. and tested by third-party labs for quality and potency. Whether you’re after THCa flower, THCa vapes, or THCa concentrates, we’ve got you covered.

Check out our selection and find your perfect match today!

FAQ

What is high THCa?

High THCa refers to cannabis products, typically flowers or concentrates, that have a high percentage of THCA – usually 25% or more.

Does THCa convert to Delta 9?

Yes, when THCa is heated (decarboxylated), it converts to Delta-9 THC.

Is THCa more psychoactive than THC when heated?

It can be. When heated, it becomes THC. The resulting THC is just as psychoactive and intoxicating as any other THC. However, since you can find products with much higher THCa percentages, the end result can be more potent than most THC products.

Which provides stronger effects, THCa or THC, when consumed raw?

When eaten raw, THC is stronger than THCa. Raw THCa (prevalent in raw cannabis plants) is non-psychoactive, and THC is psychoactive even without heat.

Which has stronger psychoactive effects, THCa or THC?

They both equally produce psychoactive effects because THCA turns to THC when heated.

Is THCa as potent as THC?

Yes, decarboxylated THCA and THC are equal in potency.

Which is stronger, Delta 8 or THCa?

When THCa is heated and converted to Delta-9 THC, it’s generally considered more potent than Delta-8 THC. However, raw THCa is non-psychoactive so that Delta-8 would be stronger.

Does THCA Get You High?

Yes, THCA is found in raw cannabis pants and will get you high if you consume it with any method that involves heating, like smoking, vaping, or cooking. Heat transforms THCa to THC.

Will I pass a drug test if I smoked THCa?

No, you won't. THCa is similar to THC and can lead to a failed drug test. Please be cautious.