THCA is the acidic precursor to THC and a cannabinoid naturally found in the cannabis plant. Compared to THC, THCA’s chemical composition is identical except for its additional molecular carboxyl ring. This carboxyl ring makes THCA a non-psychoactive inactive compound, as the ring stops the THCA from binding to receptors in your brain that would make you feel high.

THCA is found in raw, unheated cannabis, and this raw form can be used without any positive effects. However, once the THCA is heated, it converts to THC and will deliver psychoactive effects.

If you prefer the strong high Delta 9 provides, you’ll love THCA products that are meant to be exposed to heat. For example, THCA concentrates, resin, flower, and vape distillate are products that will become psychoactive when exposed to heat. If you’re looking for a milder high, you’ll want to go with Delta 8, Delta 10, or HHC products. 

While THCA is most commonly used in its heated form, you might also like raw THCA flower if you want to receive its potential health benefits. While more research needs to be done on its health effects, some early research performed on animals suggests it could provide anti-nausea, anti-seizure, and anti-inflammatory effects. If you’re interested in trying THCA for these effects, you can eat raw THCA or put it in smoothies or salads without worrying about psychoactive effects.

THCA gets you just as high as Delta 9. Since THCA turns into Delta 9 THC once it’s exposed to heat, you should expect the same effects as you would from a typical Delta 9 product. Due to its conversion to Delta 9 THC, it’s a great choice for those who want a more powerful high compared to other milder cannabinoids like Delta 8 or HHC.

The main difference between THCA and Delta 9 THC is that THC is psychoactive while THCA isn’t. On a molecular level, this difference is due to THCA containing a molecular carboxyl ring that THC doesn’t have. However, THCA will turn into THC once heated, so you shouldn’t smoke, vape, or dab THCA or other smokable THCA products if you don’t want to feel high.

• THCA: In its raw form, it is not psychoactive. However, when heated (smoking, vaping, cooking), it undergoes decarboxylation and converts into Delta-9 THC, causing a strong, intoxicating high.
• CBD: It is never psychoactive. It does not get you high and is often used to counteract the effects of THC. 

• THCA: Often used for inflammation, nausea, and neuroprotective properties. In its heated form, it is used for severe pain.
• CBD: Known for anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, and sedative properties (improving sleep).
• Both: Many users prefer a combination (the "entourage effect") for pain management. 

As of November 2024, THCA is legal in Virginia and many other states in the country. Its legality is due to the 2018 Farm Bill, which states that hemp products are federally legal to sell if they contain less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC on a dry weight basis. Since rules around cannabinoids may change and some states have made THCA illegal, we’d recommend checking state laws when you’re purchasing THCA or traveling across state lines with it.

Since THCA doesn’t have much research around it and most drug tests aren’t looking for THCA, unclear how long THCA stays in your system after consuming it in a non-heated form. 

However, if you consume heated THCA, it won’t come back on a drug test as THCA. Instead, it will show up as Delta 9 THC, and you can expect it to stay in your system as long as Delta 9 would (between 3 to 30 days, depending on how often you use it). 

If you have an upcoming drug test, it’s best not to consume heated THCA to be as safe as possible. We’d also recommend not consuming raw THCA, as some drug tests may misinterpret it as THC. 

If you’re looking for THCA products in Raleigh, Carolindica has you covered. All of our products are hand-crafted and sourced from only the best ingredients to ensure product quality. Our current THCA products include our premium prerolls and THCA live resin. You can also find a wide selection of CBD, THC, and special blend edibles, smokeables, tinctures, and concentrates.

Check out our full selection of cannabis products today.