what is thc-a

THCA stands for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, which is the precursor to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the well-known psychoactive compound found in cannabis. THCA is found in variable quantities in fresh, undried cannabis, and it is the acidic, non-psychoactive form of THC found in raw, unheated cannabis. THCA is converted into THC through a process called decarboxylation, which involves heating the cannabis buds. THCA is considered non-psychoactive, meaning you do not experience a “high” when imbibing it. However, THCA has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-cancer properties. When smoking cannabis, you are decarboxylating it, converting the THCA into regular THC, which means that in order to absorb THCA, you need to consume it raw or in a supplement form.