what is thca

THCA stands for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, which is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in raw cannabis plants. It is the precursor to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. THCA is found in variable quantities in fresh, undried cannabis, but is progressively decarboxylated to THC with drying, and especially under intense heating such as when cannabis is smoked or cooked into cannabis edibles. THCA is often the majority constituent in cannabis resin concentrates, such as hashish and hash oil, when prepared from high-THC cannabis fresh plant material, frequently comprising between 50% and 90% by weight. THCA is considered non-psychoactive, meaning you do not experience a “high” when consuming it. However, THCA research has shown that it may offer potential wellness benefits without the high. THCA in its isolated form is available for purchase in select medical and recreational cannabis dispensaries in the form of a white crystalline powder. It can be smoked or vaporized in typical smoking devices, such as a bong or dab rig, which convert the THCA to THC and are used for their psychoactive effects.