Does THCA Get You High?
Despite popular belief, THCA in its raw form won’t get you high. Once exposed to heat, however, THCA transforms into THC. This delivers the effects most people associate with recreational marijuana. While THCA is the precursor to THC, it doesn’t have the same psychoactive effects due to its unique chemical structure.
In this blog, we’ll break down all the basics of THCA and how to choose the right product for your lifestyle and needs.
Will THCA Get You High?
THCA is a natural compound found in cannabis. In its raw form, THCA is non-psychoactive. Once it’s exposed to heat through methods like smoking, vaping, or cooking, THCA converts to THC, producing psychoactive effects. This transformation, called decarboxylation, allows THCA to produce the effects of traditional THC-based products.
Many people see THCA as a legal workaround to THC.
Under federal law, hemp products are legal as long as they are Farm Bill compliant, meaning there can be no more than 0.3% THC. THCA technically falls outside THC restrictions, which is why products with high THCA can be sold as long as they meet the THC limit before heating.
When THCA is heated and converted to THC, the resulting “high” depends largely on the concentration of THCA in the product — the higher the THCA content, the stronger the potential effects are when activated.
How THCA Converts into THC
THCA converts into THC through a process called “decarboxylation,” which occurs when heat is applied. Decarboxylation removes a part of the THCA molecule — a small chain known as the carboxylic acid group, symbolized by the "A" in THCA.
Once that part is removed by smoking, vaping, or cooking, THCA transforms into THC, which is the compound that causes psychoactive effects, or the “high.”
What To Expect From THCA Products
In its raw form, THCA has very subtle effects.
Most people use it to support antioxidant intake or to balance the endocannabinoid system, which may help with general wellness and cellular health.
Raw THCA is a popular choice for those looking for potential benefits without any psychoactive effects. Consumption methods include taking THCA drops or juicing the raw flower for its immune-supportive, neuroprotective, and antioxidant properties.
When heated and converted into THC, users report sensations like relaxation, euphoria, and heightened perception. This transformation also often leads to increased appetite, known as “the munchies,” making THCA popular among those looking for a recreational cannabis experience.
How To Use THCA Products
From pre-rolls to raw flower, THCA comes in many forms. Here’s everything you need to know about product types, dosing, and safety:
How to Choose the Right THCA Product
Finding the right THCA product is all about understanding your preferences and needs. Here are some popular ways to experience THCA:
- THCA Fower: Raw flower offers a lot of versatility. It can be added to smoothies for extra fiber and to support the endocannabinoid system without psychoactive effects, but it’s more commonly used like cannabis flower. One can smoke or vape it in a device or roll it into joints.
- THCA Pre-Rolls: If you prefer a classic smoking experience, THCA pre-rolls are a great option with fast effects.
- THCA Vapes: Smooth, portable, and gentle on the lungs, vapes let you get all the benefits of THCA without the intensity of smoking.
- THCA Tinctures: Perfect for tailored dosing so you can customize your experience and enjoy THCA in a more controlled way.
- THCA Edibles: Get longer-lasting effects without an intense high.
Dosing THCA for Optimal Effects
As with any cannabis product, the rule of thumb is to start low and go slow. For new users or those converting THCA to THC with heat, a small dose helps gauge tolerance and effects without overdoing it.
Smoking THCA flower or THCA vapes allows you to start with just a puff or two and increase as needed. With edibles, patience is key — effects can take longer to kick in but also last longer, so start with a small amount and give it time.
Safety Considerations
If you’re new to cannabis or unfamiliar with THCA, you should know that each product may feel different and have varying onset times.
Begin with minimal amounts to understand how THCA affects you. This approach allows you to find a comfortable balance, minimizing the risk of any unwanted effects.
The Takeaway: Does THCA Get You High?
THCA is a naturally occurring compound found in raw cannabis. In its raw form, it’s non-psychoactive, offering wellness benefits without altering your state of mind. When heated, THCA converts to THC, delivering the classic high that many recreational cannabis users seek out.
Whether you’re curious about the wellness perks of raw THCA or the “high” of THC, there’s a lot to explore. Check out VIIA’s range of THCA products to find options that suit your lifestyle.
