Smoking THCA flower is an intriguing experience that involves the raw, non-intoxicating form of cannabis. Unlike traditional THC, THCA does not produce psychoactive effects until it is heated.
However, When you heat it up, THCA, which doesn’t get you high, turns into THC, and that’s what gives you the intoxicating effects. This process is known as decarboxylation. As a result, users can expect a mild to moderate high, often described as clear-headed and enhancing sensory perceptions. This makes THCA flower a popular choice for those seeking the benefits of THC without the intensely psychoactive experience.
Moreover, THCA has potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, appealing to both recreational users and individuals exploring cannabis for its therapeutic effects.
Smoking THCA flower strains offers a unique way to experience the subtler sides of cannabis, providing both enjoyment and potential health benefits.
What Does THCA Do When Smoked?
When THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is smoked, it undergoes a chemical transformation called decarboxylation. This process involves the removal of a carboxyl group from the THCA molecule, facilitated by the heat generated from smoking. As a result, THCA is converted into THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the active form of the compound that produces psychoactive effects.
Here’s what happens in more detail:
Decarboxylation: The heat from smoking, typically above 220 degrees Fahrenheit (104 degrees Celsius), activates decarboxylation. This converts the non-psychoactive THCA into psychoactive THC very efficiently.
Psychoactive Effects: Once converted to THC, it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, particularly binding to the CB1 receptors in the brain. This interaction produces the well-known effects of cannabis, such as euphoria, relaxation, altered sensory perception, and, in some cases, increased appetite or creativity.
Immediate Onset: The effects of THC from smoked cannabis, including from THCA flower, are typically felt almost immediately after inhalation. This is because the compounds are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs and then transported directly to the brain.
Duration and Intensity: The intensity and duration of the effects can vary based on several factors, including the amount of THCA in the flower, the temperature at which it’s smoked, and the individual’s metabolism and tolerance. Generally, the effects can last from 1 to 3 hours.
Does THCA Flower Get You Stoned?
No, the THCA flower does not get you stoned by itself. THCA is the non-psychoactive precursor to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. In its natural state, THCA does not produce psychoactive effects because it does not readily bind to the CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which are responsible for the psychoactive effects associated with feeling “high.”
To become psychoactive, THCA flower get you high when it is converted into THC. Decarboxylation is a process in which it is exposed to heat. This transformation occurs when cannabis is smoked, vaporized, or cooked, converting THCA into THC.
Therefore, if you consume it without heating it — for example, if you eat it raw or juice it — it would not produce psychoactive effects. Only when heated through smoking, vaping, or cooking, does THCA convert into THC and have the potential to make a “stoned” feeling.
How Does THCA Affect The Brain?
THCA, in its original form, does not produce psychoactive effects because it does not effectively bind to the CB1 receptors in the brain, which are primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabinoids. However, when THCA is heated through processes like smoking or vaping, it converts into THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), which does have a significant impact on the brain.
Here’s a breakdown of how THC, the decarboxylated form of THCA, affects the brain:
Binding to Receptors: THC closely mimics the action of natural neurotransmitters in the brain by binding to cannabinoid receptors, particularly CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system. This interaction alters everyday brain communication.
Neurotransmitter Release: By binding to these receptors, THC can modify the release of neurotransmitters, which control pleasure, memory, thinking, concentration, movement, coordination, and sensory and time perception. This alteration in neurotransmitter activity leads to the well-known effects of cannabis, such as euphoria, relaxation, altered perception, and heightened sensory experiences.
Impact on Memory: THC affects brain areas that handle memory formation, specifically the hippocampus. This can lead to difficulties forming new memories and retrieving existing ones under the influence.
Mood Alterations: THC stimulates the brain’s reward system by triggering the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine at higher levels than usual. This creates feelings of pleasure and can also lead to altered moods, varying from relaxation to anxiety and paranoia in some individuals.
Pain Relief: THC’s interaction with the pain perception pathways in the brain helps reduce pain and decrease inflammation, which is why cannabis is often cited for its therapeutic effects. If you are suffering from pain, then you can order THCA vape disposable to get an effective result.
Decreased Coordination and Reaction Time: THC affects the cerebellum and basal ganglia, brain areas that regulate balance, posture, coordination, and reaction time. This can impair motor skills and coordination.
Conclusion: Is THCA Better Than Delta 8?
THCA and Delta 8 THC offer distinct experiences and benefits, making them suitable for different users. THCA, in its raw form, is non-psychoactive but transforms into THC upon smoking, providing immediate psychoactive effects like euphoria and relaxation due to its efficient binding with CB1 receptors in the brain. This makes THCA ideal for those seeking the traditional effects of cannabis with a quick onset and the added benefit of potential therapeutic uses such as pain relief and mood enhancement.
On the other hand, Delta 8 THC is known for producing milder, higher, and less intense psychoactive effects, which might be preferable for individuals looking for a less overwhelming experience or those new to cannabis. Ultimately, the choice between THCA and Delta 8 depends on the user’s desired effects and tolerance levels, making both valuable in their own right within the diverse landscape of cannabis products.
