Your Quick “HiXotic” Guide to THCA

Did you know that cannabinoids from the hemp plant have been under the spotlight lately? Well, now you do. In fact, there are over 100 different cannabinoids that we can each explore. One of the most sought-after cannabinoids is THCA. This is a cannabinoid which has truly taken the cannabis market by storm. THCA is a “raw” cannabinoid. And, it just so happens to be the raw form of delta 9 THC. Hence, why it’s such a big deal.

If you’re new to the cannabinoids world, you may not know what makes THCA different from, say, delta 8 THC. And, that’s why we’re here today. We’re gonna offer up a guide to THCA that covers everything you could wanna know about it. That way, next time you encounter a THCA product, you know what to expect.

THCA: Starting with the Basics

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is the raw, acidic precursor to delta 9 THC. In the flower buds of the hemp plant, you will only find these acidic cannabinoids, as the plant must undergo a process known as decarboxylation (heating) to convert, say, THCA into THC, and CBDA into CBD.

This means that marijuana flower doesn’t actually contain delta 9 THC, but THCA. It’s only after the plant is heated, like through smoking, that it becomes delta 9. Now, here’s the thing – tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is valuable prior to decarboxylation, as well. Decarbing the cannabinoid completely changes its chemical properties, and how it interacts with the body.

How THCA Gets Us High

So, can THCA get us high? Well, yes and no. When left in its raw state, it can’t – that’s why eating raw cannabis flower buds won’t do anything intoxicating. But, when heating tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, like through vaping a THCA e-liquid, smoking raw flower, or dabbing a THCA concentrate like liquid diamonds, you will get the same high as delta 9 THC. How? Because what you’re consuming is delta 9 THC.

Delta 9 THC’s high is the most famous plant-based high in the world. After all, marijuana’s psychoactive effects come from the plant’s high concentration of delta 9. The high can be very calming and euphoric, and it can even relax the body. The specific effects of the high will depend on the strain you’ve chosen.

THCA’s Possible Benefits

One thing we need to mention is that most THCA-based products encountered on the hemp marketplace, including all HiXotic THCA products, are product types that need to be decarboxylated to be used. What this means is, you’re actually benefiting from delta 9 THC rather than tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. While THCA has unique benefits in its raw form, you’re not getting THCA when you use the products from HiXotic.

So, what are the benefits of delta 9 THC? Fortunately, they’ve been well-documented for many years, through numerous clinical studies, including:

• Inflammation relief.
• Addressing chronic pain in the body.
• Reduction of stress and anxiety symptoms.
• Sleep-enhancing effects.
• Mood-enhancing effects.
• Effects that can improve cognitive functions.
• Neuroprotective/neurological benefits that can improve symptoms associated with epilepsy, MS, Parkinson’s, etc.
• Improved appetite.
• Reduced nausea.

Does THCA Cause Side Effects?

Again, speaking about tetrahydrocannabinolic acid under the assumption that you’re using a product that turns THCA into delta 9 THC, yes, you may experience some side effects. The fortunate thing is that the side effects associated with cannabis are never life-threatening, nor reported to be severe. They’re mild and short-lived, and can include:

• Bloodshot eyes
• Cottonmouth
• Dizziness/lightheadedness
• Drowsiness/fatigue
• Impairment
• Anxiety/paranoia (if you get too high)

Where is THCA Legal?

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is a legal derivative of the hemp plant under federal law. The law plainly states that all hemp derivatives are legal as long as they contain no more than 0.3% delta 9 THC. Yes, THCA does convert into delta 9 THC upon decarboxylation, but the federal government classifies it as a different cannabinoid, and it therefore complies, legally.

However, a growing number of states are implementing a “total THC” law, which means that hemp products sold in that state must contain no more than 0.3% delta 9 THC + THCA, effectively prohibiting sales of THCA products. These state laws are changing rapidly, so we encourage you to check the laws in your state to find out whether or not these products are compliant with where you live.

THCA Product Types to Try

THCA can be turned into either a distillate (liquid extract) or diamonds (the purified, concentrated form of THCA that naturally turns into a crystalline substance). Like we said earlier, you’re most likely to find THCA in product forms that must be heated to be consumed, as this is how THCA converts into delta 9 THC. That being said, the most common THCA products on the market are:

• THCA Vape Cartridges: THCA vape cartridges are pre-filled, 510-threaded cartridges that attach to a 510 battery pen. They contain THCA distillate or liquid diamonds, plus terpene extract, and come in a wide variety of strains.
• THCA Disposable Vapes: THCA disposable vapes are all-in-one vape pens with a cartridge and attached battery, that require no refilling or setup, and very little maintenance. They also come in many strains.
• THCA Flower: THCA flower is hemp flower that’s been bred to yield a high concentration of THCA, to match that of marijuana. It comes in many strains, and is, surprisingly, compliant with federal law.
• THCA Concentrates (Dabs): THCA concentrates like liquid diamonds offer a concentrated form of the cannabinoid, often with equally concentrated terpenes, for extremely strong effects, experienced through vaporizing at a high temperature (aka dabbing).

THCA: A Totally Worthwhile Cannabinoid!

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is, as you can see, a cannabinoid that basically acts as a legal loophole around THC laws in the U.S. This means that the best way to get the delta 9 THC high that you crave, legally, is by going with a THCA vape, flower, or dab product. HiXotic has you covered, with THCA products that give you the blissful high you deserve, in some of the best strains of all-time.