THCa and CBD are the two most important cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. They offer various potential health benefits without the psychoactive effects associated with THC.
Knowing the differences between THCa vs CBD is crucial if you want to use cannabis for medicinal purposes or any other specific need.
So here we are at Finexwell to explore the difference between the two and their potential benefits so that you can choose the right cannabinoid for your needs.
We are also providing you with a detailed understanding of CBD vs THCa to help you make better decisions for your wellness routine.
What is THCA?
THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is a non-psychoactive compound found in raw, fresh cannabis plants. It is converted into THC when exposed to heat, inducing the psychoactive effects associated with the use of cannabis.
THCa is studied and is popular for its potential neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antiemetic qualities.
Effects and Benefits of THCA
THCa may offer several potential health benefits without the psychoactive effects associated with THC. The benefits are as follows:
Reduce inflammation
THCa may help in reducing inflammation, which could help patients with inflammatory issues such as arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Neuroprotective Effects
THCa may protect neurons from age-related damage, which could treat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Antiemetic Properties
THCa may alleviate vomiting and nausea, which can be particularly therapeutic for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or other treatments that cause these side effects.
In conclusion, THCa is a non-psychoactive compound of a raw cannabis plant with potential medical benefits. While research is underway to understand THCa fully, it may be a promising compound for future medical treatments.
What is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the many cannabinoids found in the marijuana and hemp plants. It has become immensely popular in recent years, thanks to its potential therapeutic effects such as anxiety reduction, pain relief, seizure reduction, and sleep improvement.
CBD is also non-psychoactive which means it does not produce the “high” associated with cannabis use and is legal in the United States when made from hemp having less than 0.3% THC.
Effects and Benefits of CBD
CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has become quite popular in recent years, thanks to its potential therapeutic effects.
It does not produce an intoxicating effect like THC, therefore proves to be an effective supplement for individuals who seek relief from various health issues without psychoactive effects associated with cannabis.
CBD is available in various forms such as capsules, oils, topicals, and edibles.
Here are some benefits of CBD in detail:
Anxiety & Depression
CBD shows potential in relieving anxiety and stress-related disorders such as generalized anxiety, PTSD, social anxiety, and insomnia.
Pain Relief
CBD possesses analgesic properties that help to alleviate pain in issues such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, and neuropathic pain.
It interacts with the endocannabinoid system and other pain-regulating receptors of the body to relieve inflammation and modulate pain perception.
Anti-inflammatory
CBD’s anti-inflammatory qualities help in relieving inflammation in various diseases, such as autoimmune disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, and skin conditions like eczema and acne.
Antioxidant
CBD also possesses antioxidant properties, which may protect cells against the damage caused by oxidative stress and free radicals.
These properties also let CBD potentially prevent and treat various diseases associated with oxidative stress, such as cardiovascular diseases and some cancer types.
Neuroprotective
CBD may also protect the brain from damage and support healthy brain function, thanks to its neuroprotective qualities.
Also, research is in progress to determine its potential in preventing and treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis.
Anticonvulsant
Last but not least, CBD has gained praise for its potential anticonvulsant qualities, particularly in treating certain forms of epilepsy, such as Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndrome.
Trials have found that it may reduce seizure frequency in these conditions, contributing to the development of Epidiolex, the first FDA-approved CBD-based medication.
Despite the potential CBD benefits we listed above, it’s important to note that CBD may not work for everyone and for every condition. Also, make sure to consult with a healthcare professional before including CBD in your routine.
What’s The Difference Between CBD and THCA?
While both CBD and THCa are non-psychoactive cannabinoids with potential therapeutic benefits, there are some important differences between the two that must be kept in mind before choosing a cannabinoid for yourself.
So let’s take a closer look at the chemical differences, effects comparison, and medical benefits between CBD vs THCa.
Chemical Differences
Both THCa and CBD are cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant, despite having unique chemical structures. THCa is the acidic precursor to THC, the psychoactive compound of cannabis and turns into THC when heated or decarboxylated.
Whereas CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that does not induce a “high” like THC. The molecular structures of THCa and CBD are also different as THCa has a carboxylic acid group, whereas CBD has a hydroxyl group.
These variations in chemical structures impact how the cannabinoids work with the endocannabinoid system of the body.
Effects Comparison
THCa and CBD produce different effects on the body. THCa is non-psychoactive and does not induce the “high” associated with THC and may have antiemetic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects.
Whereas CBD is popular for a wide range of therapeutic benefits such as anti-inflammation, anti-anxiety, and analgesic properties.
When comparing the effects of both of them it’s crucial to consider that they may work differently with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
Research suggests that THCa binds to PPAR receptors, which are involved in neuroprotection, while CBD works with different receptor sites, having many medicinal effects.
Medical Benefits Comparison
Both THCa and CBD have potential medical benefits. THCa may be effective for issues such as inflammation, nausea, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Whereas CBD has been shown to have a range of therapeutic effects, including relieving pain, reducing anxiety, and improving sleep.
What Does CBD Feel Like?
CBD is one of the most studied cannabinoids to date and has been used in the wellness space for years.
It feels like a gentle wave of relaxation that helps alleviate stress and anxiety and offers a sense of calm and balance without producing a high or altering perception.
Some users also report relief from inflammation & chronic pain and ease in managing everyday challenges after using CBD.
While the overall effect of CBD can be different in different individuals because of various factors such as body chemistry, dosage, and the specific condition being addressed, it promotes a state of well-being and tranquility in almost all users.
Still, if you want to include CBD in your daily routine, make sure to consult a reputable healthcare provider.
Does THCA Make You Feel High?
No, THCa does not make you high in its raw form as it is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid and doesn’t contain the components that a cannabinoid needs to induce a high.
In fact, when THCa is consumed by juicing raw cannabis leaves in smoothies, it may offer toxication-free therapeutic benefits like anti-inflammation, neuroprotection, and more.
However, when THCa is heated, it turns into THC which has the potential to make you high. So if you smoke THCa sand crystals, you need to be careful as it might give you undesirable euphoric effects.
Also, it may show up on drug tests due to the trace amounts of THC which is why we recommend using THCa responsibly.
Conclusion
THCa and CBD are 2 important cannabinoids of the cannabis plant that have potential therapeutic uses.
While both of them are non-psychoactive, there are many differences between them that must be considered before choosing a cannabinoid for your specific needs.
THCa, found in raw cannabis, offers potential benefits without psychoactive effects unless heated whereas CBD provides anxiety and pain relief, without any intoxication.
So whether you are exploring the raw benefits of THCa, or seeking the calming effects of CBD, make sure to consider your needs & preferences, consult with a healthcare professional, and stay updated about the legal status of these compounds in your area.
FAQs
Is THCA CBD the same?
No, THCa and CBD are 2 different compounds of the cannabis plant. While THCa is the acidic precursor to THC, CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that does not produce a high or euphoric feeling.
How is THCA flower made?
THCa flower is made by harvesting cannabis plants before they mature. The plant is then dried and cured to keep the THCa content intact.
THCa flowers can be consumed in several ways such as vaping, smoking, and cooking. When it is heated or smoked, it turns into THC and produces psychoactive effects.
Is THCA better than CBD?
Both THCa and CBD have their set of benefits and are used for different purposes. While THCa offers potential therapeutic effects without producing a “high” effect, CBD is widely preferred for its anti-inflammatory, calming, and pain-relief qualities.
Is CBD or THCA help with pain?
It’s hard to say whether CBD or THCa helps more with pain as different users have experienced different results with both compounds.
While some users report CBD’s efficacy in relieving pain, some find THCa to be more suitable for the purpose. So it’s best to try both and observe the effects before making a conclusion.
Are THCa and CBD legal?
The legality of THCa and CBD varies from region to region. While CBD made from hemp is legal in several places in the United States, THCa’s legality depends on local cannabis laws. So it’s crucial to check local regulations before buying or consuming these cannabinoids.
Does CBD Contain THCa?
CBD and THCa are two separate cannabinoids. While they can be present in the same cannabis plant, CBD products usually don’t have THCa. However, always check product labels and COAs for specific cannabinoid content.