You’ve probably heard a lot about THC. It is the psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis that makes you feel intoxicated in addition to other beneficial mental and physical effects. But what about a lesser known cannabinoid called THC-A?
THC-A is NOT psychoactive.
THC-A is the raw form of THC. The “A” is an acidic molecule that is attached to THC and falls off with aging, light, or exposure to heat. It is referred to as the precursor to THC and is ideal for those who need symptom relief without mind altering side effects. Initial studies are finding that this component of cannabis is proving beneficial for reducing inflammation, curbing nausea, increasing appetite, and as a nerve protective agent particularly in regard to degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
THC-A meets many needs.
Do you need help with inflammation? Do you suffer from nausea? Did you find CBD ineffective? Do you want to avoid the drowsiness and mind-altering effects of THC? You may find that THC-A is the right fit for you.
How do we make THC-A products?
If you eat cannabis in its raw form, you will be consuming mostly THC-A and very little THC. People have historically heated cannabis to turn it into the more activated form, which is the psychoactive THC compound that we are all familiar with. At Verdes, we extract THC-A through a cold process that preserves the highest integrity of the cannabinoids.
You can take THC-A more often throughout the day because it is not mind-altering and is less likely to cause drowsiness. As always, go low and slow! Try it out in a controlled environment that you feel comfortable in until you know how it affects you. You can expect a THC-A tincture to take effect in about 20 minutes and last about two hours.
With THC-A remember to AVOID HEAT!
It is important to understand that THC-A can be activated and turned into THC (a psychoactive cannabinoid) with heat and/or acidity.
Activation of THC-A into THC occurs when it is heated to about 220°F. THC-A will also convert to THC if you mix it with acidic liquids like coffee or orange juice. Store THC-A in a cool, dark location.
Consider the effects you desire and adjust the amount accordingly. You may prefer the benefits of THC over THC-A if you enjoy the euphoria from cannabis. You can also benefit from consuming both compounds together. Combining THC-A with more traditional forms of THC may produce comprehensive benefits and symptom relief.
We’re here to help.
Stop by and speak with one of our Customer Service Representatives to find out more about our THC-A tincture!
As the Head of Education & Culture for Verdes Cannabis, a legacy cannabis company in New Mexico, Kelly is responsible for researching, creating, and delivering cannabis education to not only staff but also to clients and the community. She has extensively studied cannabis for the last 5 years, receiving several certificates from the Medical Cannabis Institute and Medical Marijuana 411. She continues her studies by attending medical cannabis conferences and monthly webinars with the top researchers and doctors in the field of medical cannabis. She enjoys being able to use her extensive knowledge and training in cannabis to educate and help others learn about this amazing plant.