{"id":601,"date":"2021-10-03T10:00:49","date_gmt":"2021-10-03T10:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bloomnews.wpenginepowered.com\/?p=601"},"modified":"2025-11-12T20:32:52","modified_gmt":"2025-11-12T20:32:52","slug":"demystifying-the-differences-between-thca-and-thc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.bloommarijuana.com\/education\/demystifying-the-differences-between-thca-and-thc\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the Difference Between THCa and THC"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Many people are familiar with the cannabinoid THC, but did you know that it comes from the raw acid compound THCa? In this article I will clarify how THCa is converted into THC and list the many benefits of THCa and THC. I will also explain how the percentages of THCa and THC that appear on your cannabis product labels are derived.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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THC vs THCa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

THCa or Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is the non-psychotropic cannabinoid found in raw and live cannabis. THC or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is the active, psychotropic cannabinoid. They share a very similar chemical composition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the Difference Between THCa and THC<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The difference between the two cannabinoids is the addition of a carboxyl group in THCa. THCa does not bind well with either CB1 or CB2 receptors in our endocannabinoid system. It is not psychotropic due to its 3-dimensional shape and larger size which prevents it from fitting into CB1 receptors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is also thought that THCa, together with some of the other acid forms of cannabinoids, may act to inhibit COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, resulting in the potential to reduce pain and inflammation. Both these enzymes produce prostaglandins which promote inflammation, pain and fever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the raw form THCa is heated, it is converted into THC through the process of decarboxylation. There are many ways for that to happen that include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n