Does THCA Get You High? Exploring Effects, Science, and Myths

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THCA, in its raw form, does not get you high. However, heated THCA converts into THC, which produces psychoactive effects just like regular cannabis. Smoking, vaping, or baking THCA flower or extract allows the compound to express its mind-altering potential fully.

This article answers the question, does THCA get you high? It also examines THCA’s research-backed benefits, how it differs from THC, and what happens when you heat it. 

What is THCA?

THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the acidic, inactive form of standard THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). It is highly concentrated in hemp and cannabis plants and full of therapeutic and non-psychoactive benefits in its unheated form. 

THCA is molecularly similar to THC except for an extra carboxyl group consisting of a carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen atom. The carboxyl group gives it a distinct shape and weight compared to THC, which impacts how THCA interacts with the body to exhibit its effects. 

Does THCA Get You High?

Consuming THCA in its raw form, such as through cold-pressed extracts or ingesting unheated flowers, does not get you high. THCA will not get you high because its extra carboxyl groups mean that it can’t bind effectively to cannabinoid receptors (CB1) in the brain, like THC, to elicit psychoactive effects.

However, if you apply heat, THCA breaks down and loses the carboxyl group through called decarboxylation (aka decarb). This chemical conversion process transforms THCa into standard THC, which binds powerfully with CB1 receptors to provide euphoric, soothing, and sensory-altering effects. 

In other words, smoking, vaping, or baking THCA will get you high, just like regular weed.

How Does THCA Work in the Body?

THCA interacts with the body differently depending on whether it's raw or decarboxylated. THCA also exhibits several mechanisms of action.

Raw, nonpsychoactive THCA targets specialized enzymes and receptor channels. Raw, nonpsychoactive THCA interacts with key enzymes like phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC) to manage immune strength and reduce inflammation. It also affects transient receptor potential (TRP) channels to help regulate pain perception, inflammation, and temperature sensitivity at the cellular level.

THCA also binds weakly to receptors in the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a neuromodulatory system with CB1 and CB2 receptors that help regulate sleep, mood, appetite, pain perception, and stress. THCA does not bind powerfully to these receptors but improves ECS function indirectly by reducing inflammatory markers and enhancing the body's natural endocannabinoid tone.

Conversely, decarboxylated THCA (or THC) has a strong connection with CB1 receptors in brain regions responsible for cognitive and sensory processing, like the hippocampus (memory and learning), prefrontal cortex (decision-making and perception), and basal ganglia (motor control). This connection alters normal communication between neurons, leading to changes in perception, mood, time, and spatial awareness—hallmarks of the "high" associated with cannabis use.

THCA vs. THC: Key Differences

THCA and THC are distinct compounds that are inextricably linked through the process of decarboxylation. The key differences appear in the psychoactivity, benefits, and chemical structure. 

• Chemical structure: THCA and THCA are both cannabinoids found in hemp and cannabis. THCA has a carboxyl group attached to its molecule, while THC does not. This chemical difference is responsible for the non-psychoactive properties of raw THCA and the psychoactive properties of THC. 
• Psychoactivity: THCA is inactive in its raw form until heated and decarboxylated. THC is naturally psychoactive, producing mind-altering and physically relaxing effects. 
• Benefits: THCA and THC have potential therapeutic effects but differ slightly in their specific properties. Raw THCA is more associated with anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-nausea properties, while THC is commonly used for pain relief, anxiety reduction, and appetite stimulation.

What is a High THCA Percentage?

Most of the THCA in flowers and extracts converts to THC when heated, so a high THCA percentage mimics what you’d expect from a potent weed strain.  

• THCA flower

Hemp and cannabis flowers that contain 5-10% THCA exhibit mild to moderate psychoactive properties. 15% or higher THCA potency yields moderate to strong effects. 30% or higher is considered extremely intense. 

• THCA vapes

Vapes are typically 2-3 times as potent as flowers. Thus, a high THCA percentage in vapes falls around 50% or higher, like in QWIN’s Puffy 3G THCA disposable vapes. 

Decarboxylation Explained

During decarboxylation, THCA undergoes a chemical reaction in which the carboxyl group attached to its molecular structure is removed. This process is triggered by heat, which causes the molecule to break down and release CO2. As a result, THCA converts into THC.

The decarboxylation process typically occurs through baking, smoking, or vaping THCA.

• Heat (Oven Method): Applying heat, such as baking THCA flowers in an oven, is a common way to decarboxylate THCA. Baking THCA flower in gentle heat, 220-250°F (105-120°C) for about 30-45 minutes activates the compound and converts it into THC without burning the plant material.
• Smoking or Vaping: When cannabis is smoked or vaporized, the heat from the flame or vaporizer automatically decarboxylates the THCA, converting it into THC. 

Benefits of THCA

Raw THCA’s unique molecular structure gives it similar benefits to CBD and THC without the psychoactive impact. Laboratory and animal studies indicate that THCA has anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, cancer-fighting, and anti-convulsant properties. 

• Anti-Nausea: THCA appears to be even more potent than THC at reducing nausea and vomiting, which could make it a vital option for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
• Anti-Inflammatory: THCA shows significant anti-inflammatory effects, which could benefit conditions such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and Crohn’s disease. By reducing inflammation, THCA may help ease chronic pain and enhance mobility.
• Neuroprotection: THCA could help preserve brain health and potentially slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Huntington’s disease.
• Cancer Cell Fighter: Initial studies suggest that THCA may delay the growth of specific cancer cells, such as prostate cancer, offering the potential for future cancer treatments.
• Anti-convulsant: THCA may help manage muscle spasms and seizures in conditions like multiple sclerosis and epilepsy, similar to the effects of CBD.

FAQs

Is THCA legal?

THCA is legal in most places where hemp or cannabis products are permitted as long as the THC content after decarboxylation remains within legal limits (usually under 0.3%). However, every state has unique regulations. Check your local laws before purchasing THCA. 

Can THCA help with chronic pain?

Yes, THCA has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, making it potentially beneficial for painful conditions like arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. 

Does heating THCA change its benefits?

Heating THCA via decarboxylation transforms it into THC, which has a different set of effects, including psychoactive properties. Raw THCA offers powerful anti-inflammatory benefits, while decarboxylated THCA, or THC, provides pain relief, mood elevation, and relaxation.

Does THCA have any side effects?

Raw THCA is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. High doses of decarboxylated THC can still result in unwanted effects, such as paranoia, dizziness, or dry mouth.

Elena Schmidt

Writer

Elena Schmidt is a writer, entrepreneur, and yoga teacher in Austin, Texas. She holds a journalism degree from the University of Miami and spent nearly a decade in editorial and content management for the health and beauty sectors. Today, Elena runs a boutique content marketing agency targeted towards brands that matter. Elena has found her passion supporting industries like plant medicine, cannabis, psychedelics, and wellness. She has written countless articles on these subjects and is passionate about spreading the word to those who need it most.