2024 Cannabinoid Matchup: THCA vs. CBDA

THCA and CBDA are both raw precursor cannabinoids found in raw cannabis. While they have a lot in common in terms of their chemical properties, they’re also two extremely different cannabinoids in terms of how they affect us, mainly once they have been decarboxylated and converted into THC and CBD, as we all know.

THCA and CBDA are different from each other in a host of ways, but you might be surprised by just how much they actually have in common with one another. And, that’s why it’s important to know the key differences between them, as one could be far more suitable for you than the other. Plus, lots of us have a specific purpose for taking a hemp-infused product, and one of these two cannabinoids might be a better capable of helping you reach your goals.

So, time to now compare them and help you figure out which of the two is more suited to your needs.

Contender #1: THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)

THCA, aka tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is the raw, acidic cannabinoid found in raw cannabis, and it’s the precursor to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Because the cannabinoid has not yet been decarboxylated (heated to a specific temperature to convert THCA into delta 9 THC), its effects are totally different from THC. THCA only exists in raw cannabis, because once the cannabinoid has been heated through the process of decarboxylation, it converts into delta 9 THC and takes on new properties, including psychoactive effects. The hemp plant yields about 0.3% THCA, while in marijuana, it’s the dominant cannabinoid.

THCA is also legal under federal law (2018 Farm Bill), since the United States only bans products containing more than 0.3% delta 9 THC, and THCA, despite becoming delta 9 when heated, isn’t classified as delta 9. This means that even products like THCA flower and vapes are legal. But, there are 5 states that have banned products that contain more than 0.3% “total” THC – aka a combination of delta 9 and THCA.

What’s the High Like?

When it’s consumed as a raw cannabinoid, THCA does not have any psychoactive properties, and so it won’t get you high. That’s because raw cannabinoids do not interact with CB1 receptors that cause intoxication. But, products that must be decarboxylated to be consumed, like THCA vapes, dabs and flower, allow the THCA to chemically convert into delta 9 THC, which means you’re then consuming delta 9, and not THCA. So, these 3 types of THCA products are actually intoxicating.

What are THCA’s Non-Psychoactive Properties?

Like all raw cannabinoid precursors, THCA does not attach to CB1 and CB2 receptors, since that only occurs with post-decarboxylated cannabinoids. But, THCA is an antioxidant, and have the ability to regulate COX-1 and COX-2, two enzymes that impact the body’s inflammatory response. COX-1 and COX-2 are responsible for the release of prostaglandins, which cause the pain associated with inflammation.

THCA also plays a huge part in maintaining two proteins in the body known as TRPA1 and TRPV2, which are channels that enable our body’s endocannabinoids to do their jobs.

• TPRA1 regulate for pain, itching, tolerance to cold and sensitivity to irritants in the environment.
• TRPV2 is responsible for body temperature regulation.

Something else to know about THCA is that it’s shown to increase anandamide uptake. Anandamide is a cannabinoid produced within the body that has a powerful influence on mood regulation, as well as sleep.

Does THCA Have Benefits?

The research on THCA is still in its early stages, and many of the potential benefits we will be covering are based on preliminary studies. Additional extensive clinical trials are needed to totally know the effects and potential therapeutic uses of THCA. So, with all that being said, here are several potential benefits:

• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: THCA has shown potential as an anti-inflammatory agent. This could be beneficial for conditions like arthritis and lupus.
• Neuroprotective Effects: Early studies indicate that THCA may have neuroprotective properties, which could be useful in treating neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
• Anti-Proliferative Effects: Some research suggests that THCA may inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, though this area requires much more research before any firm conclusions can be drawn.
• Anti-Emetic Effects: THCA might help in reducing nausea and vomiting. This can be particularly beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
• Analgesic Properties: There's some evidence suggesting THCA might help in pain management, though it's not as strong as THC in this regard.

Does THCA Have Side Effects?

THCA itself is non-psychoactive, but it can have some potential side effects, though they are generally mild compared to THC. Some potential side effects of THCA include:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Dry Mouth
• Hunger/Munchies
• Drowsiness

Who Would Prefer THCA?

When left raw, THCA is not recreational, and used therapeutically. Like we said, it has anti-inflammatory properties, and can help with sleep and mood, while also being a potent antioxidant. But, when THCA is sold in product types like dabs, flower and vapes, it’s used because of the fact that the THCA will turn into delta 9 THC. So, a product like THCA flower is used recreationally, because it mimics cannabis.

Contender #2: CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid)

CBDA is the raw, acidic precursor to CBD, found in raw cannabis prior to decarboxylation. This means that when you handle the raw buds of the hemp plant, you have a product high in CBDA, and not CBD.

CBDA is a legal cannabinoid under federal law because of the 2018 Farm Bill and it’s not banned in any states, as it is non-intoxicating.

What’s the High Like?

CBDA is not psychoactive. Even decarboxylated, CBD is not intoxicating as it has no psychoactive properties, and raw cannabinoids in general don’t act on CB1 receptors that cause us to get high, as you saw with THCA, above.

Does CBDA Have Any Benefits?

CBDA is actually very useful independently of CBD, as its properties are very distinctive. Again, raw cannabinoids don’t act on CB1 and CB2 receptors, but do work with endocannabinoids, which are cannabinoids produced by the body’s endocannabinoid system. While CBD and CBDA do share some overall effects in common, the means through which they deliver these effects are distinctive since they are ultimately two different compounds.

• Serotonin Uptake: CBDA works closely with 5-ht receptors, which influence our serotonin levels. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that regulates our mood, sleep cycle, sexual function, metabolism and energy levels, and even plays a role in appetite. Low serotonin is associated with depressive disorders and other mental health dysfunctions. CBD also works on these receptors, but CBDA’s effects seem to be significantly more potent. Because of its influence on 5-ht receptors, it may also reduce nausea.
• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: CBDA has the impressive ability to regulate inflammation by inhibiting COX-2, the enzyme that precedes the body’s inflammatory response. Studies show that CBDA’s effects on inflammation may be quite powerful and comparable to those of NSAIDs.
• Influence on SARS-CoV-2: In early 2022, a study was published that found that when taken with CBGA, CBDA was able to prevent SARS-CoV-2 from entering the cells of the lungs and other organs. CBDA and CBGA bind to the spike protein of the virus to change its external structure, which prevents it from making its way into the organs of the body where it can cause the virus to become much more lethal.

Does CBDA Have Any Side Effects?

While CBDA is believed to have therapeutic potential, it's essential to note that any substance, including natural compounds like CBDA, can have side effects in some individuals. Potential side effects may be influenced by various factors, including the dosage, individual sensitivity, and interactions with other medications or substances. These can be the following:

• Dry Mouth
• Dizziness
• Changes in Appetite
• Diarrhea
• Changes in Mood or Alertness

Who Would Prefer CBDA?

CBDA, being nonintoxicating, does not have any recreational value. But, it does come with lots of valuable effects that can be used therapeutically, so again, keep that in mind.

The Winner Is…

Both THCA and CBDA are raw cannabinoids that’re quite useful even before getting decarboxylated. But, simultaneously, one of the two becomes psychoactive once it’s heated, meaning that THCA products may be used for getting high – specifically, THCA vapes, flower and dabs. So, it’s up to you which of these two can give you more of the effects that you’re looking for. We recommend trying THCA products and CBDA products available at The Calm Leaf, as both can give you lots of positive effects in your daily life. Not to mention, we only carry lab-tested, highly effective products from the leading brands in our industry today.