2024 Cannabinoid Matchup: THCA vs. CBG

With THCA coming to the market, it’s not surprising that so many people are eager to compare its effects to those of other cannabinoids that they regularly enjoy. THCA’s not inherently psychoactive, being the raw form of delta 9 THC, but when heated, such as when it’s smoked in the form of THCA flower, it delivers that classic THC high. Given that THCA in its true form is nonintoxicating, let’s compare it to another nonintoxicating cannabinoid: CBG, aka cannabigerol.

THCA and CBG are unique from one other in a variety 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.

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), as 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 is the High Like?

THCA, being a raw cannabinoid, has no psychoactive properties, and so it won’t get you high. Raw cannabinoids don’t interact with CB1 receptors that cause intoxication. But, products meant to be decarboxylated, like THCA flower and THCA vapes, allow the THCA to convert into delta 9 THC, so that you’re then consuming delta 9 rather than THCA.

What are THCA’s Non-Psychoactive Properties?

Like all raw precursor cannabinoids, THCA cannot bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors like post-decarboxylated cannabinoids. THCA does, however, act as an antioxidant, and have the ability to regulate COX-1 and COX-2, two enzymes that act as precursors to the body’s inflammatory response. COX-1 and COX-2 cause the release of prostaglandins, which are responsible for the pain caused by inflammation. THCA also regulates the TRPA1 and TRPV2 proteins in the body that act as channels for our body’s own, naturally produced cannabinoids.

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

Plus, THCA can increase anandamide uptake. Anandamide is an endocannabinoid produced in 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 going over here are based on preliminary studies. More extensive clinical trials are needed to fully understand the effects and potential therapeutic uses of THCA. So, some potential benefits would be:

• 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 in its raw form, THCA doesn’t have recreational value, and is used therapeutically. Again, it may offer anti-inflammatory properties, help with sleep and lift mood, while also being a useful antioxidant. But, when THCA comes in forms like flower, dabs 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 because it mimics cannabis while being legal.

Contender #2: CBG (Cannabigerol)

CBG is a cannabinoid found in the immature hemp plant that’s known as the “mother cannabinoid”, because as the plant matures, it splits off into the 100+ cannabinoids that we know of today. CBG refers to the post-decarboxylated form of CBGA, or cannabigerolic acid. CBG is also a federally legal cannabinoid protected under the 2018 Farm Bill and it’s not banned in any states.

What’s the High Like?

CBG is inherently non-intoxicating, even in high doses, because it does not have any psychoactive properties, completely bypassing the CB1 receptors in the brain that are stimulated by THC compounds. While some people notice an improvement in mood after taking CBG, that’s not because they’re high in any way.

Does CBG Have Any Benefits?

CBG has been studied for quite a long time as it’s not a new discovery. So, we do know quite a bit about what it’s capable of in terms of potential benefits such as these:

• Influence on Serotonin and GABA: Research has determined that CBG acts on serotonin and GABA receptors in the brain, to help regulate mood. These neurotransmitters are affected by mood disorders like anxiety and depression, and cannabinoids that balance these neurotransmitters can offer relief.
• Bladder Regulation: CBG has been shown to work strongly on cannabinoid receptors in the bladder, and researchers believe that this could have positive implications for those who struggle with incontinence.
• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: CBG has been studied extensively for its anti-inflammatory activity, as the cannabinoid works very strongly on cannabinoid receptors that are involved in the body’s inflammatory response. This could be really helpful for those with physical discomfort, inflammatory digestive problems and other forms of inflammation.
• Appetite Effects: CBG can act as an appetite stimulant, as is the case with many cannabinoids. CBG has been shown to increase a person’s desire to eat, ensuring that they get their required amount of calories and nutrients.

Does CBG Have Side Effects?

CBG’s side effects are very mild and are not as strong compared to psychoactive cannabinoids. Still, there are some potential side effects that you might encounter such as:

• Dry Mouth
• Dizziness
• Low Blood Pressure
• Gastrointestinal Issues

Who Would Prefer CBG?

Again, because CBG is not intoxicating, that’s the main reason why most people take it as a way to still seeking out effects related to inflammation, immunity, and mood. Since this cannabinoid works so strongly on CB2 receptors, it’s believed it may be particularly useful in terms of these needs.

The Winner Is…

THCA and CBG each bring a lot to the table in terms of potential benefits. On top of that, THCA has the distinction of becoming psychoactive once it’s heated. The good news is that you don’t need to choose one over another if you don’t want to. Both cannabinoids can be extremely useful additions to your cannabinoid repertoire. Explore the amazing selection of THCA products and CBG products available at The Calm Leaf, and then find out for yourself what kinds of enjoyable effects they can bring into your life. We only carry lab-tested, highly effective products from leading brands, making it simple to explore each cannabinoid to its fullest potential.