2024 Cannabinoid Matchup: THCA vs. CBN

THCA is here, offering one of the most unique cannabinoids we’ve ever seen. Being the raw form of THC, THCA comes with fascinating potential benefits, but once it’s heated, it becomes delta 9 THC, the cannabinoid that is perhaps the most sought-after in the cannabis world. Because it’s so new, and most people have no experience taking it, let’s compare it to another hemp-derived cannabinoid, cannabinol (CBN). These cannabinoids have very different properties from one another, but as you will see, they can complement one another.

Contender #1 THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)?

THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) refers to the acidic and raw cannabinoid that acts as the precursor to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), and even exists only in raw cannabis. Because this cannabinoid hasn’t yet been decarboxylated (heated above a certain temperature that converts THCA into delta 9 THC), its properties are totally different from those of delta 9. THCA can only be found in in raw cannabis, because once the cannabinoid has been decarboxylated, it turns into delta 9 THC and takes on new properties, including psychoactive effects. Hemp 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’s the High Like?

Being 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 flower and THCA vapes, force THCA to convert into delta 9 THC, which means you’re then consuming delta 9 rather than THCA. And, of course, delta 9 is a very intoxicating cannabinoid.

What are THCA’s Non-Psychoactive Properties?

Because it’s raw, THCA cannot attach to CB1 and CB2 receptors – this 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 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 associated with inflammation.

And, THCA offers regulatory effects on TRPA1 and TRPV2, two proteins in the body that act as channels for our body’s endocannabinoids.

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

Besides that, THCA may 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?

Overall, research on THCA is still in its early stages, and many of the potential benefits we will be covering are based on preliminary studies. More extensive clinical trials are needed to fully understand the effects and potential therapeutic uses of THCA. Now, some potential benefits would be the following:

• 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 used therapeutically, and is not recreational. Like we said, 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 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, since it mimics cannabis.

Contender #2: CBN (Cannabinol)

CBN (cannabinol) is a minor cannabinoid that was discovered back in 1898, and formally isolated in the 1940s. It’s a cannabinoid that results from delta 9 that has degraded due to exposure to oxygen, and also is present in both hemp and marijuana.

CBN is also a federally legal cannabinoid protected under the 2018 Farm Bill and it’s not banned in any states, due to being non-intoxicating.

What’s the High Like?

CBN is technically intoxicating, but the amount required to get a psychoactive effect would be extremely unrealistic. On top of that, it seems that the cannabinoid’s potential intoxicating properties are very unstable and therefore very elusive. Besides that, the amounts that are found in CBN products will not get you ‘high’.

Does CBN Have Any Benefits?

Cannabinol has been studied over the course of several decades, so here’s what we know about its potential benefits.

• Antibacterial Properties: CBN seems to act as a potent antibacterial, even more so than most other cannabinoids that have been studied intensively. One of the most exciting studies in this area found that CBN may be useful to fight staph infection, with suggestions that it should be considered for antibiotic-resistant infections – a growing concern within the medical community.
• Effects on Sleep: CBN is the most common cannabinoid for sleep, as it seems to offer effects that can be sedating. However, some studies suggest that in order to get these effects, CBN must be combined with a form of THC like delta 8 or delta 9, due to the synergistic relationship that CBN and THC share with one another.
• Stress Relief: Like the above, CBN seems to work on cannabinoid receptors that affect our stress levels. So, it’s not surprising that so many people use cannabinol for both stress and anxiety.
• Influence on Appetite: CBN seems to offer the ability to increase appetite, which is something that is associated with most cannabinoids in the hemp plant.

Does CBN Have Any Side Effects

As with any cannabinoid, CBN can have side effects, which may vary depending on the individual's physiology, the dosage, and the mode of consumption. Common side effects associated with CBN include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness and Light-headedness
• Dry Mouth
• Appetite Changes

Who Would Prefer CBN?

CBN does not have any recreational value. Even though high concentrations can be intoxicating, this cannabinoid isn’t used for getting high. Easily, the most common reason for taking CBN is to get help with sleep, as many hemp products geared toward sleep contain CBN.

The Winner Is…

Both THCA and CBN are extremely useful cannabinoids, each offering lots of properties that most of us can benefit from. Of course, with THCA, it’s about the product you buy. Regardless, we encourage you to experiment with both THCA products and CBG products available at The Calm Leaf, where e only carry lab-tested, highly effective products from leading brands, since these can serve lots of functions in your daily routine.