Is THCA More Indica-Acting or Sativa-Acting?

THCA products like vapes, flower, and dabs actually give the body a generous serving of delta 9 THC, thanks to a process known as decarboxylation, which transforms raw cannabinoids into “active” ones. Because of this, an influx of people are initially exploring the legal hemp-derived THCA products on the marketplace. But, unsurprisingly, there are tons of people who want to have a good idea of how the cannabinoid feels before they dive in headfirst, and it may be most helpful to compare THCA (ultimately delta 9 THC) to something that a lot of seasoned hemp enthusiasts are more familiar with: sativa and indica strains. So, does the high of delta 9 feel more like a sativa, an indica, or somewhere in between?

How Do Indica and Sativa Strains Differ from One Another?

First, let’s talk a bit about the difference between “indica” and “sativa”. Indica and sativa refer to the two main types of strains you can find, as we’re excluding hybrids, which are strains that have both indica and sativa in their lineage.

Indica strains and sativa strains have distinctive properties, and the plants themselves even have noticeable differences in appearance. While sativa strains are tall and lanky, indica strains are short and bushy. In terms of their effects, indica strains are generally known for being more calming – sometimes sedating – and are the strains that’re associated with “couchlock” – a state in which the body high is so strong, the user feels completely uninterested in moving their body.

Meanwhile, sativa strains are more energizing, uplifting, and cerebral. They can also produce a body high, but it’s more of a warm and tingly high than one that feels drowsy. They can be great for focus, creativity, sociability, and motivation. Sativa strains, naturally, are more popular to take during the day, and indica strains at night.

What Does THCA Feel Like?

THCA, aka tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is the raw precursor to delta 9 THC, and it’s the dominant compound in raw cannabis. Only after the plant has been heated in some way does THCA turn into delta 9, and THCA vapes, flower, and dabs all have to be heated to be consumed, which means that the body is actually receiving delta 9 THC – not THCA.

So, what does THC’s high feel like? Well, that depends on a lot of variables, as you will see below. Mainly, what we can say is that the high is very balanced, inherently. It’s both euphoric and relaxing, and the body high feels soothing in the muscles. But, here’s the thing – you will find almost exclusively THCA products that contain terpenes in different strains. In other words, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (delta 9) will be far from the only compound influencing how you feel when you take a THCA product. Let’s elaborate on the various ways in which the effects can be influenced.

What Factors Determine How Your THCA High Feels?

How much tetrahydrocannabinolic acid feels like an indica, or a sativa is up to several variables, from the type of product you take, to the way in which your body just uses THCA. Two people can both take THCA and end up with a unique experience based on these different factors. Let’s explore the most important aspects that change how you feel when taking THCA.

Factor #1: Type of Strain You’re Taking

Of course, if you’re using a THCA product that comes in different strains (in other words, a product that contains terpenes in addition to THCA), then that matters a lot. We answered the question about whether THCA feels more like an indica or a sativa, and in reality, it’s not the THCA that’s going to determine that – it’s whether you’re using an indica, sativa, or hybrid strain.

Factor #2: How Your Body Uses THCA

Another thing that we tend to overlook is the fact that everyone’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) is unique. This is the system of the body that consists of cannabinoid receptors (CB receptors), which “receive” THCA and determine how it’s going to be utilized. Everyone has a distinctive, inherent configuration and quantity of cannabinoid receptors. How your ECS is built can affect things like your tolerance to certain cannabinoids, as well as which types of effects you’re more prone to after taking them.

Factor #3: What Else is in Your System

Other things that are in your system at the time of taking THCA can also play a big role. For example, if you’re smoking THCA flower along with a cup of coffee, the caffeine is going to act synergistically with THCA to introduce a more energizing (sativa-like) high. Taking THCA with, say, delta 8 THC, can mean a more chill (indica-like) kind of high, since delta 8 is known for its more calming effects. Other substances that can influence how you feel when you take THCA include medications and alcohol. For instance, medications that slow down the nervous system, like anti-anxiety medications, can bring out the more indica-like side of THCA. Alcohol can make THCA feel more sedating.

Factor #4: Your State of Mind

Finally, the state of mind you’re in at the time of taking THCA can play a surprising role. For example, let’s say you’re at a party, having fun with your friends. A THCA product may simply elevate your mood even more, whereas taking that same product right before bedtime makes you feel sleepy and calm rather than euphoric and stimulated.

THCA: A Cannabinoid That’s Possesses Both Indica-Like and Sativa-Like Qualities

Ultimately, which type of strain THCA products feel like is gonna depend on a number of things, and it can really be different for everyone. But, at the end of the day, the best way to know how it will make you feel is by giving it a try. While THCA (Delta 9 THC) is more like a hybrid than either a sativa or an indica, THCA-infused products typically come in sativa, indica, and hybrid strains, so that you can decide for yourself which of the two you want to gravitate toward. Once again, how your body uses THC is going to impact how you feel.