Most people think of cannabis as a psychoactive product, and this is mostly because they focus on the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, many people don’t know about the non-psychoactive precursor for THC, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) that is found in freshly harvested cannabis.
THCA is non-intoxicating or does not make users get high and it has unique therapeutic potential. This piece seeks to help you get a better understanding of THCA Hemp flowers, the science behind their key compound, THCA, and their benefits, to change how you view cannabis as a wellness supplement.
Understanding THCA Hemp Flower
So, what is THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid? Well, this is the cannabinoid or chemical compound found in live or raw freshly harvested cannabis plants. It is basically THC in acidic form and is present before the plant gets exposed to heat.
During drying or curing cannabis, or even heating through such processes as smoking, baking or vaping, THCA is converted into THC, a process called decarboxylation. The transformation leads to the activation of the psychoactive effects that people associate with cannabis consumption.
However, THCA hemp flowers in their natural state, are thus non-psychoactive. As a result, these products rich in THCA are suitable for individuals looking for potential benefits of cannabis but do not want to experience the mind-altering or the high effects that come from THCA.
Health benefits of THCA hemp flower
According to both research and anecdotal evidence, THCA hemp flowers may offer the consumer several health benefits. While there is a need for more clinical studies, there are believed to be some potential therapeutic uses that have become quite well-known and associated with THCA found in THCA hemp flower:
Anti-inflammatory properties
Several studies indicate that THCA could act as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. The cannabinoid has some effect on the body’s cannabinoid system and may assist in reducing inflammation due to conditions like lupus, arthritis and other autoimmune disorders.
To get quality THCA, you can explore reputable vendors like this one and do your due diligence to ensure you’re buying organically grown and hygienically handled cannabis plants.
Pain-relieving (analgesic) effects
Another potential benefit of THCA is that it may help alleviate pain, especially neuropathic and muscle-related pains. The cannabinoid deals with pain by blocking the pain pathways without making the consumers get high.
Anti-nausea and appetite stimulation
This acidic compound, THCA, may help to reduce nausea and even stimulate a desire for food, particularly among those undergoing chemotherapy. From a 2013 study published in PLOS ONE, there was a demonstration that THCA was effective in reducing vomiting and nausea in animal models. As such, it can be a potential non-psychoactive alternative to THC.
Neuroprotective effects
From emerging research, there are indicators that THCA may help to protect nerve cells from damage. Thanks to this effect, the compound is a potential therapeutic tool in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
How to use THCA to get its benefits
Given that heat transforms THCA into THC, consumers must use it raw to derive the natural benefits. Here are some popular methods of using THCA:
- Tinctures and oils – this will involve obtaining cold-pressed or minimally processed cannabis extracts with high THCA levels.
- Raw juicing – entails blending fresh cannabis leaves and buds. You could add some vegetables or fruits.
- Capsules and edibles – these are special formulations designed to preserve THCA content and avoid decarboxylation.
Conclusion
THCA hemp flowers contain THCA, the acidic precursor to THC. They are raw cannabis plants that have not yet been exposed to heat. They have lots of potential health benefits without causing the high associated with THC.
Some of these benefits include pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory effects, appetite stimulation and anti-nausea effects. To get the benefits of THCA hemp flower, you can consume them as oil and tinctures obtained without heating or use them as raw juice or capsules and edibles formulated without decarboxylation.
