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What is the Difference Between CBD and THCA?

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Focus Sativa THCA
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Hybrid Relax THCA
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Cannabis has been a human companion for thousands of years. Back in ancient Egypt and China, it was used medicinally. In terms of spirituality and religious practices, cannabis was a go-to for the ancient Scythians of Central Asia. In more modern times (we’re talking 200 years ago), the use of cannabis became more widespread as artists, musicians, and writers often turned to the green goddess for inspiration and to pique their creativity. In the next century, cannabis would become illegal in most parts of the world. Cannabis has come a long way since its humble beginnings. While legality differs by state nowadays, it’s not as demonized as it once was. Part of this is because in the 20th century, we finally began to understand weed - and although we’ve still got a long way to go, there are so many exciting things that have been discovered and are still being discovered. Today, let’s take a look at two cannabinoids that have made their way into a modern cannabic vocabulary: CBD and THCA.

Key Takeaways

  • CBD and THCA are both cannabinoids found in cannabis, each with different properties and potential benefits.
  • There are over 100 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant.
  • Both CBD and THCA are non-psychoactive.
  • THCA becomes THC when it goes through a process called decarboxylation.

What Are CBD and THCA?

CBD and THCA are two compounds found in the cannabis plant. Both are non-psychoactive, but the effects and potential benefits are very different. CBD is a compound you’re probably already familiar with. This cannabinoid won’t get you high, but it has a host of potential health benefits that many people swear by. It’s become a popular alternative to pharmaceutical treatments and has been shown in studies to potentially help people dealing with a wide spectrum of conditions. THCA is also non-psychoactive, which means you won’t get high after consuming it. THCA is essentially the precursor to THC, which is the main cannabinoid that gets people high. It’s basically “raw weed”, and has to go through a decarboxylation process where it’s exposed to heat or sunlight to turn into the psychoactive THC. Although it’s still being studied, it seems to have many potential benefits.

Is THCA Like CBD?

Although both CBD and THCA are non-psychoactive, meaning they won’t get you high, the effects they have on the body are very different. CBD is most known for its relaxing and calming effects on the mind and body. On the contrary, THCA is thought to give a more uplifting and energizing experience. You could almost compare CBD to a non-psychoactive Indica and THCA to a non-psychoactive Sativa.

What is the Difference Between CBD and THCA?

The main difference between CBD and THCA is the chemical structure, which causes them to react differently to the body. CBD interacts with CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, while THCA connects to CB1 receptors imperfectly. A fun fact about THCA: the molecule doesn’t fit in all endocannabinoid receptors until it goes through decarboxylation, which is when the heat makes it a perfect fit and turns it into psychoactive THC.

Do THCA and CBD Have Similar Benefits?

THCA and CBD might share some potential benefits, but they also have a bunch of differences. One main difference is the fact that CBD has been studied extensively, while THCA still has a ways to go before we can come to any conclusions. Both CBD and THCA have been used to reduce inflammation. CBD is also frequently used to support people with issues regarding anxiety and epilepsy. THCA is often also used as an antiemetic, which helps manage nausea and appetite. The entire cannabis legality issue is complex across the country, and that doesn’t stop at CBD and THCA. The short answer: it really depends on where you’re at. Hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% of THC content was made legal at a federal level with the 2018 Farm Bill, which took hemp off of the list of controlled substances. However, there might be some restrictions due to individual state laws. THCA is even a bit more complicated. It’s technically federally legal in its raw form, but it can quickly become an issue if it turns into THC. In places where THC is illegal or there are stronger restrictions on cannabis in general, THCA might not be allowed. It’s always best to check the legal status of CBD and THCA in your state or county before getting any ideas.

Where to Buy CBD and Other Cannabinoids Online

Now that we’ve got the fun science lesson out of the way, let’s get you in touch with some of the best cannabis products out there. We might not carry THCA but we’re loaded with CBD and other hemp-derived cannabinoids that are legal in most states. Take a look at some of our favorite CBD products. First off, we want to show off our Live Resin CBD + THC Tincture. This true-to-plant tincture keeps all cannabinoids intact with a full-spectrum Live Resin from freshly-harvested Sour Space Candy buds. These are flash-frozen to conserve all the terpenes and keep the flavor profile robust: citrusy and earthy notes. Each serving is 50 mg of CBD and 3 mg of THC, which is sure to have you relaxing in no time. If you’re looking for something to tickle your sweet tooth, you’ll want to check out our deliciously chewy CBD Gummies Mixed Flavors. This way, you can get your CBD fix on the go while enjoying a sweet snack. 25 mg of broad-spectrum hemp CBD is in each amazingly tasty morsel, and six fruity flavors will keep you curious. If the act of lighting a joint is one of your favorite parts of the cannabis experience, you might lean toward our Sugar Queen CBD Pre-Roll. You’ll get two half-gram joints of our 2022 Sativa strain, which will uplift and energize you. If you’re looking for the perfect way to start a day, look no further. Lastly, for all of our bud lovers, our Blueberry Kush CBD herb will hit just the spot. This CBD flower is Blueberry Kush, a strain that’s new to our lineup and has yet to disappoint. Not only are the buds beautiful, but the relaxing and calming effects make it a perfect nighttime treat before falling into a deep sleep. Thanks for stopping by! Why not give some CBD from our farm a try?

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