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Cannabis popularity has significantly increased in recent years due to the increased awareness of its potential benefits. The rise of THCA, a raw cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, is gaining popularity among both medical and recreational users.
While THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, is well-known to most, THCA flower has been shown to offer a range of potential benefits without the intoxicating effects typically associated with THC. This article will explore the THCA flower’s functions, potential advantages, and side effects.
What Is THCA Flower?
THCA flower is essentially smokable hemp with elevated THCA levels, reaching up to 25%, and compliant THC levels, staying below 0.3%. The THCA flower appears similar to hemp, but when you light and smoke it, it converts the THCA into THC, resulting in a psychoactive experience. It is available in raw THCA flower form, but it is also available as:
- THCA Edibles
- Extracts
- Topicals
If you want to buy THCA flowers, you should look for brands that provide safety, quality, and compliance test results.
Benefits of THCA Flower
THCA shares many therapeutic qualities with THC, although the additional carboxyl group in THCA leads to different interactions with the human body compared to THC. THCA exhibits some effects similar to CBD, another well-known cannabinoid in cannabis.
THCA benefits cancer patients by alleviating appetite loss and nausea in individuals with cancer and eating disorders. It also slows down the progression of specific cancer cells, particularly in cases of prostate cancer.
Additionally, it can reduce pain and inflammation and primarily mitigate chronic pain and muscle spasms, especially in conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.
It is also beneficial for your brain as it supports your brain health by protecting memory and coordination and potentially being effective against neuroinflammatory diseases like Huntington’s, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS. It induces relaxation, possibly serving as a sleep aid for insomnia. It can also diminish seizures and spasms, as observed in conditions such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.
Side Effects of THCA Flower
Here are some common side effects of THC that may or may not manifest when consuming THCA:
- Dry mouth (cottonmouth)
- Red eyes
- Dizziness
- Increased heart rate
- Fatigue
However, these side effects may be milder if they occur with THCA. Positive THC effects such as euphoria and enhanced creativity are unlikely to result from THCA because this acidic cannabinoid is non-psychoactive. THCA could potentially trigger a positive result on a drug test as well.
However, when THCA is heated, it converts into THC, which prolonged consumption can lead to addiction, resulting in withdrawal symptoms upon stopping its use. Excessive or prolonged use of potent THC is associated with a higher likelihood of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and psychosis, so consume THCA carefully.
THCA may also interact with prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs. It’s advisable to consult your pharmacist or doctor before using THCA if you are currently taking other medications.
Endnote
Cannabis is popular currently due to its potential benefits, particularly with the emergence of THCA, a raw cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. The THCA flower is available in various forms, including smokable hemp flowers, edibles, extracts, and topicals.
THCA has been shown to have various health benefits, including alleviating appetite loss and nausea in cancer patients, reducing pain and inflammation, supporting brain health, inducing relaxation, and diminishing seizures. While its potential side effects are debated, they may be milder than THC’s.
It’s essential to note that heating THCA turns it into THC, and its consumption leads to addiction and withdrawal symptoms; excessive use is linked to mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and psychosis. THCA can also interact with medications, so consult your healthcare professional if you’re considering its use.
