THC vs THC-A: A Comparison

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the mind-altering substance in marijuana that causes people to experience a high. Aside from alcohol, marijuana is the most commonly abused substance in America. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Approximately 3 in 10 people who use cannabis have cannabis use disorder.”[1]

While marijuana is legal in some states for recreational and medicinal use, it remains illegal at the federal level. In places where THC is considered illegal, people have begun selling other forms of cannabis that have not been restricted yet. One of those products is known as THC-A.

THC-A (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid that comes from the raw cannabis plant. On its own, it does not have mind-altering effects, which is why it is still legal to sell. However, heating THC-A can turn it into THC, which means it can get you high when you smoke it.

The main differences between THCA vs THC include their effects or psychoactive properties, chemical structure, consumption methods, occurrence, and potential health benefits.

Because you can become addicted to both THC-A and THC, you should never abuse them long-term. If you find yourself engaging in chronic or heavy marijuana use, you need to receive care from an addiction treatment center. At the Mandala Healing Center, we can help you recover from addiction to any type of THC or THC-A product.

In this article, you will learn:

• What is THC?
• What is THC-A?
• Why do people use THC-A?
• What are the effects of heating THC-A?
• What are the differences between THCA vs THC?
• Does THC-A show up on drug tests?
• Can you get addicted to THC and THC-A?
• What are the signs of raw cannabis addiction?
• What are the risks of consuming raw cannabis long-term?
• Should you attend rehab for cannabis use disorder?

What is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)?

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive compound in the raw cannabis plant. It is the substance that is responsible for the high that you experience when you engage in cannabis use. THC is found in marijuana products, including flower, vapes, edibles, drinks, and more.

THC interacts with your brain’s cannabinoid receptors, which are responsible for memory, pleasure, and coordination. This is why you might feel happy, euphoric, struggle to remember things, and have coordination issues when you engage in cannabis use. The psychoactive effects of THC can range from person to person, with some people enjoying the high and others feeling anxious, paranoid, or nauseous.

There are potential therapeutic properties associated with THC. For example, “THC and CBD have been used for various therapies that include but are not limited to treating seizures and convulsions, vomiting and nausea, peripheral neuropathy and pain, and psoriasis; reducing cancer cell growth, bone loss, and inflammatory bowel disorder.”[2]

While THC can be used medicinally, it remains a controlled substance. Consuming THC in a state where it is not legal for medicinal or recreational use is considered illegal.

What is THC-A?

THC-A is known as tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. It is the acidic form of THC before it has been heated up. As a result, THC-A does not cause mind-altering effects unless it is heated up to create a chemical reaction that turns it into THC.

THC-A is chemically different from THC. It contains an extra carboxylic acid group (-COOH) that THC does not have. This is why individuals have to heat THC-A to experience mind-altering effects, as this causes a process called decarboxylation.

Consuming THC-A raw will not get you high: however, it can produce some effects. These effects include:

• Dry mouth
• Red eyes
• Dizziness
• Increased heart rate
• Fatigue or drowsiness

Because THC-A does not get you high, it is not considered a controlled substance. This is why vape shops, smoke shops, and gas stations can sell THC-A products without getting into trouble. It comes from raw cannabis leaves and will not cause mind-altering effects unless heated.

Why Do People Use THC-A?

Some people consume tetrahydrocannabinolic acid to experience the potential health benefits of THC without the psychoactive properties. For example, someone might attempt to manage chronic pain with THC-A.

Studies have found that consuming tetrahydrocannabinolic acid can result in the following benefits:[3]

• Anti-inflammatory effects for chronic pain
• Appetite-stimulating effects for eating disorders or those undergoing cancer treatments
• Treating sleeplessness for those with insomnia
• Antispasmodic effects to replace muscle relaxant medications

While there is evidence indicating that there are benefits to THC-A use, the research has not been completed yet. Because of this, it is not substantiated enough to consider THC-A as a form of treatment. Furthermore, it is not FDA-approved, which means its use is not regulated, and we aren’t aware of its side effects or long-term risks.

If you regularly smoke THC-A, you might be suffering from an addiction. Thankfully, the Mandala Healing Center is here to help you recover from any type of marijuana abuse. We can offer you services like medical detox, evidence-based therapies, relapse prevention planning, and more.

What Happens When You Smoke THC-A?

One of the main reasons people purchase THC-A is that smoking it or heating it will convert the substance into regular THC. In other words, smoking THC-A will cause you to experience the same psychoactive effects as normal marijuana. It will bind to the cannabinoid receptors in your brain to produce a high.

The potential effects of smoking THC-A include:

• Feelings of euphoria
• Dizziness and drowsiness
• Relaxation and calmness
• Impaired memory and cognition
• Dry mouth and increased thirst
• Increased heart rate
• Anxiety and paranoia
• Nausea
• Increased appetite

People sell THC-A in states where marijuana is illegal as a loophole. Selling it allows consumers to find a way to engage in cannabis use without prosecution. Unfortunately, it can be dangerous to use THC-A because it is not regulated, and its full psychoactive properties are unknown.

THC vs THC-A: What are the Differences?

THC and THC-A have many similarities. For example, they both come from the cannabis plant. That said, they also have a few differences to be aware of.

The main differences between THCA vs THC include:

Psychoactive Effects

THC causes psychoactive effects when you consume it. On the other hand, consuming raw THC-A will not produce psychoactive effects. You have to heat it and smoke it, causing it to turn into THC through a chemical reaction.

In other words, THC-A is not a psychoactive substance, whereas THC is.

Chemical Structure and Chemical Composition

THC and THC-A have different chemical structures. To explain, THC-A has an extra carboxylic acid group (-COOH) that THC does not have. This is why THC-A has to go through decarboxylation (heating it to remove the carboxylic group) to cause psychoactive effects.

Occurrence and Consumption Methods

THC-A is only found in raw marijuana plants that have not been heated. When marijuana plants are growing, they are exposed to light and heat. This is what causes the THC to form.

If someone wants to consume THC-A, they have to eat a raw cannabis plant or make it into a smoothie. Once a cannabis plant has been grown using lights and heat, THC-A is no longer present. To consume cannabis with THC in it, a person has to smoke the flower.

Potential Health Benefits

Both THCA and THC have potential health benefits. For example, research has found that THC-A can relieve inflammation, cause neuroprotective effects, and relieve nausea. On the other hand, THC is used medicinally to manage conditions like chronic pain, stimulate appetite, and manage the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Does THC-A Show Up on Drug Tests?

Whether THC-A shows up on a drug test depends on how you use it. If you heat it before consuming it, you will test positive for THC. It can be detected in urine, blood, hair, and saliva tests.

THC shows up on drug tests for the following amounts of time:

• Urine- Urine drug tests are the most commonly used type of drug screening. They can find THC in your system for up to 30 days after you last used it.
• Blood- Blood tests are not used as often as urine tests. That said, they can find THC in your blood for a few hours after you use THC-A.
• Saliva- Saliva tests also only detect THC for a short window. You’ll test positive for 24 to 48 hours after you last consumed cannabis.
• Hair- Hair follicle drug testing offers the longest window of detection. These tests can find THC in your system for 90 days after you last used it.

Even though THC-A only causes psychoactive effects when you heat it, you should avoid using it before a drug test. Heating THC-A or consuming cannabis in any form will put you at risk of failing your drug test.

Can You Get Addicted to THC and THC-A?

While many people believe that you can’t get addicted to THC, this is false. Because it causes psychoactive effects, you can develop an addiction to THC in any form, and THC-A when smoked.

Both THCA and THC can lead to psychological and physical dependence. When you use it long-term, your risk of becoming dependent on it increases. You could develop withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop using THCA and THC.

That said, if you are using unheated cannabis plants, you don’t have to worry about addiction. You won’t experience mind-altering effects when using it in this manner.

What are the Signs of Marijuana Addiction?

Both THCA and THC can lead to addiction. Sometimes, it can be hard to spot the signs of a cannabis use disorder in yourself. Knowing the symptoms to look out for can help you examine your relationship with cannabis consumption.

The signs of marijuana addiction include:[1]

• Using more cannabis than you meant to
• Wanting to quit using marijuana but being unsuccessful
• Spending a lot of time obtaining or using weed
• Experiencing urges or cravings for cannabis
• Using marijuana even though it causes problems at home, school, or work
• Continuing to use weed despite social or relationship problems
• Losing interest in important activities with friends and family in favor of using cannabis
• Using marijuana in high-risk situations, such as while driving a car
• Continuing to use weed despite physical or psychological problems
• Needing to increase your dose of cannabis to experience the desired effect
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using marijuana

If you experience 2 or more of the above-mentioned symptoms, you have a cannabis use disorder. To overcome addiction to this psychoactive compound, you should seek help from an addiction treatment center. Long-term cannabis abuse can lead to risks like mental health challenges and more.

What are the Risks of Long-Term Weed Abuse?

THCA and THC can lead to addiction, but that isn’t the only risk to worry about. The main risks associated with long-term weed use include:[4]

• Mental Health Effects- Using THCA and THC can lead to mental health problems. It can worsen pre-existing conditions like anxiety and depression. You could also experience substance-induced psychosis from using weed with a high THC percentage.
• Lung Health- Smoking weed can harm your lung tissues, as it contains many of the same toxins, irritants, and carcinogens as tobacco smoke.
• Heart Risks- Cannabis can increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Because of this, some studies have found a link between weed use and an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and arrhythmias.
• Gastrointestinal Issues- When you engage in chronic marijuana use, you could develop a condition called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). It causes intense episodes of vomiting and abdominal pain.
• Increased Cancer Risk- Studies have found a link between people who smoke cannabis and head, neck, or throat cancer.

Because of these risks, it is best to avoid chronic or heavy THC use. While this psychoactive compound is less harmful than other drugs like heroin or meth, it can still lead to intense health risks when used long-term.

Should You Go to Rehab for Cannabis Addiction?

Despite the therapeutic benefits of marijuana and cannabis legalization in many states, you can still become addicted to it. If you find yourself suffering from weed addiction, it’s time to seek help from a drug rehab center. At the Mandala Healing Center, we can help you achieve long-term sobriety from cannabis and other THC products.

An addiction treatment center will help you overcome THC dependence with the following services:

In-Depth Assessment and Treatment Planning

THC’s psychoactive effects can cause you to develop an addiction. When you attend a THC addiction treatment center, the first step is an in-depth assessment. Medical professionals will ask you questions about your physical and mental health, as well as how often you consume THCA or THC.

The information they gather will be used to create an individualized treatment plan. Your treatment plan could include how long you need treatment, whether you need dual diagnosis care, how to help you manage withdrawal symptoms, and more.

Medical Detox

Addiction to psychoactive THC or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid can lead to withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it. Thankfully, medical detox can help you overcome withdrawal symptoms by using FDA-approved medications that lessen your symptoms and prevent cravings.

You’ll also be monitored regularly by doctors and nurses who will check your vital signs to ensure you remain medically stable. Mental health professionals will be present as well to ensure you receive the support you need to overcome withdrawal.

Evidence-Based Therapies

If you are addicted to psychoactive THC, you will need to engage in evidence-based therapies to fully recover. You’ll address the root causes of your addiction, learn healthy coping mechanisms, and change negative patterns of behavior. You’ll engage in individual therapy, group counseling, and family therapy.

Evidence-based therapies are researched and proven effective in managing substance use disorders. They include:[4]

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Motivational interviewing (MI)
• Contingency management (CM)
• 12-step facilitation therapy
• The matrix model
• Family behavior therapy

Dual Diagnosis Care

If you began using marijuana to cope with the symptoms of an underlying mental health condition, you’ll need dual diagnosis care to recover. Dual diagnosis services help you address co-occurring mental illnesses through individual therapy, group counseling, and medication.

The exact treatment you engage in will depend on what mental health condition you suffer from. For example, depression is often treated with talk therapy and antidepressant medication. On the other hand, bipolar disorder is managed with dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and antipsychotics or mood stabilizers.

Relapse Prevention Planning and Aftercare

There are a lot of psychological aspects to consider when recovering from marijuana addiction. Your brain is wired to seek out drugs when you feel a negative emotion. In other words, certain people, places, or things could trigger you to relapse. This is why relapse prevention planning is so important.

During relapse prevention planning, you’ll learn about potential triggers for relapse, coping mechanisms that can help you stay sober, and create a plan of action to use in case of a relapse in the future.

Aftercare planning is also a huge part of relapse prevention. To explain, aftercare services are supportive tools offered to you after you’ve completed rehab. Examples of aftercare services include:

• Continued therapy
• Medication management
• Access to an alumni support group
• Referrals to outpatient and sober living programs
• Recommendations on local support groups
• Case management services like vocational assistance and life skills building

Get Connected to a Rehab Program for Marijuana Abuse

Even though THCA has non-psychoactive properties, heating it turns it into THC. Because of this, you can become addicted to both THC and THCA products. If you suffer from marijuana addiction in any form, you should seek help from a drug rehab center.

At the Mandala Healing Center, we offer evidence-based treatments and a compassionate approach to addiction care. This means you’ll receive the services you need to recover and feel comfortable during our program. Our main goal is to help you achieve long-term sobriety and increase the overall quality of your life.

Why Choose The Mandala Healing Center? Clients are taken on a journey of healing through complete immersion into evidence-based clinical modalities, multifaceted alternative therapies, and expert medical management, allowing them to fully detox and recover from drug and alcohol addictions. Through a program of care designed to encourage change, a foundation is created that allows clients to find their higher purpose and reclaim their lives.

Contact us today for more information on how we can help you recover from THC or THC-A addiction. All THC forms can lead to addiction, and we can help you regain control over your life through medical detox, individual therapy, group counseling, relapse prevention planning, and more.

References:

1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Understanding Your Risk for Cannabis Use Disorder
2. MDPI: Therapeutic Potential of Cannabis: A Comprehensive Review of Current and Future Applications
3. British Journal of Pharmacology: Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is a potent PPARγ agonist with neuroprotective activity
4. Science Direct: Evidence-based practices for substance use disorders