THCa stands for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. Simply put, it is the precursor to THC, the cannabinoid we have all come to love and enjoy.
How is THCa Made?
Interestingly, cannabis and hemp plants (in their natural form) produce THCa, not THC. THC is the product of processing THCa in the cannabis plant via heat.
Does THCa Get You High?
No, THCa by itself will not get you high because it is non-pschoactive. However, when it is converted to regular THC through heat (smoking, dabbing, vaping, etc), it becomes psychoactive.
How does THCa Turn into THC?
When THCa is heated or smoked, it undergoes a decarboxylation reaction, which converts the acidic form of THC into THC.
How Does THCa Feel?
When THCa is converted, it feels the same as regular cannabis or THC (because it is). While THCa does not convert to THC at a 1:1 ratio, it is very close (1:0.877 THCa:THC).