Learn More about THCA and CBD
Cannabinoids
We hear terms tossed around a lot regarding hemp: THC, CBD, THCA, Delta 8, Delta 9, THCP – these are all describing different cannabinoids that occur naturally in cannabis. There are 113 cannabinoids, but we’re only concerned with three here: THC, THCA, and CBD.
What is THC?
THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol, and is the main psychoactive component of cannabis, which is why it is strictly controlled in legal hemp. THC is a Federally Scheduled drug, and plant content cannot exceed .3% in states where hemp is sold under the Federal Farm Bill. THCA and CBD are THC percursors, which means they are both cannabinoids that can be converted to THC, most basically with a process called decarboxylation, which involves the application of heat.
What is THCA?
The acronym stands for Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), and it is a precursor of THC, an active component of cannabis. In this context, precursor means that the compound can be converted into Delta-9 THC under proper conditions.
THCA is found in variable quantities in fresh, undried cannabis, but is progressively decarboxylated to THC with drying, or intense heating such as when cannabis is smoked or cooked into cannabis edibles.
Hemp derived THCA is prevalent and explicitly unscheduled under the CSA's definition that legalizes all cannabis with less than 0.3% delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration. THCA is not scheduled at the federal level in the United States.
What is CBD?
Clinical research on CBD has included studies related to the treatment of anxiety, addiction, psychosis, and pain. Cannabidiol can be taken internally in multiple ways, including by inhaling cannabis smoke or vapor, dosing it orally, and through use of sprays that can be absorbed into mucous membranes (like the cheek or sinuses). It may be supplied as CBD oil containing only CBD as the active ingredient (excluding THC or terpenes), CBD-dominant hemp extracts, capsules, dried cannabis, or prescription liquids. CBD does not have the same psychoactive effects as THC, and can modulate the psychoactive effects of THC on the body if both are used concurrently. Conversion of CBD to THC can occur when CBD is heated to temperatures between 250–300 °C, potentially leading to its partial transformation into THC.
In the United States, a cannabidiol derived drug was approved by the FDA in 2018 for the treatment of two seizure disorders.
The general efficacy of CBD has been demonstrated in topical applications, and health benefits for CBD include help with pain, sleep, and addiction.
Which should I use?
If you are primarily interested in Health benefits, CBD is your answer. Udderly Unbelivable has many CBD proucts for various applications, check out our shop for currently available products.
If recreational use is more your thing, THCA provides many of the effects of THC after decarboxylation, and is available in forms from flower to extracts. Please check our shop for currently available products.
How do I know I’m buying good product?
Start by reading the product labels; all product should have information about the product content determined by lab analysis. Check for the cannabinoids you’re interested in, most products have them listed as a percentage. THC and CBD are commonly listed, as THC must remain below .3% for the product to be classified as hemp or hemp-derived. All products require a COA (Certificate of Analysis), and any shop should be able to provide a copy for the products they have in house. Also look for dated packaging - fresh is always best!
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