Does THCa Get You High?

Ah, THCa: one of the cannabis plant’s many cannabinoids. But, as a somewhat lesser-known compound, many people find themselves approaching THCa with little to no knowledge of it. And, as cannabis consumers, everyone wants to know: does THCa get you high?

Below, we’re covering the ins and outs of the THCa cannabinoid, the role it plays, and how it affects you when you consume it. Let’s dive right in.  

Understanding THCa and Its Relationship to THC

When first learning about cannabis, it’s easy to get compounds like THC and THCa confused — after all, they have practically the same name. However, these are two distinct compounds, despite being directly related. 

THCa is short for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, and it’s essentially the precursor cannabinoid to THC, the compound most responsible for the psychoactive effects you get after consumption. 

What this means is that THCa is the raw, acidic form found naturally in fresh cannabis plants.  When the plant material is exposed to heat, like through smoking, vaping, or baking, the THCa compounds undergo a process called decarboxylation. 

This reaction removes a carboxyl group from the cannabinoid’s molecule, effectively transforming THCa into THC. 

So, Does THCa Get You High?

Until the compound is decarboxylated, THCa will not get you high. 

This is because the THCa cannabinoid itself does not interact in the body the same way that THC does. Specifically, THCa’s extra carboxyl group (-COOH) prevents the compound from effectively binding to the  CB1 receptors¹ in the brain. And it is these same receptors that THC activates to create euphoric, psychoactive effects. 

The lack of psychoactivity from THCa explains why you cannot just consume raw cannabis and expect to get high. Instead, the process relies on decarboxylation and transforming those THCa cannabinoids into THC. 

The lack of psychoactivity from THCa explains why you cannot just consume raw cannabis and expect to get high. Instead, the process relies on decarboxylation and transforming those THCa cannabinoids into THC. 

Common Effects of THCa

Just because THCa has no intoxicating properties doesn’t mean it won’t provide any effects. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. 

Many people enjoy turning to THCa products like tinctures and topicals for the compound’s soothing characteristics. These results will vary from person to person, but many people find that THCa offers the following effects: 

• Anti-Inflammatory Benefits: Research suggests THCa may help reduce inflammation², making it of interest for conditions like arthritis or chronic pain
• Neuroprotective Properties: Studies have explored THCa’s potential in protecting brain cells and supporting neurological health³
• Anti-Nausea Support: Preliminary findings show THCa may ease nausea⁴ and stimulate appetite
• Antioxidant Activity: Like other cannabinoids, THCa exhibits antioxidant effects⁵ that may help combat cellular stress

While we still need additional research to understand the full potential of the Mother of All Cannabinoids, many cannabis consumers view THCa as a versatile compound that’s great for everything but getting high.

What is a High THCa Percentage?

When looking at cannabis products, you’ll likely notice a THCa percentage somewhere on the label. This shows you how much THCa is present before any heat is applied. 

Generally, cannabis with 20% or higher THCa content is considered potent, while strains testing closer to 30% are among the strongest on the market. 

Since THCa converts into THCA, many cultivators often test for THCa as a predictor of how strong the product will be once consumed. However, you should keep in mind that these numbers don’t translate to exact THC potency — but they do give you a good idea of what to expect potency-wise. 

Does THCa Show Up on a Drug Test?

Even though it doesn’t get you high, yes, THCa does show up on a drug test. This has to do with the way cannabinoid breaks down in the body, as well as what drug tests are actually checking for. 

Standard drug tests don’t test for THC specifically; instead, they are looking for THC metabolites⁶ that are byproducts of THC consumption. When THCa breaks down in the body, it also leaves behind the THC-OOH metabolite, triggering a positive drug test for cannabis. 

Thus, consuming THCa products, especially smokables like flower and vapes, carries pretty much the same risk of failing a cannabis drug test as consuming THC directly. 

So, if you’re subject to frequent drug tests, THCa may not be the compound for you.

How Long Do the Effects of THCa Last?

How long the effects of your THCa product last depends primarily on your body chemistry and consumption choices. For example, THCa tinctures and edibles tend to last longer since they’re processed through the digestive system, with effects typically lingering for 4-6 hours. 

On the other hand, if you apply a THCa topical to the skin, the soothing effects may only last an hour or so. Additionally, the stronger the product, the more likely it is that you’ll have longer-lasting results. 

Unlike THC, the effects of THCa are much more subtle and wellness-oriented, so they may not feel as immediately noticeable. Still, many people report steady, supportive benefits that can last throughout the day, depending on the product and how you enjoy it.

Comparing THCa Effects By Consumption Method

Here's a quick chart to show you how consumption methods impact the onset and duration of your THCa experience. 

Getting the Most Out of Your THCa Products With CannaMarket

You’ve heard all about THCa and its effects — now, it’s time to try out the product for yourself. 

CannaMarket offers a huge selection of THCa products varying in price and potency. Whether you’re a canna-connoisseur or are looking to try THCa for the first time, our online inventory has something perfect for you. 

With us, you won’t be stuck asking, “Does THCa get you high?” Instead, you just have to decide which product’s your favorite.

We at CannaMarket endeavor to provide you with research-backed information and education - our goal is to empower you with information to make choices about your lifestyle and holistic health. The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated the statements made in this article and the efficacy of said products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Before using any products, please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.