Cannabis tinctures are a popular way to enjoy the various benefits the plant has to offer. Most tinctures involve soaking plant material in high-proof alcohol. Some tinctures are oil or glycerin-based. The resulting product is an easy-to-use liquid that you can dose using a dropper. Some tinctures are full-spectrum, while others are isolates. One tincture that’s recently been gaining attention is a THCA tincture. Let’s take a closer look.
What the Heck is THCA?
Whether you’re an avid cannabis user or you’re just starting your journey, you’ve no doubt heard of THC and CBD. These are two of the most well-known and abundant cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. They are, however, far from the only ones.
Cannabis has more than 120 different cannabinoids. As scientists delve deeper into research, we’re learning that other cannabinoids (once considered “minor”) actually play some rather important roles and potentially provide some significant benefits. Some of the ones that have been gaining attention include CBC, CBN, and CBG.
THCA, another “minor” cannabinoid, stands for tetrahydocannabinolic acid. It’s a non-psychoactive compound that exists in raw and live cannabis plants. Science is finding that it may provide a variety of benefits.
The Difference Between THCA and THC
THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis. In other words, it’s the compound that gets you high (among other benefits). THCA is a non-psychoactive compound. Therefore, it gradually converts to THC during the drying process. It also changes as the plant ages, with exposure to light and heat from the sun. If you smoke fresh cannabis buds, any THCA that exists in them quickly transforms into THC when you light up.
How exactly does THCA turn into THC? The answer is decarboxylation. Exposing THCA to heat (the sun, your oven, your lighter) removes the carboxylic acid group, converting it into active THC.
THCA Tincture Benefits
Moreover, this cannabinoid is non-psychoactive, so it won’t get you high. So, what are its benefits then? THCA tinctures have a few benefits to offer:
THCA Offers Several Potential Health Benefits
It might not be as well-known as THC and CBD, but research shows that it could provide some significant health benefits. These health benefits include:
- Anti-inflammatory. Studies show that THCA could potentially reduce inflammation in individuals with arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, lupus, Crohn’s disease.
- Neuroprotectant. THCA may help to slow the progression of diseases like Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s.
- Antiemetic. THCA may reduce nausea and increase appetite, which can be beneficial for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
- Anti-proliferative. Research shows THCA may help to slow the growth of certain cancer cells.
Tinctures Are Easy to Use
They are incredibly simple to use. The dropper allows accurate dosing every time. You can even dose drop by drop, making them ideal for microdosing.
Discreet Delivery
Tinctures don’t require smoking, and they don’t have any noticeable odor. The bottles are also small, which means you can easily take them wherever you go.
They’re Fast-Acting (When Taken Sublingually)
When you apply your dose under your tongue (sublingual), the effects take as little as 15 minutes to kick in.
Enjoy the Benefits of a THCA Tincture
THCA tinctures are discreet, portable, and easy to use. They also have some significant health benefits that you can enjoy. The next time you’re in the dispensary, take a look at the selection and give one a try.