More hemp oil talk? Don’t mind if we do.
Hemp (the commercial version of the cannabis plant) is finding footing among cannabis enthusiasts and newcomers alike. With 0.3% or less THC, it’s versatile, manageable, layer-able, and much more approachable. It’s also federally legal (for now) – but more on that later.
Perhaps most important is that first call-out: versatility. Because hemp products have low amounts of the psychoactive cannabinoid Delta-9 THC by law, there’s room for other useful compounds to shine. Like THCa!
wtf is THCa?
The cannabis plant produces over 100 distinct cannabinoids. These compounds work both independently and together to affect your smoking, vaping, edible, or topical experience. Some bind to receptors in the brain to produce a high or induce certain therapeutic benefits, like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Others, like THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), the acidic form of THC, do not.
THCa is one of the primary cannabinoids that develop in the cannabis plant, leading the way for dozens more as the plant matures. Why would you want a pre-THC cannabinoid that doesn’t get you feeling floaty? Because, friends, it does indeed produce effects — once you apply heat to it.
Commonly found THCa products include THCa hemp flower in the form of pre-rolls, joints, raw flower, and blunts. There are also infusions like THCa gummies, mints, and vapes oils to be had. You can even enjoy the therapeutic potential of a THCa tincture if that’s more your speed.
how to activate THCa
Expose THCa to heat when smoking, vaping, dabbing, or cooking, and it will undergo a chemical conversion and come out the other side as our intoxicating old pal THC.
Hot tip: If you’re a chef or curator who cooks cannabis to create edibles, remedies, and topical oils, don’t expose your flower to temperatures over 250 degrees or general heat for too long; you risk vaporizing all the goodness inside.
what are some benefits of the THCa cannabinoid?
As cannabis research continues to expand, we’re beginning to understand more about the potential therapeutic benefits of THCa. Below are some of the key benefits associated with this intriguing compound — remember, research is ongoing!
Anti-inflammatory properties: THCa has shown promise in reducing inflammation, making it potentially beneficial for conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. This could be a game-changer for those seeking natural alternatives to traditional anti-inflammatory medications.
Neuroprotective effects: Early studies suggest that THCa may have neuroprotective properties. This means it could be beneficial in protecting against neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, offering hope for future treatments.
Anti-nausea and appetite stimulant: Similar to THC, THCa has been found to help reduce nausea and vomiting. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals undergoing treatments like chemotherapy, or those suffering from conditions that lead to severe nausea.
Analgesic effects: THCa may help in managing pain, especially chronic pain that doesn’t respond well to other treatments. Its pain-relieving properties, coupled with its non-psychoactive nature (again, only if you’re NOT applying heat to it), make it an attractive option for pain management.
Anti-convulsant: There’s emerging evidence that THCa can help in controlling seizures. This makes it a potential therapeutic agent for conditions like epilepsy, particularly in patients who consume it in its raw form and want to avoid the psychoactive effects of THC.
Mental health benefits: While more research is needed, some suggest THCa could have a positive impact on mental health, helping to alleviate symptoms of stress and anxiety without the strong psychoactive effects associated with THC.
are there side effects to vaping THCa hemp oils?
Vaping THCa hemp oils can have potential side effects, although research in this specific area is still limited. (Sensing a theme here!) Here are a few:
Dry mouth: Also known as cottonmouth, this is a common side effect experienced with various hemp and THC products.
Dry eyes: Some individuals may experience dry eyes as a side effect when using THCa, although compared to THC, THCa is generally considered to have less affinity for cannabinoid receptors and is not typically associated with the same level of dry eye symptoms.
Drowsiness or fatigue: Feelings of drowsiness or increased fatigue can occur following THCa consumption, depending on the dosage and individual tolerance.
Dizziness: This is another possible side effect, as noted with the use of various hemp-based products.
Memory impairment: If THCa is consumed in a form that undergoes decarboxylation, such as smoking or vaporizing, it can be converted to THC and may produce psychoactive effects, which could include short-term memory impairment.
Impaired motor skills and reduced blood pressure: If you’ve decarboxylated THCa, it can cause intoxicating effects that can reduce motor skills and cognitive function. THC has also been known to cause temporary increases in heart rate and blood pressure due to its effects on the cardiovascular system.
Start with low doses — especially if you are new to its effects or have a low tolerance — so you can monitor your body’s response.
Adjusting the dosage accordingly can help mitigate potential side effects. Additionally, it’s recommended to avoid driving or operating machinery while under the influence of any cannabis-related product, including THCa, especially if you are unsure of its effects on you personally.
is THCa legal?
The legality around THCa is…confusing to say the least. While THCa on its own isn’t psychoactive, it’s still a cannabis-derived substance and potentially intoxicating when exposed to heat.
Despite that, THCa is not currently listed as a scheduled substance, which makes it federally legal under the Farm Bill. But that doesn’t mean your state is fine with it!
State law tends to evolve faster than the federal level. To cover your butt, it’s best to stay informed about the current cannabis laws in your state’s jurisdiction and be aware of the penalties that could result from the use of specific cannabinoids.
what is turnhemp THCa hemp oil?
Great for microdosing, athletes, meditation, relief, taking the edge off sans hangover, a booze substitute, or giving you an extra nudge into a restful sleep, turnhemp’s THCa hemp oil offers a lot of potential benefits.
Although the act of vaping will create a psychoactive effect, low-dose THCa hemp oil still appeals to those seeking the benefits of cannabis with more control over the high. It’s especially popular among dabblers who want to maintain clarity and focus while still being able to get a little loosey-goosey.
For our part, turnhemp’s THCa options contain our in-house botanical terpene blends curated to provide a well-rounded, floaty effect without locking you to the couch. All our hemp oils are ultra-pure, vegan, non-GMO, tested and safe, single-source, and sun-grown. You can view our lab results at any time here.
is vaping THCa hemp oil safe?
The safety of vaping any cannabis product, including THCa hemp oil, depends on several factors including the quality of the oil, the vaping device, and your health condition.
It’s crucial to purchase your hemp oil from reputable sources that provide transparent information about their extraction and production processes. This ensures that the product is free from harmful contaminants and solvents.
Furthermore, using a high-quality vape device that doesn’t overheat the oil is key to avoiding harmful byproducts. As with any supplement or health product, consulting with a healthcare provider is always a good idea, especially if you have underlying health issues.
will THCa show up on a drug test?
This is a common concern, and the answer isn’t straightforward. Standard drug tests typically look for THC metabolites. Since THCa converts into THC when heated, there’s a possibility that using THCa products could lead to a positive test result, especially if consumed in large quantities or over an extended period.
However, if THCa is consumed in its raw, non-heated form, it’s less likely to show up on a drug test. It’s important to note that individual metabolism and the sensitivity of the drug test can also play a role. If you’re subject to regular drug testing, it’s best to consult with the testing agency or your employer for guidance.
where can I find quality THCa hemp oil?
Right here! THCa offers a unique way to experience the benefits of cannabis without intense psychoactive effects. Its versatility and federal legality under the Farm Bill make it an interesting option for many canna-curious folks out there.
As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, we’ll likely see more research and development around cannabinoids like THCa, providing us with deeper insights. Until then, enjoy your turnhemp oil responsibly!
