THCA vs THC - Understanding the Key Differences

OWhen exploring the world of cannabis and how it can help you, it can be easy to get lost in the variety of acronyms that you’ll encounter. Two of the most common terms you’ve probably come across are THCA and THC. Both are cannabinoids you may hear about at Sunrise Dispensary, but do you know what sets them apart?

Fortunately, our expert budtenders at any of our five locations are well-versed in how THCA and THC differ and what their effects and benefits are. Our team will guide you in understanding everything you need to know about smoking THCA, its legal status, and what to expect when you give it a try. 

For now, let’s dig into the science behind THC and THCA, and what that means for your cannabis experience.

THCA vs THC infographic

What Is THCA?

It may seem like the only distinction between THC and THCA is just one letter of the alphabet, but really, the two cannabinoids can make a world of difference in how you experience your weed consumption. Here’s why:

The Basics of THCA and How It Works

To create hybrid weed, indica, and sativa marijuana plants are carefully and intentionally crossbred. Cultivators select two different strains that offer appealing traits, such as a high CBD or THC content, as well as flavors and aromas, and then the plants are cross-pollinated. This process is repeated until the result is a hybrid strain that delivers the best effects of both parent plants.

How THCA Converts to THC

Indica is known for relaxing the body, relieving pain, and easing you into sleep. By comparison, sativa energizes the mind and creates a euphoric feeling that boosts your mood and inspires creativity. 

Hybrid strains of weed create a versatile balance of traits that are popular among people who desire to feel relaxed but not overly sedated, or want their minds stimulated without the potential for anxiety. This can be especially beneficial for those using marijuana for medical reasons. 

For more on medical marijuana use in Missouri and other facts, check out our FAQs page.

THCA vs. THC – What Sets Them Apart?

If you’re wondering what makes hybrid weed such an appealing option for many people, it helps to consider the benefits it delivers when you give it a try.

Psychoactivity and Effects

One of the main reasons people like hybrid strains is their smooth, balanced, nuanced effects. Depending on the strain and its unique balance of THC, CBD, and other compounds, you can enjoy reliable help with:

  • Chronic pain management — Many hybrid strains combine THC and CBD in a perfect ratio to alleviate arthritis, fibromyalgia, and neuropathy without impairing your thinking.
  • Anxiety and stress relief — Certain strains of hybrid weed effectively encourage calm relaxation without making you overly sleepy.
  • Boosted mood — A hybrid can enhance your emotional well-being, offering a natural lift for those with depression and certain other mood disorders.
  • Appetite stimulation — Some hybrid weed strains are great at helping people who have an inhibited appetite due to medical conditions or treatments like chemotherapy.
  • Nausea relief — Similarly, there are hybrids that help reduce nausea and vomiting that can occur with chemotherapy, motion sickness, and gastrointestinal disorders.

Potential Benefits of THCA

Since each hybrid cannabis strain has its own unique makeup and benefits, you may want to experiment to see which suits you best. Our budtenders will happily listen to what you need and guide you to good choices. We’ll look at the following elements:

  • Cannabinoid composition — Each strain of hybrid weed has a unique blend of different cannabinoids like THC, CBD, and others. This mix determines how well a strain can produce pain relief, boost moods, and more.
  • Terpene profiles — Terpenes are the compounds in weed that generate its flavor and aroma, along with therapeutic effects. 
  • Dominance of indica vs. sativa — Some weed hybrids are evenly balanced between indica vs. sativa, while others lean more heavily to one side or the other. This blend influences whether a specific strain is more relaxing, more energizing, or a balance of both.

Stay up-to-date on what’s new at Sunrise Dispensary by visiting our news and blog page.

THCA Flower – A Growing Trend

One popular way to enjoy your taste of THCA is in flower form. This popular trend may be something you’d like to explore!

Cannabis flower image

What Is THCA Flower?

Different marijuana strains have differing levels of various cannabinoids in them. THCA flower refers to cannabis strains that contain a rich concentration of THCA. As these particular plant flowers are harvested, they are carefully cured to preserve their high levels of THCA while preventing premature decarbing, giving you the benefits of this cannabinoid without the THC high.

Best Ways to Consume THCA Flower

THCA flower can be enjoyed in many ways, such as smoking, vaping, in tinctures, and in topical forms. Choosing the best one for you is a blend of your individual tastes and your specific needs and goals.

Is THCA Safe to Smoke?

Deciding whether to smoke THCA or any other form of cannabis is an individual choice. Here’s what to keep in mind as you consider whether this method is a fit for you.

What Happens When You Smoke THCA?

Applying slow and steady heat to THCA in the form of a joint, bong, or pre-roll will produce the decarboxylation process that turns THCA into THC. In other words, smoking it will create a high, because you’ll be creating THC as you warm up that weed. You’ll likely start to feel buzzed, so plan to enjoy your THCA in a safe place such as your home, where you can relax and ride the effects.

Safety Considerations

In general, smoking THCA flower is similar to smoking other forms of weed. It’s safe to do, as long as you use it responsibly. Start with a small amount, and go slowly to see how your body responds. Choose high-quality THCA flower from a trusted and reliable source, like our dispensary, so you can be sure what you’re putting into your body is as pure and safe as possible.

Also, keep in mind that smoking of any kind can affect your lungs, which should factor into whether smoking is right for you. And remember that since THCA turns into THC when you smoke it, you should only do so in situations where it will be safe to be buzzed.

THCA in Vapes and Carts

Another popular method for using THCA is in vapes and carts. The THCA comes in a pre-filled vape cartridge (cart) that contains cannabis oil in different flavors so you can conveniently vape it. THCA vapes tend to be more potent than other THCA products, so be aware they can deliver more of a kick.

How THCA Vapes Work

Just as with smoking, THCA vapes start out with the non-psychoactive cannabinoid, and then the application of heat turns the THCA into its high-inducing form—THC. The vape and cartridge are heated with a ceramic coil, making it easy to partake anywhere without creating pungent, telltale smoke.

Choosing the Right THCA Cart

As you purchase THCA carts, consider this:

  • Different vape strains and products may be more energizing or more relaxing, so be sure to choose the kind of cannabis that delivers the effects you desire.
  • Vape carts come in many flavors, so think about your own personal tastes, and try a few flavors to see what you enjoy best.
  • Look for carts that have been third-party tested. This added vetting helps ensure your weed is high-quality and delivers the results you’re looking for.


Want to stay up-to-date on all things cannabis in our area? Just visit our Cannabis News and Blog for the latest info.

How Long Does THCA Stay in Your System?

Because THCA turns into THC when smoked or vaped, it’s important to know how long it can remain in your system. Depending on your body, how much you’ve used, and other factors, THC can hang around for hours in terms of the high. Even after the high has passed, THC can linger in your system.

THCA and Drug Tests

Because THCA turns into THC when smoked or vaped, it’s important to know how long it can remain in your system. Depending on your body, how much you’ve used, and other factors, THC can hang around for hours in terms of the high. Even after the high has passed, THC can linger in your system.

Factors That Affect THCA Metabolism

Because THCA turns into THC when smoked or vaped, it’s important to know how long it can remain in your system. Depending on your body, how much you’ve used, and other factors, THC can hang around for hours in terms of the high. Even after the high has passed, THC can linger in your system.

Find the Right Cannabis Products for You

Whether you’re new to cannabis or are an experienced aficionado, finding the best THCA products or other cannabis options starts with visiting the right dispensary. Look for a team of budtenders who have expertise, so you can feel confident as you partake. 

At Sunrise Dispensary, we’re here to make your cannabis journey easy-breezy, safe, and fun. Learn more about our expert team, shop now to see our wide range of high-quality cannabis products, and contact us anytime to get those burning questions answered. We’re here to serve you!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content reflects research, personal opinions, and reports from other sources. Sunrise Dispensary does not provide medical advice and makes no claims about the efficacy or safety of cannabis for medical or recreational use. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition or treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of the information provided in this blog. Cannabis products should be used responsibly and in compliance with local laws.

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