The Potential Health Benefits of THCA - What Science Says
Cannabis has been utilized for thousands of years as medicine and a recreational substance. While THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the most recognized cannabis compound, there's another cannabinoid that's receiving attention: THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid). THCA is the raw, uncooked version of THC in fresh cannabis plants. While THC gets you high, THCA is non-psychoactive, or it won't get you high. Does it have health benefits, though? Science says yes! In this blog, we’ll dive into what researchers are discovering about THCA and how it may contribute to overall wellness.
What Is THCA?
Before we look at its advantages, let's first summarize what THCA is. Fresh cannabis has high levels of THCA rather than THC. But if you use heat (such as smoking, vaping, or baking), THCA is decarboxylated and turns into THC. This is the reason why raw cannabis will not get you as high as heated cannabis.
Because THCA does not bind to brain CB1 receptors as potently as THC, it does not produce the famous "high." However, THCA could have a variety of mechanisms for maintaining good health and well-being.
THCA and Inflammation: -
One of the most exciting THCA research areas is its anti-inflammatory potential. Inflammation is the source of many long-term illnesses, such as arthritis, autoimmune disease, and neurodegenerative diseases. Many studies indicate that THCA could decrease inflammation within the body.
If you'd like to explore THCA further, you could take a look at what is THCa on DrGanja to find out more about its sources and potential applications. A 2011 article in the journal Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin revealed that THCA exhibited potent anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory tests. Scientists suspect that this is because it can suppress COX-2 enzymes, which are major players in pain and inflammation. Individuals with chronic pain conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia can derive benefits from using THCA in their wellness regime.
Neuroprotective Benefits of THCA: -
Mental health is another where THCA holds promise. THCA is thought by some research to possess neuroprotective qualities, which means it could protect brain cells from damage.
A study by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, published in 2012, discovered that THCA decreased neurodegeneration in animal models. This implies it might be useful for diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, and multiple sclerosis (MS).
Furthermore, according to a 2017 study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology, THCA may also serve as an antioxidant, further defending brain cells against oxidative stress damage.
THCA for Nausea Stimulation and Appetite: -
Most individuals link cannabis to a greater appetite, commonly known as the "munchies." However, the interesting thing about this is that THCA can also stimulate appetite and aid against nausea, which could be helpful to individuals who are receiving therapies such as chemotherapy.
One study published in 2013 by The British Journal of Pharmacology demonstrated that THCA was stronger than THC at reducing nausea in animal models. This could make ingesting raw cannabis or products high in THCA valuable to individuals losing appetite as the result of an illness or doctor treatments.
For those with eating disorders, long-term nausea, or diseases like Crohn's, THCA might bring some relief without the psychoactive consequences of THC.
THCA and Pain Relief: -
Managing pain is perhaps the most typical reason individuals use cannabis. While THC is famously recognized as a pain reliever, THCA might be beneficial as well.
In a 2020 study in Molecules, scientists investigated the analgesic (pain-relieving) potential of THCA. The results indicated that THCA may be useful for pain relief by targeting the body's endocannabinoid system, more precisely by acting on TRPA1 and TRPV1 receptors that mediate pain.
For individuals seeking to have natural relief from pain with no high, THCA is a viable alternative. It can be particularly effective for such medical conditions as migraine, muscle cramps, and chronic pain illness.
THCA and Its Utilization in the Study of Cancer: -
While a lot of investigation is required, preliminary research reveals that THCA has promise regarding cancer treatment.
A 2013 study in Biochemical Pharmacology discovered that THCA had anti-proliferative effects or could inhibit the growth of cancer cells. This is encouraging for future cancer studies, but human trials are still required.
Aside from its potential anti-cancer effects, THCA 's nausea, pain, and loss of appetite relief make it a good choice for chemotherapy patients with cancer.
THCA and Mental Health: -
Mental illness such as depression and anxiety plagues millions of individuals, and a great many of them seek natural solutions to pharmaceutical medications. Though THC is sometimes in itself a trigger for anxiety, THCa has no such psychotropic impact. Some professionals think it might stabilize mood and induce relaxation without a high. Eating THCA in its raw state might assist with mild depression, stress, and anxiety.
How to Use THCA: -
If you would like to give THCA a try, there are several methods you can include in your regimen:
Raw Cannabis Juicing: Mixing fresh cannabis leaves with smoothies or juices is one of the most popular ways to take THCA. This is an excellent way to reap the benefits of the cannabinoid without cooking it at all.
THCA Tinctures & Capsules: Most brands now sell THCA in capsule or tincture form so you can easily dose without needing to smoke or vape.
THCa Edibles: Some edibles have THCA without decarboxylation (the heating process that converts THCA into THC). So, you can eat it and not feel any psychoactive effect.
Topicals: THCa cream, balm, and lotions can potentially address localized inflammation, pain, and muscle repair when applied externally.
Each application has its distinct advantages, hence the selection would be based on your health aim and lifestyle desire.
Conclusion
While THC receives most of the focus, THCA is turning out to be an intriguing compound with a variety of possible health advantages. The scientific study of THCA is only in its infancy, but to date, the signs are that it possesses tremendous health benefits. From anti-inflammatory to cognition enhancement and pain relief, THCA may have a part to play in general well-being. As studies go on, more will likely shed light on the whole range of its effects.
The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledges the therapeutic value of cannabinoids and continues to evaluate their safety and efficacy. As interest in natural medicine grows, THCA is a promising compound for those who wish to utilize non-psychoactive substances to improve their health.
