Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid

Medical and Pharmacological Aspects

• THCA can be used in cannabis or hemp-based products to screen for THC.
• It can be consumed as a supplement for various illnesses, although medical applications are not fully established.
• THCA has limited conversion to THC, acting as a slight prodrug for THC.
• It exhibits immuno-modulating effects and anti-inflammatory activity.
• THCA binds and activates PPARγ with higher potency than decarboxylated products.

Chemistry and Analysis

• THCA has two isomers, THCA-A and THCA-B, with different carboxylic acid group positions.
• It is formed from cannabigerolic acid through oxidocyclization by THCA-synthase.
• THCA is unstable and slowly decarboxylates into THC during storage.
• Decarboxylation of THCA to THC is not complete when heated or burned.
• THCA can be detected in individuals who consume cannabis.
• Phytocannabinoids, including THCA, have unique chemical properties essential for understanding cannabis constituents.
• The crystal and molecular structure of THCA has been studied for pharmacological insights.

Legal Status and Regulations

• THCA is not scheduled by the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances.
• In the United States, THCA is not federally scheduled but could be considered an analog of THC.
• Laboratory analysis of THCA may generate THC due to decarboxylation during handling.
• Post-decarboxylation methods are specified for total THC testing under the Farm Bill and USDA.
• THCA is subject to regulations under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances and the Federal Controlled Substance Analogue Act.

Research and Studies

• Research published in the British Journal of Pharmacology supports THCA as a potent PPARγ agonist with neuroprotective activity.
• LC-MS/MS is used for detecting THCA in human fluids, aiding in monitoring cannabis consumption.
• Detailed studies on the chemistry and analysis of phytocannabinoids, including THCA, provide insights for understanding cannabis constituents.

Applications and Consumption

• Isolated THCA is available in select dispensaries in crystalline powder form.
• THCA can be smoked or vaporized in devices like bongs or dab rigs for psychoactive effects.
• It can be encapsulated for consumption.
• Understanding THCA presence in bodily fluids aids in various analyses.
• Legal frameworks surrounding THCA influence its use and research.

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid Data Sources