BY MARIE LODI

Most people, cannabis users or not, are probably already fairly familiar with the psychoactive cannabis component THC, and, in recent years, have gotten more acquainted with its non-psychoactive cousin, CBD. However, there are other cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant that we’re still learning about. Cannabis contains more than 500 components, of which 104 cannabinoids have been identified. One particular cannabinoid, THCA, has been increasingly getting attention due to its potential therapeutic benefits.

What is THCA?
It would make things less confusing if THCA’s name wasn’t so similar to THC, wouldn’t it? Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, aka THCA, is the most abundant compound in cannabis, and is present prior to the plant being heated or altered. Once cannabis is burned, vaporized, or cooked, it enters a process called decarboxylation, which transforms the non-psychoactive THCA into psychoactive THC. Now that’s what we call science.

Benefits of THCA
So, if you chew on a few leaves of cannabis, you’re ingesting THCA, not THC, and won’t get stoned. However, you’re still receiving medicinal benefits. Raw cannabis, due in part to the presence of THCA, can help with inflammation, pain, and even seizures. In fact, THCA has been found to have anticonvulsant activity, meaning it could very well be an aid in treatment for epilepsy. It has also been found to be an effective neuroprotectant, and may help treat Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and Multiple Sclerosis. It has also been shown to have anti-cancer properties, and even can help with nausea and appetite. While more research on THCA is needed, the findings so far have been promising.

Want to give THCA a go? The next time you visit MedMen, ask for Papa and Barkley’s 1:1 Releaf Tincture with THCa.