We can all agree that CBD and THCA are two cannabinoids that you can find in hemp. Even though they feature similar qualities, you should remember a few distinctions that will help you determine the best course of action. From the non-psychoactive effects to the therapeutic benefits, you should know that each cannabinoid features unique set of advantages.
THCA is a precursor to Delta-9 THC. You can find it in cannabis leaves and raw hemp. Remember that when you consume it in raw form, you can rest assured, because it does not feature psychoactive effects. However, we can differentiate unique properties about it.
As soon as you click this page, you will learn a few things about THCA flowers that will help you get a comprehensive picture about it. The moment you heat it, the molecular structure will change and become psychoactive THC.
What is THCA?
You should know that our bodies feature two types of cannabinoid receptors. CB1 receptors are responsible for creating intoxicating effect, while CB2 receptors produce wellness-related and non-psychoactive options. Until you decide to add heat and convert THCA into a regular delta-9 THC, consuming raw form of THCA will bind to CB2 receptors.
People that use non-psychoactive and raw THCA are more likely to feel body relaxation, restful sleep and experience better digestion than others. However, if you consume vaporized and smokeable THCA, you will experience psychoactive effects.
The moment THCA converts into its precursor, it will bind to CB1 receptor and provide you with euphoria, among other effects. The best way to understand the conversion between non-psychoactive and psychoactive compound is by learning more about decarboxylation. Even though it sounds complicated, it is pretty simple process that uses heating as a catalyst.
The moment you decide to eat THCA flowers at a temperature between 220 and 250-degree F for approximately forty minutes, you will completely decarb THCA from the buds. However, if you decide to use vaporizer or smoke it in form of blunt, you will add enough heat to start with decarboxylation process.
What is CBD?
Similarly, as THCA, you should remember that CBD is non-psychoactive cannabinoid mostly found in hemp plants, but you can get it in regular cannabis or weed. However, compared with THCA, it cannot convert into THC after heating, which makes it appealing for consumption even by using traditional methods such as smoking.
Since it is not psychoactive, you can rest assured, because you can reap the natural wellness advantages of hemp without thinking about intoxication side effects that you may experience. The most common effects are relieving body tension, encouraging restful sleep and quieting a busy mind.
Compared with other cannabinoids, CBD will not bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors. Even though the exact science is not clear, but CBD interacts with endocannabinoid system to provide you with numerous therapeutic benefits. Visit this link: https://www.ndda.nd.gov/divisions/plant-industries/hemp to learn about hemp cultivation.
CBD supports natural wellness, meaning you will encourage better functioning of your body int eh long run. In most cases, people use it for improving their mental states, since it features calming and mood-boosting effects. At the same time, it can support faster recovery by boosting your immune response.
Differences Between CBD and THCA
Since you understand the basics of both CBD and THCA, you may still wonder which option is the best for your specific requirements. The best way to understand more about the topic is by hand-in-hand comparison that will help you throughout the process.
We will talk about interaction with endocannabinoid system, psychoactive effects and other factors that will help you understand the differences.
1. Psychoactive Effects
You should know that natural state of both CBD and THCA is non-psychoactive. However, when you decide to add heat to THCA flowers, you will convert it into delta-9 THC, which features intoxicating effects after consumption. On the other hand, CBD completely lack psychoactive properties, which is vital to remember.
Regarding non-psychoactive and raw THCA, you can infuse it into cold-pressed edibles, combine it into tinctures, lotions and juices. If you need intoxicating effect, you can smoke or vaporize it. On the other hand, you can use CBD in almost any form without feeling psychoactive effects.
2. Endocannabinoid System Interaction
You should know that non-psychoactive THCA will interact with CB2 receptors when you decide to consume it in raw form. However, the moment you heat it, the compound will change its structure and effects, meaning it will interact with both CB1 and CB2 receptors. As a result, you will experience soothing effects in raw form and psychoactive after heated.
CBD does not bind to either CB1 or CB2 receptors. Instead, it is a perfect option that will help you balance endocannabinoid system and prevent breakdown by ensuring that everything runs as smoothly as possible.
3. Wellness Benefits
You probably understand by now that CBD and THCA are known for boosting your overall body function. However, wellness benefits may vary.
THCA Advantages
- Neuroprotective and Immune Booster – THCA is effective for promoting healthy immune system response and way better body-mind balance than before. Similarly, as other cannabinoids, you should know that THCA features neuroprotective properties that will help you support a mind.
- Appetite and Nausea – Another well-known advantage is increased appetite, which is perfect for people with chronic issues and diseases where treatments are affecting appetite.
CBD Advantages
- Relaxation and Sleep – CBD is a perfect cannabinoid for people that wish to reduce anxiety before a night sleep. It features relaxing properties similarly as other cannabinoids, while you can use it to help you fall asleep and enjoy deep sleep way better than before.
- Legal – Another important consideration is that after 2018 Farm Bill, most hemp-derived products that feature 0.3% THC or less are legal and can be used for medicinal purposes. It means that CBD flower is appealing alternative especially in areas where consumption of regular cannabis is prohibited.
Final Word
It is vital to remember that when you decide to choose the best wellness cannabis product for your specific situation, you should understand what you wish to get from it. For instance, if your goal is to improve body’s immune response, you should take CBD. On the other hand, for better appetite, THCA is way better alternative.
