Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in raw cannabis. When heated, through a process called decarboxylation, it converts into delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9 THC), the primary psychoactive compound responsible for the effects commonly associated with cannabis consumption. Smoking, vaping, or heating cannabis flower activates this transformation.
The conversion of THCA to delta-9 THC is a critical process for understanding the effects of cannabis. Raw cannabis consumed without heating will not produce the same psychoactive effects due to the prevalence of THCA. The decarboxylation process is influenced by both temperature and time; higher temperatures will expedite the conversion, while lower temperatures require a longer duration. Properly understanding and controlling this process allows for predictable and controlled effects of cannabis.
