THCA’s Side Effects: Don’t Ignore This Information!

When consumed in its natural state, typically via raw cannabis juice, THCA is non-intoxicating. While there are potentially some adverse effects to consider, this cannabinoid seems to have fewer of them than THC. Of course, if you decarboxylate THCA flower, you will unleash the power of intoxicating THC and likely experience a high.

However, the unregulated nature of the industry means that there are other problems to consider when using THCA flower. This article highlights these issues while also explaining the possible side effects of THCA and THC.

What To Expect When You Consume Raw Cannabis

If you purchase THCA flower with the express purpose of NOT decarboxylating it, you don’t have to worry about feeling intoxicated. That being said, it’s wise to check the lab reports of the products you buy to ensure there is minimal THC.

Most people who consume raw cannabis do so in the form of juice. Since they are consuming THCA rather than THC, they can ingest far bigger quantities than if the flower was already decarbed.

Dr. William Courtney is one of the most famous proponents of raw cannabis juice. He asserts that you can enjoy up to 600 mg of non-intoxicating cannabinoids such as CBGA, CBDA, and THCA without experiencing much in the way of adverse effects.

Those who use raw marijuana claim that they feel more alert and responsive. The benefits of THCA can include:

• Decreased inflammation
• Reduced pain
• Neuroprotective benefits
• Antioxidant activity
• Antiemetic effects

Are There Side Effects to Consider?

Although he is a fierce proponent of raw cannabis, Dr. Courtney does recommend that patients begin with a small amount (no more than 3 mg of freshly ground buds) to ensure there are no allergic reactions or adverse effects.

It’s also important to note that there are risks attached if you have problems with your gall bladder or kidneys. Dr. Courtney says that people with hyperoxaluria or hypercalciuria should not consume marijuana juice.

Furthermore, you should discuss your usage of raw cannabis juice if you’re using any medication that carries a grapefruit or pomegranate warning. The same concern applies if you use an anticoagulant because most leaves contain significant quantities of vitamin K, which can cause issues for the liver when such drugs are metabolized.

Decarboxylation Can Result in Adverse Effects

Ultimately, there isn’t yet enough data relating to THCA’s negative effects. That’s primarily because the lion’s share of research on cannabis to date has revolved around decarboxylated marijuana. That is to say, THC, the famed intoxicating cannabinoid in the plant.

Once you expose THCA flower to a certain degree of heat for a long enough period, the non-intoxicating THCA becomes the THC known for causing a high. The most popular ‘decarbing’ method involves rolling the flower into a joint and lighting it.

However, you can also place the flower in an oven at 220 degrees Fahrenheit and leave it there for around 40 minutes. This is how to decarb when you want to use weed to create edibles.

If you consume too much THC, you could experience side effects such as:

• Cottonmouth
• Changes in perception
• Dizziness and nausea
• Time dilation
• Euphoria
• Hallucinations
• Decreased mobility
• Increased heart rate
• Anxiety and paranoia
• Cognition and memory problems

Thus, it is unwise to engage in THC usage without considering the possibility of the above happening.

Other Dangers of THCA

To date, there isn’t enough information available to fully understand the adverse effects caused by THCA usage. The lack of intoxication mitigates the risk of issues such as hallucinations and paranoia.

Yet, there are other issues faced by THCA flower users that don’t necessarily relate to the cannabinoid. The reality is that the industry is poorly regulated, which means there are other risks to consider.

Lack of Labeling

Regardless of the brand you use, only buy THCA from organizations that include updated third-party lab reports with their products. This transparency is essential because, otherwise, you have no idea what’s inside.

Contamination

The aforementioned regulatory issues mean that low-grade products can easily flood the market. Such items could contain heavy metals, mold, pesticides, and other chemicals that are harmful to your health.

Inconsistent THCA Content

You can also forget about surefire knowledge of how much THCA is in a product. Low-quality brands won’t invest in standardized testing for quality control and potency. As such, changes in THCA concentration could occur, which means establishing the right dosage could prove challenging.

Minimal Consumer Protection

If you’re unfortunate enough to purchase a poor standard THCA product, you’ll struggle to get a refund because you don’t benefit from a high standard of consumer protection. Thus, if the brand ignores your calls for compensation, you won’t get much satisfaction when the time comes to further your claim.

Legality

Contrary to what you may have read in some places online, THCA flower is not legal in every American state. At present, there’s a loophole that ensures the cannabinoid escapes the federal ban suffered by THC. However, the DEA is working to eliminate this workaround.

Furthermore, even though THCA is technically federally legal, certain states have already banned it, including some jurisdictions that allow the use of recreational marijuana. Therefore, you must check the laws in your region before making a purchase.

THCA Has Potential But Be Wary of Adverse Effects

If you use raw marijuana and ensure that its THCA content doesn’t become THC, you shouldn’t experience an intoxicating high. Research into THCA’s side effects is limited at present. However, it does seem as if people who use medication with a grapefruit or pomegranate warning should steer clear, as should people with kidney or gallbladder problems.

It’s also a fact that when you decarb THCA flower, it becomes intoxicating THC, which is associated with several potential side effects.

Yet, the biggest danger linked to THCA right now is the lack of strong regulation in the marketplace. Before you make a purchase, thoroughly vet each brand to ensure it has a stellar reputation, and includes third-party lab reports with its products.