What is THC-A and What are the Benefits?

What is THC-A and What are the Benefits?

Understanding THC-A and Its Benefits

All of the phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis plant are produced by the plant in acidic form; CBD-A is a precursor to CBD, CBG-A to CBG, THC-A to THC and so forth. It is only when they become decarboxylated upon heating/processing that the compounds change form. THC-A is non-psychoactive until it is processed with a form of heat. Typically, these compounds are found naturally in cannabis flowers and when burned, there is a synergistic experience, coined the entourage effect. Meaning that when all of the cannabinoids are activated and consumed together, they enhance each other. These days, many of the cannabis plant compounds are being extracted and studied for their individual medicinal properties.

THC-A and the Endocannabinoid System

Our bodies have complex networks working on autopilot, which support the homeostasis of the body’s crucial biological processes. Most phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis plant are received by CB1 or CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS), however, THC-A molecules are components which don’t function with these receptors until it’s activated by heat and becomes THC, in which case it will induce prominent psychoactive effects on the CB1 receptors in the central nervous system. Therefore, it’s important to know that as an extracted, non-activated component it works with the body in other beneficial ways.

Exploring the Benefits of THC-A

Let’s explore! THC-A functions as a ligand that is most effectively received, not through the endocannabinoid system (ECS) like other phytocannabinoids, such as CBG or THC, but through the complex PPAR signaling pathway. This pathway is known to be associated with many diseases. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARy) works as a receptor, similar to the ECS and is where THC-A has been found to offer its greatest benefits.

THC-A and Its Therapeutic Potential

THC-A is a partial and selective PPARγ modulator and reveals powerful neuroprotective activity, especially for the treatment of Huntington’s disease. It may also prove to be beneficial in treating other neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases. The PPARy is a master regulator of lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis. THC-A has been found to reduce body fat, “and prevent metabolic disease caused by diet-induced obesity.” In fact, data validates that, THC-A is, “capable of substantially improving the symptoms of obesity-associated metabolic syndrome and inflammation.” Additionally, data has proven that it is an effective antioxidant, similar to that of Vitamin E.

What conditions might THC-A be useful for?

Medical Uses of THC-A

What conditions might THC-A be useful for?

Although, THC-A occurs naturally in various medical marijuana preparations, its bioactivity is largely unknown. Nonetheless, studies have shown that it could be effective in treating nausea and an article from the National Library of Medicine indicates that THC-A protects against MPP+ (1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium) induced cell death. “THC-A and CBD treatment at a concentration of 10 μM (microns) lead to significantly increased cell counts to 123% and 117%, respectively, proving its protective properties against MPP +, a neurotoxin that leads to cell death and Parkinson’s disease.” Other research indicates that, as a non-psychoactive treatment for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, “THC-A should be used rather than CBD.” Like THC-A, CBD also has a low affinity with the ECS receptors and it’s been discovered that it may also interact better with the ligandactivated PPARγ receptor, where it’s greatest benefits are expressed.

Strains High in THC-A

Which medical marijuana strains are high in THC-A?

• Berry Pie
• Lemon Poundcake
• Tangerine Dream
• Jealousy
• Strawberry Mimosa
• Ice Cream Cake
• Pineapple OG
• Apple Tartz
• Runtz
• Lemon Cherry Gelato
• Tropicana Cookies
• Cherry Cheesecake
• Orange Runtz

In theory, due to the fact that THC-A transforms into THC when heated, medical marijuana strains which prove to have high THC-A levels could strenghten its psychoactive effects, because (when heated), some level of the THC content in the flower is dissintegrated and therefore, the activated THC-A would then make up for that loss. This theory is gaining interest because THC-A as well as the other phytocannabinoids found in the plant represent the potential strength of the strain. If the goal is to have a psychoactive experience, then higher THC-A levels might assist with that.