Cannabis plants are full of unique chemicals called cannabinoids.

THC (Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) and THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) are two of these chemicals, and both have unique effects.

Let’s take a look at the key differences between THCa and THC, including how they compare in terms of strength. Read below for the answers to all of the biggest questions about THCa, THC, and cannabis as a whole.

Explore our selection of high-quality THC and THCa products from Mood’s online dispensary.

What Is THCa?

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa) is one of the natural cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant.

Unlike THC, THCa is non-psychoactive, which means it can’t get you high in its raw form. However, when THCa is exposed to heat (through a vape or a one-hitter, for example), its chemical structure changes, and it becomes THC.

Some folks also enjoy using THCa in its raw form. You can get some potential benefits from juicing or blending up freshly harvested cannabis, but this consumption method won’t get you high. You’ll need the chemical reaction caused by heat to turn THCa into THC.

Experience medium-potency THCa with Runtz (21.25 percent). Grab 3.5g for just $40. Subscribe to recurring shipments to save 15%.

What Is THC?

Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-9 THC) is the main psychoactive component in cannabis plant material. In other words, when you enjoy cannabis products, THC is the primary component of the plant that gets you high.

THC starts out as THCa, which turns into tetrahydrocannabinol through a process called decarboxylation (“decarbing” for short).

When cannabis is smoked, vaporized, or cooked, the heat removes the carboxyl ring from the molecular structure of THCa, changing its composition and giving it its psychoactive effects.

Check out Mood's Best-Selling cannabis products at our online dispensary today.

Other Cannabinoids To Know About

THC and THCa are far from the only cannabinoids found in hemp flower. In fact, there are over 100 of these naturally occurring chemicals in the cannabis plant, and some can have pretty potent effects.

In addition to THC and THCa, there are several other cannabinoids featured in products in the Mood Shop, including:

• Cannabidiol (CBD): Unlike THC, CBD isn’t psychoactive, but it still has some calming and soothing effects. CBD is often combined with THCa and THC for a more dynamic and well-rounded high.

• THCp (Tetrahydrocannabiphorol): Recently discovered and extremely powerful, this cannabinoid is only found naturally in very small amounts. Professionals create it in a lab using decarboxylation, the same process that transforms THCa into THC.

• THCv (Tetrahydrocannabivarin): Like CBD, THCv is a non-psychoactive substance found in cannabis that can promote calmness and relaxation. It’s sometimes referred to as “diet weed,” since many users report that it lowers their appetite.

• CBN (Cannabinol): This mildly psychoactive cannabinoid can make you feel relaxed and drowsy.

• CBG (Cannabigerol): CBG is a cannabinoid with uplifting and energizing effects.

Our Butter Cream Caramel edibles combine Delta-9 THC and CBD for an indulgent high. Pick up a 10-count for just $49. Subscribe to save 15%.

How Does Your Body Respond to THC and THCa?

These chemicals bind to the cannabinoid receptors in your body’s endocannabinoid system and change how you feel by activating these receptors. You’ll feel the effects of THC shortly after using it in the form of gummies, flower, or other products.

During the decarboxylation process, THCa turns into THC and starts to produce intoxicating effects. However, this process won’t start unless you consume cannabis with a heat source. For example, if you’re blending raw cannabis plants into a smoothie, you won’t get high.

What Are the Benefits of THCa and THC?

When THCa converts into THC, it can produce effects like relaxation, drowsiness, and contentment. How you feel when you use a form of THC will depend on the strength of the cannabis you picked out and the other cannabinoids that coexist with it.

Which One Is Stronger: THCa or THC?

THCa doesn’t have any psychoactive properties until it turns into THC through the decarbing process. That means that while higher concentrations of THCa will get you a more intense high when heated and converted into THC, there’s no real difference in strength until that point.

What Do THCa Percentages Mean?

Each strain of cannabis contains a certain concentration of THCa. The more THCa in the cannabis, the more intense your high will be when decarbing turns the THCa into THC. That’s why it’s always smart to pay attention to the percentage of THCa listed on any flower or other cannabis products that you want to try. You can find this percentage and other essential info on all of Mood’s product pages.

If you’re new to cannabis, we recommend starting out with a lower concentration of THCa. When you start small, you can get a clear sense of how cannabis makes you feel and upgrade to a higher potency when you’re ready.

What Does High-Potency THCa Feel Like?

If you’ve never experienced an intense high before, it’s easy to wonder what it’s like. We have to admit words fall short; you’ll have to see for yourself to fully understand how amazing it feels.

Here’s what you can expect from a high-potency THCa product like our THCa Diamonds:

• Powerful THCa can make you feel very relaxed.

  You might feel more grounded and connected with yourself as well.

• High concentrations of THCa can also make you feel drowsy

  . The amount of drowsiness that you experience can depend on the strain of cannabis that you choose; indica is more closely associated with this effect.

• Getting high might also make you feel

  focused and creative. Depending on the strain you choose, you might find yourself inspired to do your best work and let your imagination run wild. It’s an amazing feeling that can also make you appreciate art and nature more deeply.

• You might find that THCa makes you feel more social.

  Some flower can loosen you up in social situations and make you feel comfortable and confident.

The best way to see how high-potency THCa affects you is by trying different products. Our wide selection includes plenty of options for any mood.

Get an intense high from the Jealousy strain (THCa 25.67 percent). Grab 1g for just $13, and save 15% when you subscribe.

Understanding Cannabis Strains

Your experience with THCa and THC will vary depending on the type of cannabis you pick. Cannabis is grouped into sativa, indica, and hybrid strain categories, and each of these strains has its own unique set of effects.

• Indica:

  This cannabis strain can make you feel calm and relaxed, and it’s often a go-to pick for stressful moments. The THCa content of indica cannabis tends to be lower.

• Sativa:

  Strains of cannabis in the sativa family are associated with energizing and uplifting effects. Folks often opt for sativa when they want to feel creative, focused, and social. THCa content in sativa cannabis is often higher.

• Hybrid:

  Some cannabis plants are crossbred from indica and sativa strains to get a blend of the characteristics of the two plants. Professional growers often cultivate these unique strains with a specific effect in mind.

THCa Gushers, our incredible indica-dominant hybrid, is just $17 for 1g. Save 15% when you subscribe.

Who Should Try THCa?

Just about anyone can enjoy THCa, especially with so many different forms to choose from. Making cannabis a part of your life can make you feel more calm, creative, and content, and it’s one of our favorite ways to relax and unwind.

Everyone has their own unique experience with THCa and cannabis in general. You can make sure that cannabis consumption is right for you by experimenting with smaller amounts of edibles, flower, and other products.

In addition, it’s important to mention that we can’t give you any health or medical advice. If you have questions or concerns about whether THCa will fit into your lifestyle, make sure to talk to your doctor.

Grab 3.5g of Gary Payton flower for just $54. Subscribe to save 15 percent.

THCa and THC Products

You can enjoy THCa and THC in multiple forms, from tinctures to vapes. Here are some of our favorite ways to get an incredible high:

• Flower: Smoking flower is one of the best ways to experience THCa. The heat converts the cannabinoid into THC, getting you high as you inhale. You can find flower that fits your mood at any moment; whether you want to feel social, chill, creative, or focused, there’s American-grown flower in the Mood Shopfor you.

• Vapes: Sleek disposable vapes are a convenient and fun way to get high. Our

  THCa Gelato Disposable Vape

  features a combination of THCa and CBD for a powerful,

  creativity-promoting hig.

• Concentrates: Our carefully crafted concentrates contain high levels of THCa that you can smoke or vape for a powerful high. Our THCa Diamonds are 97.85 percent THCa, which turns into Delta-9 THC when you smoke or vape it.

• Edibles: Mood is the perfect place to pick up THC-infused sweet treats and goodies. Our edibles range in potency from medium to high and come in diverse and delicious forms, from gummies to drinkables.

How To Get Started With THCa

The Mood Shop is fully stocked with tons of THCa products, all made with USA-grown cannabis. These are some of our top recommendations for getting started with THCa:

Dante’s Inferno

This top-shelf, high-potency flower is 27.77 percent THCa and tastes like strawberries and cream. It’s an indica hybrid created with focus and concentration in mind and lovingly grown in Washington state. It’s best for folks who are interested in a more intense high that can enhance creative work or make chores a bit more enjoyable.

Save $25 or more when you grab 7g of Dante’s Inferno for just $93. Save 15 percent when you subscribe.

Delta-8 THC Moonrocks

Moonrocks are essentially the caviar of cannabis. Delta-8 flower covered in powerful THC distillate and rolled in calming CBD kief makes our Moonrocks the perfect pick for a mellow high. At 42.43 percent THCa, these are ideal for first-time cannabis users and seasoned vets alike.

Get 3.5g of Delta-8 THC Moonrocks for just $40. Subscribe to save 15 percent.

Cereal Milk Pre-Roll

One of Mood’s best selling pre-rolls, the Cereal Milk joint will make you feel ready to take on the world. It’s sweet, fruity, and made with a 50/50 hybrid of sativa and indica cannabis. At 28.02 percent THCa, it’s exactly what you need for a relaxing, uplifting high.

Grab a 5-count of Cereal Milk Pre-Rolls for just $64. Subscribe to save 15 percent.

FAQ

Q: Does THCa get you high?

A: THCa doesn’t have psychoactive effects on its own, but smoking cannabis flower or using a vape with THCa extracts in it introduces heat, changing THCa into the psychoactive compound THC.

Q: What is THCa’s legal status?

A: The Farm Bill broadened access to THCa in some states based on certain conditions. Harvested hemp and hemp derivatives, including THCa, meet the Farm Bill’s definition of hemp as long as they contain no more than 0.3 percent Delta-9 THC based on dry weight.

Mood makes enjoying high-quality THCa products easier than ever. All of our gummies, edibles, vapes, and more comply with the Farm Bill and come from trustworthy, USA-based farms.

Before ordering for the first time, make sure you know your state’s specific regulations for THCa.

Q: Which strain is right for me?

A: It might take some time to figure out the high that suits you best. That’s where Mood comes in. When you visit the Mood Shop, you’ll find detailed descriptions for all of our flower and other THCa products. You can use this info to get exactly what you’re looking for.

Q: What THC level is right for me?

A: If you’re new to cannabis, we encourage you to ease in by starting out with low-potency and medium-potency products. At the Mood Shop, you’ll find plenty of options in both of these categories, including THCa flower, gummies, and more.

Q: Will THCa show up on a drug test?

A: THCa transforms into THC when you smoke it, which means the chemical will make you fail a drug test. However, THCa in its original form isn’t one of the chemicals that most drug tests look for. In other words, your main concern when it comes to drug testing is THC, not THCa.

Mood: THCa for Everyone

The Mood Shop is your go-to stop for high-quality THCa products. No matter what your experience level with cannabis is, we have exactly what you need to make your THCa journey as enjoyable as possible.

Discover more cannabis products from Mood today.

Prices subject to change.