What is THCA, the Legal Cannabis Product That’s Suddenly Everywhere?
The wild world of the cannabis industry has given rise to dozens of products that put youth health at risk, from delta-8 gummies to flavored rolling papers. The latest: THCA.
THCA (you may also see it as THC-a or THCa) is easy to access and legal to possess and use, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe. Read on for the basics about this cannabis product.
What is THCA?
THCA stands for tetrahydrocannabinol acid. It’s a chemical compound found in cannabis and hemp plants, and it’s a precursor to THC, the substance in cannabis that produces a “high.”
According to WebMD, THCA doesn’t have psychoactive effects on its own. It can relieve pain, nausea, and inflammation, though it doesn’t have an established medical use and it’s rarely used on its own.
However, when heated — by smoking, vaping, or baking it into food — THCA turns into delta-9 THC. Delta-9 THC is like the bigger, stronger cousin of delta-8 THC.
THCA is sold in a variety of forms, including as vape liquid and edibles.
Is THCA legal?
Like many emerging cannabis and nicotine products, THCA exists in a legal gray area. At this time, THCA is unscheduled and legal to sell and use in the US. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, THCA is legally considered hemp because it contains less than 0.3% THC. But that bill expired in fall 2024, and a new Farm Bill has not yet been passed. Future legislation could restrict access to THCA.
What risks does THCA pose to youth?
Cannabis companies waiting around on new legislation, though: THCA is easily accessible online and in smoke shops. Many online shops that sell THCA don’t make much of an effort to keep their products out of kids’ hands, with only a simple popup message that asks shoppers to confirm they are over 21.
Another major side effect of THCA’s legal limbo: It’s unregulated, so it’s impossible for a consumer to know what they’re really getting. A user could be exposed to other substances and harmful ingredients, like pesticides and heavy metals, or unintentionally take a dangerously high dose because potency of THCA products is not controlled.
There isn’t much research on THCA’s effects, but one thing is certain: THC is very dangerous to the developing brain.
If youth access THCA and turn it into THC by heating it, they are vulnerable to neurological changes that can hinder motivation, decision-making, coordination, and more. Plus, using THC at a young age makes a user more likely to develop a dependence on the drug.
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