Tetrahydrocannabinolic-acid (Delta-9-THC-A)

is one of the main cannabinoids found in the glandular trichomes of the Cannabis sativa plant's flowers and leaves. The plant biosynthesizes and accumulates it for protection.
Image by MediKatie

The acidic precursor THCA is non-psychoactive (unless in excess). Most raw or dried cannabis bud/flower has little or no psychoactive THC (unless it's been exposed to air and light over time). When heated (by smoking, vaping, or baking), THCA carboxylates to the psychoactive form of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Once further broken down, THC turns into cannbinol (CBN), but that's a story for another time.

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THCA molecule | Image created by MediKatie

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THC-acid (THCA) found in raw, unheated cannabis has anti-inflammatory , anti-nausea, immuno-modulatory, neuro-protective, and anti-cancer properties!

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Sources:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29082314
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28853159
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23889598
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22571976
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28853159
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28861508
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28861488
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28861498
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22411724
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17691992
• https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/9-Carboxy-thc