What is Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA)?
You may have heard of the better-known THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the main psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. However, prior to processing, the enzyme responsible for producing THC is tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, otherwise known as THCA.
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is the predecessor to THC, representing up to 90% of THC found in the cannabis plant. The process of turning THCA into THC involves heating the acidic THCA to remove the carboxyl group using decarboxylation, which converts it into a non-acidic state.
Although THCA does not have the same psychoactive properties as THC, ongoing research suggests it could boast medical uses due to its potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
Is Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA) legal?
Unprocessed cannabis has high levels of THCA, and unlike THC, this does not have any psychoactive effects. The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2010 categorises many substances derived from the cannabis plant as illegal and controlled substances in the UK. While THCA is not illegal in itself, it is typically turned into THC, so if you possess a product that contains THCA with the ability to convert it to THC, this may be illegal.
In 2018, medical cannabis was legalised only when acquired with a prescription from a specialist doctor. This means THCA is now legal in a medical context.
If you have any questions about using medical cannabis, or any of the terms you have come across, Emerald can help. We exist to make it easy for people managing chronic conditions to access medical cannabis under the care of qualified clinicians. Using the best quality products at the greatest value, we work quickly to get our patients the relief they need, safely and legally.