While these are just a few examples of what is currently being offered to cannabis consumers, THCa concentrates seem especially intriguing for those searching for out-of-the-box cannabinoid delivery forms. Technically, they are high in THCa (a non-intoxicating compound and the precursor to THC) from the cannabis plant.
What are THCa Concentrates?
THCa concentrates are extractions from plants that have been created with a high content of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa). Unlike THC which makes people high from smoking cannabis, THCa does not have any psychotropic effects when you ingest it raw. Decarboxylation- represents the act of transforming THCa into THC through heat (as within smoking or vaping).
Types of THCa Concentrates
What Are The Different Types Of THCa Concentrates?
● Diamonds – Popularly referred to as THCa crystalline, diamonds are essentially the purest of all things concentrated and come in a variety of sizes that typically dwarf some smaller flower nugs (though they bear little resemblance in aesthetic). They’re usually very strong and are typically dabbed.
● Sauces – THCa sauces are a combination of suspended THCa crystals in a pool of terpenes. This thick concentrate is incredibly flavorful and packs a strong punch.
● Badders and Budders – Creamy concentrates that are often dabbed or vaporized, as they can be more forgiving to work with than some other forms of Extract.
● Isolates – THCa isolates are a pure, white crystalline powder that mixes well in both hot and cold food & beverages as well.
- Shatter and Wax: These are the traditional forms of cannabis concentrates. THCa levels are different in these types depending on how they are extracted. Wax is softer and more flexible. Shatter is hard, like glass, and can be easily broken.
How THCa Concentrates Work?
The effects of THCa concentrates are delivered through the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters that help maintain homeostasis throughout the human and animal body. Likely candidate interactions between ingested THCa, the ECS (primarily CB1 and CB2) receptors, and what is most often spoken about in terms of pain perception, inflammation mood & appetite.
Where THC directly binds to these receptors, THCa works a bit differently. Research suggests that it may indirectly alter neurotransmitter release and receptor function by modulating enzyme activity and ion channels within the ECS. While studies on how exactly THCa works are still in progress, the potential for its treatment remains bright.
Benefits of THCa Concentrates
● Non-Intoxicating: THCa may have medicinal benefits without the intoxication associated with THC, ideal for those looking to consume cannabis products without any of the psychoactivity.
● Anti-inflammatory is likely attributed to THCa having anti-inflammatory properties positive for those with arthritis or autoimmune disorders.
● THCa and Neuroprotection: Studies suggest that cannabinoids have potential neuroprotective properties, making them potentially beneficial for people with neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.
● Accurate Dosing: THCa isolates typify concentrates which make accurate dosing conceivable, this is beneficial for patients requiring the same precise therapeutic effects.
How to Use THCa Concentrates
Different product types will confer various consumption methods for THCa concentrates, including:
● Dabbing: Vaporizing a concentrate over a hot surface (nail) and inhaling the vapor through a dab rig.
● Vaporizing: Concentrates are placed in a vaporizer specifically for concentrates and heated to create, you’ve guessed it, vapor.
● Imagine THCa isolates or sauces being mixed into food/beverages after decarboxylation for oral consumption as an edible form.
Some can be applied topically, which may make them well-suited to localized use.
The evolution of cannabis consumption last year resulted in a major advancement that offers users an altogether more potent and flexible tool to begin exploring the health benefits these cannabinoids also offer THCa concentrates. As more research finds new uses and applications of THCa, we can expect these concentrates to become an important part of the budtender’s toolkit in both medical marijuana products and adult-use markets.
If you’re trying to manage the symptoms of chronic pain or inflammation, THCa concentrates are something entirely new that can benefit patients seeking alternatives. As with anything in cannabis, check first with your local healthcare provider or budtender to see if THCa concentrates may be useful for you.
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