Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA) is the prominent cannabinoid found in the plant at harvest time. It is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, which is the carboxylated or acidic form of the psychoactive compound THC. The plant naturally produces the acid form by converting CBGA into THCA. When cannabis is harvested and dried, THCA is present in large amounts, but it only converts to THC through decarboxylation, which occurs when the plant material is heated or burned.

THCA has been shown to have potential medicinal properties beyond that of its psychoactive form. However, THCA is not commonly used recreationally due to its non-psychoactive nature. Due to its chemical limitations, THCA must be extracted and consumed at low temperatures to prevent decarboxylation. 

When THCA is consumed raw, it is not converted into THC and does not produce any psychoactive effects. Instead, it is believed to provide therapeutic benefits such as pain relief, extra potent anti-inflammatory effects, muscle relaxation, and the potential to improve overall well-being.

Isomers: ∆8-THCA, ∆10-THCA, ∆11-THCA