Now that hemp is legal across the United States, a lot more folks have started to look into it as an option for pain relief as well as recreational activities. Of course, there are many different types of THC that can come from hemp plants, and that’s where things can get confusing. What are the differences between them, and how do we know which we should purchase?
These are all compelling questions, and they’re what we’re here to examine today. Considering how many things there are to learn about cannabis plants, hemp, and the THC strains that can be extracted, it should come as no surprise that we can’t cover all of it. Rather, we’re going to take a look at THCa flowers, comparing them to some of the other options.
Now, if you’d like to learn a bit more about the science side of this, you can check out this page: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2021.753847/full. With that said, let’s delve into this a bit further, and explore the world of THCa.
Table of Contents
What is it?
Naturally, the first question that comes to mind is: what is THCa, anyway? To start, let’s look at what the acronym stands for: tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. It’s a type of cannabinoid found in the trichomes (or resinous glands) of the cannabis plant – and it’s non-psychoactive. That’s a key point to keep in mind – THCa is not psychoactive when it is harvested.
How is it distinct from THC? Well, put simply, this compound is actually a precursor to THC. When you heat these flowers up, they can produce THC, which is the chemical that gives people the sensation of a “high.” This doesn’t happen until they’re heated, though. Here are some of the other properties that explain its uses:
Antioxidant: There are some studies that have demonstrated that these flowers have antioxidant properties. Essentially, they can help protect against cell damage and inflammation.
Pain Relief: As we hinted at already, THCa can help with inflammation. However, it can also relieve pain, which is helpful.
Immune System Support: THCa has been found to have immunomodulatory effects, which can help support the immune system and reduce inflammation.
On a final note, for this section, it’s important to recognize that when purchasing a THCa hemp flower, it can come in several different forms. For instance, it is often used in edible products, such as gummies, capsules, and oils, where it can be consumed without the psychoactive effects of THC. It’s also used in topical applications, such as creams and salves, where it can be absorbed through the skin and provide localized benefits.
Uses for THCa Flowers
While we’ve discussed some of this already, it’s worth delving deeper into this topic. What can we use these flowers for, and are they worth the cost? Something to note is that they are legal to purchase across the United States, and you can even shop for them online, which boosts the value inherently. With that said, let’s look at some of these uses.
Pain Relief
As we covered above, one of the main ways that THCa (and in some cases, THC itself) is used is to help relieve pain. In fact, it’s considered a good alternative for those who are unable to legally acquire marijuana or cannot get a medical marijuana card. It does not give the same “high” (unless heated) but still provides a lot of the same relief.
Inflammation Reduction
This is another one that we’ve mentioned already, but it’s worth touching on again. THCa is particularly effective when treating inflammation related to arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia.
Cancer Treatment
THCa has been found to have anti-tumor properties, which may help reduce the growth and spread of cancer cells. While it may not always be effective, this is something that is being studied further in the medical community.
Neuroprotection
THCa has been shown to have neuroprotective properties, which can help protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s. Scientists in the medical field have been doing research on these properties for some time, and the results certainly look promising. This is why so many have started to take supplements that contain these flowers.
Skin Care
If you’re already familiar with hemp and CBD oils, then there’s a good chance you already know how useful cannabis and its compounds can be as far as skincare goes. Regardless, the flowers can be used topically to promote skin health and reduce inflammation, making them potentially beneficial for conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema. Finding natural relief for those conditions is a challenge, so THCa can be quite nice.
Mental Health
Perhaps one of the most important uses for THCa flowers is that they may be used to support mental health and well-being by reducing stress and anxiety without the psychoactive effects of THC. The fact that they don’t give users the “high” that comes from THC but is still able to reduce stress and anxiety is significant, and one of the main reasons that young adults have been purchasing these flowers, oils, and gummies.
Sleep Aids
Difficulty falling asleep is a real challenge for many adults across the United States. Insomnia is difficult to treat, and many don’t want to take regular, over-the-counter sleeping pills for fear that they are addictive. Thankfully, THCa flowers work as a natural supplement that can help with falling asleep quickly, as well as staying asleep.
Now, it’s important to note that the uses of THCa flowers are still being researched and more studies are needed to fully understand their effects. Additionally, the quality and potency of THCa flowers can vary depending on the source and preparation method, so it’s essential to choose a reputable supplier and follow proper dosage guidelines.
Thankfully, there are plenty of reputable sources of these flowers, as well as other hemp products that do not provide the psychedelic effects of THC. The resources we’ve shared may help you on that journey, but don’t forget to explore on your own as well!
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