How THCa becomes THC

Heat and light initiate the process of decarboxylation. In this process, a carboxylic acid group is removed from the THCA molecules, altering their chemical structure to become THC.  

Unlike THCA, THC molecules are the right shape to fit into the CB1 receptors of the endocannabinoid system that runs throughout the central nervous systems, creating the intoxicating effects of THC. 

Most methods of consuming cannabis, such as smoking, vaping, or cooking, involve heating or burning marijuana. As a result, the majority of the THCA in cannabis will have been decarboxylated into THC by the time it enters your system.  

In other words, smoking or vaping a high-THCA cannabis product will not necessarily mean a higher THCA intake, as smoking or vaping turns the THCA into THC. Because of this, alternative methods of consuming cannabis or extracting cannabinoids that avoid heating or curing cannabis flowers must be used to preserve its THCA content.