You probably already knew that THCA can be used in different ways and offers psychoactive and non-psychoactive effects depending on how you consume it.
A precursor to the more famous THC, raw THCA products are non-psychoactive and do not produce a ‘high’ in their decarboxylated form. Once heated, however, THCA becomes THC and therefore produces psychoactive effects.
This raises several questions: does THCA show up on a drug test? Does ingesting raw, non-psychoactive THCA make a difference during a drug test?
Let’s explore what THCA is, its properties, how it may convert to THC, and whether it can be detected by standard drug testing procedures.
What is THCA?
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, primarily in its raw, unprocessed form. It is the acidic precursor to THC, meaning that THC originates from THCA when cannabis is dried or heated.
In the living plant, THCA serves as a way to store the potent effects of THC in a non-active form, likely serving an evolutionary role in the plant’s survival strategy by deterring herbivores with its bitter taste and its potential mild psychoactive effects when eaten in large quantities.
Molecular Structure and Function
THCA’s molecular formula is C22H30O4, similar to THC but with an extra carboxyl group (COOH) attached. This carboxyl group prevents THCA from fitting into and activating the CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which are responsible for the psychoactive effects of THC.
Thus, while THCA and THC are nearly identical in structure, the presence of the carboxyl group changes how they affect the body.
Biosynthesis and Natural Role
In the cannabis plant, THCA is synthesized through a pathway involving several enzymatic reactions, starting from the precursor cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). This is just a fancy way of saying that THCA comes from CBGA following a series of chemical reactions, and it undergoes even more reactions before turning into the psychoactive THC.
THCA is found in highest concentrations in fresh cannabis flowers and leaves, and its levels decline as the plant is processed or aged.
Therapeutic Potential
Although research is still in early stages, THCA has shown promise in several therapeutic areas.
Studies suggest that it may possess anti-inflammatory properties, making it potentially useful in treating certain conditions. Additionally, its potential neuroprotective properties suggest potential in treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
Unlike THC, THCA offers these potential benefits without the psychoactive effects, making it particularly appealing for medical use where patients do not desire these effects.
Does THCA Get You High?
THCA itself does not cause a high. Its molecular structure prevents it from engaging the CB1 receptors in the brain, which are necessary to trigger the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis.
The reason THCA does not affect the brain in the way THC does can be attributed to its inability to cross the blood-brain barrier effectively, primarily because of the extra carboxyl group. This structural feature ensures that THCA remains largely inactive as a psychoactive compound when consumed in its natural state.
However, when THCA is converted to THC through the process of decarboxylation, it gains the ability to induce psychoactivity. Let’s explore that.
Decarboxylation: The Trigger for Psychoactivity
Decarboxylation is the process through which THCA is converted into THC. This chemical reaction involves the removal of the carboxyl group from THCA, facilitated by the application of heat.
When cannabis is smoked, vaporized, or cooked, decarboxylation occurs rapidly, but it can also happen slowly when cannabis is stored at room temperature over a long period.
Decarboxylation is a critical chemical reaction in the context of cannabis consumption, as it transforms the non-psychoactive THCA into the psychoactive THC.
In other words, THCA may not be psychoactive, but the minute you spark up that THCA pre-roll or hit that THCA vape, it becomes THC, and therefore, it also becomes very psychoactive.
Chemical Process of Decarboxylation
Decarboxylation involves the removal of a carboxyl group (COOH) from the THCA molecule, releasing carbon dioxide (CO2). This process can be achieved through the application of heat, either via smoking, vaporizing, or cooking cannabis.
Importance of Controlled Decarboxylation
Controlled decarboxylation is particularly crucial in the production of cannabis edibles and oils, where precise dosing is essential for consistent therapeutic effects.
In the pharmaceutical development of cannabis-based treatments, accurate decarboxylation ensures that patients receive the intended amount of THC without unwanted side effects due to the presence of other compounds. This control is also important for the recreational cannabis industry, where consumer satisfaction depends on predictable product efficacy.
In culinary applications, understanding and mastering the decarboxylation process allows chefs and home cooks to create cannabis-infused dishes with desired effects. Whether the goal is to achieve mild relaxation or more pronounced psychoactive effects, the degree of decarboxylation can be adjusted to suit specific needs and preferences.
When it comes to vapes, your battery is already configured to decarboxylate your oil at the correct temperature without burning any valuable cannabinoids. Likewise, sparking up a THCA joint or bowl will result in decarboxylation and not burning as long as you remove the flame after lighting your flower.
Does THCA Show Up on a Drug Test?
When discussing drug tests in the context of cannabis use, the primary focus is usually on THC, the psychoactive component that can influence cognitive and motor functions. However, considering THCA’s non-psychoactive status, it is crucial to understand its detectability in standard drug screenings.
Standard Drug Testing Protocols
Most conventional drug tests used in workplaces and legal settings are designed to detect the presence of THC or its metabolites, particularly THC-COOH, which is a byproduct of the body metabolizing THC.
These tests typically do not specifically look for THCA, as it does not produce psychoactive effects and thus is less relevant for determining impairment. That doesn’t mean, however, that ingesting will result in a negative drug test.
Transformation of THCA in the Body
When consumed in its raw form, THCA is likely to remain unconverted in the body, which means it generally should not trigger a positive result on a drug test for THC. There is always a chance that even raw THCA could trigger a positive test result.
However, the complexities arise when there is accidental or unnoticed decarboxylation, which could convert THCA into THC.
For example, if a cannabis-infused product that was intended to contain only THCA was improperly stored or prepared, allowing decarboxylation to occur, it could potentially lead to detectable levels of THC in a user’s system.
It goes without saying that if THCA products are lit, such as in the form of a vape or pre-roll, the THCA turns into THC as you ingest it, and therefore enters the system as THC. This means that THCA flower, pre-rolls, or vapes will certainly result in positive drug tests looking for cannabis.
Implications for Consumers
For individuals using cannabis for medical purposes without the desire for psychoactive effects—such as those adding raw cannabis to smoothies or consuming it as a juice—the likelihood of failing a drug test due to THCA is minimal.
However, understanding the storage, handling, and preparation of cannabis is essential to avoid unintentional conversion to THC. Users must be aware of their consumption methods and the potential for their chosen products to contain or convert to THC, especially in environments where drug testing might occur.
If you use decarboxylated THCA and know you have a drug test coming up, it’s recommended to take a T-break for a few weeks before the date of your test.
How Drug Tests Work
Understanding the mechanics behind drug tests is crucial for anyone subject to such testing, whether for employment, legal reasons, or sports. Cannabis testing is particularly complex due to the nature of THC metabolism and the variety of testing methods available.
Types of Cannabis Drug Tests
- Urine Tests: These are the most common form of drug testing and can detect THC metabolites for days to weeks after use, depending on usage patterns and individual metabolism.
- Blood Tests: These tests detect the actual presence of THC in the bloodstream and are a good measure of recent use, typically within hours to a day.
- Saliva Tests: Increasingly used for roadside testing by law enforcement, saliva tests can detect THC for a short window, usually a few hours after use.
- Hair Tests: Hair follicle tests provide a long detection window, potentially up to several months, as they can capture THC metabolites incorporated into hair shafts over time.
Detection Windows and Sensitivity
The sensitivity of these tests and the duration that THC can be detected vary significantly.
Urine tests, while not able to detect immediate intoxication, can show cannabis use long after the psychoactive effects have worn off. Blood and saliva tests are more indicative of recent use but are limited by shorter detection windows.
Hair tests, although less common, can detect a pattern of use over a longer period, which can be both a benefit and a limitation depending on the context of the testing.
Strategies for Avoidance and Mitigation
For those needing to navigate drug testing while using cannabis, understanding the type of test and the likely detection window is key.
Strategies may include ceasing use ahead of expected testing, using products less likely to be converted to THC, or, in some cases, discussing medicinal use with employers or legal advisors to accommodate medical needs.
So, Does THCA Show Up on a Drug Test?
The question of whether THCA shows up on a drug test is primarily answered by understanding the process of decarboxylation and the specific substances drug tests are designed to detect.
While raw THCA is unlikely to result in a positive drug test, any process or error that leads to its conversion into THC can pose a risk. Users of cannabis, especially in a medicinal context, should be well-informed about the forms and storage of cannabis they use to avoid unintended psychoactive effects and legal complications. If decarboxylated, or heated, THCA is used, a positive drug test is certain.
Buzz responsibly!