Glossary · Chemistry
THCA
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, the non-intoxicating compound in raw cannabis that converts into active THC when heated. Fresh, undried flower is rich in THCA, which is why eating raw bud will not get you high. Lab results often list THCA separately, and it factors heavily into a product's total potency calculation.
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Related terms, defined
- THC
- Tetrahydrocannabinol, the primary intoxicating compound in cannabis and the source of the classic "high." THC binds CB1 receptors in the brain, producing euphoria, altered perception, and appetite. Potency is listed as a THC percentage on most labels, though terpenes and dose shape the actual experience as much as that number.
- Decarboxylation
- The heating step that converts non-intoxicating THCA in raw cannabis into active THC. Smoking and vaping decarb instantly; edibles require baking the flower first or the result will not get you high. Skipping or rushing decarb is the most common reason homemade edibles disappoint.
- Potency
- How strong a cannabis product is, usually expressed as total THC or combined cannabinoid percentage. High potency is not the same as high quality — terpene content and balance shape the experience just as much. Chasing the biggest number on the jar often leads to a harsher, less nuanced high.
- Cannabinoid
- One of the chemical compounds produced in cannabis that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system. THC and CBD are the best known, but the plant makes over a hundred, including CBN, CBG, and CBC. Together with terpenes, cannabinoids drive the effects you feel from any given product.
Related terms