THCB vs THCA: A Clear Comparison of Their Effects and Benefits

Introduction to THCA and THCB

In the cannabis world, there are psychoactive cannabinoids found in hemp plants and there are CANNABINOIDS, if you get what we mean. In this post, we’ll be looking at two such prime cannabinoids, establishing their effects and benefits, so you know which is which and what they bring to the table next time you go cannabis shopping.

If you’re ready, let’s get into it:

What are THCA and THCB?

THCA

​THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is a primarily non-psychoactive compound naturally found in raw and unheated cannabis plants.

It’s usually called the precursor to THC because THC is made from it; you should also know that THC happens to be the main psychoactive component in cannabis. So, before THC is formed, it exists in raw form as THCA.

When THCA or raw cannabis is heated—either through smoking, vaping, or cooking—it undergoes a process called decarboxylation that converts it into THC and produces psychoactive effects when you take it.

Before that happens, while in its raw form, THCA does not cause a “high” of any sort. Instead, it has shown a potential for several potential therapeutic benefits, and research suggests that THCA may possess anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antiemetic properties, which make it a compound of interest for various medical applications. ​

THCB

On the other hand, THCB (tetrahydrocannabutol) isn’t as well-known as THCA but it’s THC analog – a psychoactive cannabinoid found to share a similar structure with THC though it has a slightly shorter side chain.

The side chain difference influences how THCB interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system and there have been a couple of studies indicating that THCB binds more strongly to CB1 receptors in the brain compared to THC, which means THCB has more potent psychoactive effects than THC.

There have also been animal studies observing effects of THCB like pain relief, slower reaction times, and deeper sleep, suggesting that THCB may have analgesic and sedative properties.

However, research on THCB is still in its early stages, and we’re looking forward to more studies that can help us fully understand its effects and potential therapeutic uses. ​

So if there’s any main difference right off the bat that separates THCA from THCB, it’s in their effects and potential applications. THCP is non-psychoactive and is likely usable for possible health benefits without inducing a high.

On the other hand, THCB is psychoactive and offers effects similar to, or even more potent than THC, even though its presence in cannabis is typically in much smaller quantities, making it one of the lesser known cannabinoids.

These differences let you know which cannabinoid is appropriate for recreational or medicinal use.

Legal Status in the U.S. and Origin of THCA and THCB

​THCA

The legal status of THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) in the United States is a complex subject because it varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but generally, the federal law, which is the 2018 Farm Bill, gives us guidance.

2018 Farm Bill

The Bill legalized hemp and its derivatives, provided they contain no more than 0.3% delta 9 thc on a dry weight basis. However, THC isn’t the same as THCA so there was some confusion as to whether the Bill applied to THCA. Fortunately, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) later clarified that the 0.3% threshold included THCA, because it converts to delta 9 thc when heated. So, cannabis products with high THCA content may be considered illegal under federal law if their total THC content exceeds the 0.3% limit when converted.

State Laws

On the other hand, besides federal law, there are also state laws we have got to look at regarding THCA because while some states align with the federal standards, permitting cannabis products with less than 0.3% total THC, including THCA, other states have stricter regulations, limiting or prohibiting cannabis products regardless of their delta-9 THC content. An example of this is certain states that require that the combined amount of THCA and delta-9 THC be less than 0.3% concentration by weight for legal hemp products. This patchwork of regulations means that the legality of THCA products can vary significantly depending on the state.​

Is THCB legal?

THCB – like we mentioned before, is not as well-known as other psychoactive cannabinoids so its legal status is very ambiguous. Becuase of its psychoactive effects, we can presume that it falls under the same legal restrictions as THC in places where cannabis is tightly controlled, but the truth is it’s rare and there are no specific laws addressing it, so THCB exists in a legal gray area and its legal status may be subject to interpretation by local authorities.

This very problem with the legal status of THCB is why consumers who want to try THCA or THCB products are told to exercise caution and stay informed about the laws in their specific region. Take a look at local regulations, seek legal counsel, purchase from reputable and trustworthy brands that provide third-party lab testing, do what you can to make sure you don’t have any regrettable cannabis experiences on your own time.

Chemical Structures and Properties of THCA and THCB

The chemical structures of THCA and THCB are different in ways that significantly influence their interactions with the body’s cannabinoid receptors.

THCA contains a carboxylic acid group, which is responsible for its non-psychoactive nature and responsible for preventing it from effectively binding to CB1 receptors in the brain, resulting in minimal psychoactive effects. On the other hand, THCB features a butyl side chain—a four-carbon chain—rather than the five-carbon pentyl chain found in THC. This slight variation enhances THCB’s binding affinity to both CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain, potentially leading to more pronounced psychoactive effects.

THCA’s Carboxylic Acid Group

The carboxylic acid group in THCA is not only responsible for how non-psychoactive and stable THCA is in the body.

The carboxylic acid group gets lost when THCA is decarboxylated i.e. exposed to heat or prolonged storage and once the acid group’s out of the picture, THC comes in. It’s only then that people get to enjoy the psychoactive properties associated with THC.

However, we should still not make the mistake of assuming that THCA causes zero high. In its original form, even with its limited binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors, THCA still produces the high commonly linked with cannabis consumption, the only difference being the high is not as much as you would have with THC.

THCB’s Chemical Structure

On the other hand, THCB’s unique chemical structure has a unique butyl side chain that not only enhances its binding affinity but also influences its psychoactive potency. The shorter side chain allows THCB to fit more snugly into the binding pockets of cannabinoid receptors, leading to stronger effects even at lower doses.

This is what positions THCB as a compound of interest for both recreational users seeking potent effects and researchers also exploring its therapeutic benefits. However, it’s important to note that THCB is found in much lower concentrations in cannabis plants compared to THC, making it a rarer cannabinoid that requires specialized extraction methods for study and use.​

Medicinal Properties and Benefits of THCA and THCB

THCA

Studies on THCA have popped up ideas of potential health benefits associated with the cannabinoid.

For instance, these studies indicate that THCA can help support metabolic health, improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, which would be beneficial for people managing metabolic disorders.

Also, THCA has shown anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects that may be beneficial for treating neurodegenerative diseases and health concerns.

THCB

Even though THCB has been less studied, it has nonetheless shown promise in preliminary research. This research indicates that THCB may have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anticonvulsant properties that could be beneficial for neurological conditions like epilepsy, for instance. THCB’s strong affinity for CB1 receptors is also another indication that these potential benefits are sure to be realized, however, more research is still needed to fully understand how things work.

Pain Relief

Generally speaking, a core potential benefit of both THCA and THCB is their potential pain relief, as well as their analgesic properties that make them potential options for pain management.

THCA’s anti-inflammatory properties could be particularly beneficial for conditions like arthritis, while THCB’s strong interaction with cannabinoid receptors suggests that it could be instrumental in dealing with various types of pain. These hemp-derived cannabinoids, as such, will be good alternative avenues for people seeking pain relief who don’t want to rely solely on traditional medication.

How to Consume THCA and THCB

THCA

​The usual way to consume THCA is to do it in its raw, unheated form that preserves its non-psychoactive properties and allows you to enjoy its potential benefits without experiencing a high.

An easy way to achieve this is by juicing fresh cannabis plant leaves and buds, and then consuming them directly or adding them to smoothies.

You can also incorporate raw cannabis into your diet, blending it with fruits and veggies.

THCB​

THCB stays recommended for those who want a more potent experience, and it is typically consumed through methods involving heat, like smoking or vaping. These heat-using techniques will decarboxylate the cannabinoid acids, converting them into their active form and releasing psychoactive effects.

Another common consumption method people use is dabbing, which involves placing a small amount of concentrate onto a heated surface and inhaling the vapor.

Vape pens typically offer a more discreet and convenient option, allowing users to inhale vaporized concentrates without the need for complex equipment.

It’s important to note that these methods can deliver high levels of cannabinoids quickly, so starting with a low dose is always advisable to gauge your individual tolerance first.

General Consumption Guidelines

Generally, when preparing raw cannabis for consumption, make sure you use fresh, organic and unsprayed cannabis plant material so you don’t ingest harmful chemicals.

Wash the leaves and buds thoroughly before juicing or blending so you can remove any residual dirts or contaminants, and if you know you don’t plan on immediately consuming the cannabis, store the raw cannabis plants in an airtight container in the refrigerator – that will help maintain its freshness for up to two weeks.

Alternatively, you can also keep the juice you get from the plants, in ice cube trays that you freeze. Doing that will allow for a convenient and portioned use in future smoothies or drinks.

Safety and Side Effects of THCA and THCB

THCA

THCA may be non-psychoactive and generally well-tolerated, but it still can cause side effects in some users, especially at higher doses.

Commonly reported side effects of THCA include dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, and increased heart rate. Some users have also reported experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea or stomach pain, particularly if they have sensitive digestive systems.

Additionally, THCA could interact with certain medications like blood thinners and immunosuppressants, potentially affecting their efficacy.

Given these considerations, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating THCA into your wellness routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications. ​

THCB

THCB, being psychoactive, may lead to side effects that are more pronounced compared to THCA.

Common side effects users have reported include dry mouth, dizziness, and changes in mood or perception.

Also, due to its high potency, THCB generally causes stronger reactions than expected, including feelings of psychological discomfort, paranoia, or distress when it is consumed in higher doses or used by people who are new to cannabinoids.

Research on these side effects is still in its early stages, and these side effects are not yet fully understood long term. So, new users of cannabis are always advised to start small when consuming these cannabinoids and to consult a healthcare provider if they have any concerns.

Conclusion

Now, when you walk into a cannabis shop, you walk in as an experienced customer who knows what is what. THCA and THCB are two prime cannabinoids that have opened up promising avenues in cannabis research and medicine, so there any many potential benefits you can enjoy based on their distinct properties that make them valuable additions to your cannabis flower collection.

Remember to be responsible when consuming them, and have a good user experience each time while you’re at it.