Cannabis has been a medicine for millennia. However, many would be surprised to learn that it may also help improve your health in ways you never thought possible. This post is here to explain some of the health benefits of cannabis and how you can find the best strains for treating various conditions.
As you may know, there are two main types of cannabis: Indica and Sativa. It is easy to determine what type they are by their smell. The third type of cannabis, “hybrid,” also exists in the market. In this article, you will learn about the health benefits of using various cannabis.
Have you heard of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid?
You may know THC, the most well-known cannabinoid, for its psychoactive effects. Well, THC is just one of over 100 different cannabinoids that are currently known to exist in the cannabis plant.
One particular cannabinoid that has been getting increasing attention from researchers lately is tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA). It is an acid that exists naturally in cannabis.
There are various health benefits of the cannabis. So, let us look at these health benefits of the acid.
Treating Chronic Pain:
Many people suffer from chronic pain. This kind of pain, due to the nature of its cause, is not easily relieved through conventional methods. Cannabis can prove very useful in treating chronic pain caused by injuries or severe arthritis.
Cancer Treatment:
We were all aware that cannabinoids are responsible for increased appetite and feelings of euphoria in people who smoke marijuana. Of course, the effect of marijuana on cancer is very interesting. Scientists from Spain and the US have found that THC increases tumor cell death in several kinds of cancer in mice by inducing apoptosis or programmed cell death.
Pain Reduction:
Studies have revealed that around 20-30% of chronic pain is caused due to inflammation in the body. This can be treated effectively by using cannabis with an anti-inflammatory drug without serious side effects. Studies have shown that cannabinoids provide analgesia.
Besides these benefits, they have other important soothing abilities for our mental health. It helps with mild stress and depression.
What does THCA do?
THCA is considered non-psychoactive because it does not bind to CB1 receptors, which are the receptors that have a high affinity for THC and are primarily responsible for its psychoactive effects. Research has shown that THCA does not seem to bind much to the two major cannabinoid receptors.
However, despite not being psychoactive, THCA has been found to have several potential health benefits. THCA-rich extracts have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
THCA effectively reduces nausea and vomiting, making it a potential treatment option for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Does THCA show up in drug tests?
THCA is still relatively new, and little information is available about it. The exact test results for THCA will take some time to get established. However, anecdotal evidence from the medical marijuana community suggests that THC metabolites (more easily detectable) will not be present in a person’s system during a drug test for THCA.
How can I use this in my diet?
Since this has no psychoactive effect, it can be used effectively in alternative forms of nutrition. People can use it in juice, tinctures, capsules, and edibles. Consuming raw cannabis buds is not recommended as they contain high levels of THC and other cannabinoids in their acidic forms, including THCA.
However, grinding fresh cannabis buds into an edible form is suitable for consuming THCA without decarboxylating it.
Adding ground buds to a smoothie and other superfoods like kale or avocado can provide a delicious and nutritious way to consume THCA. Some people even juice fresh cannabis leaves right after harvest to get the benefits of THCA, but it’s crucial to ensure that the grower has not used chemical pesticides if you plan to do so.
What percentage is THCA high?
While it’s not a perfect conversion, the THC content of cannabis can be used to estimate its THCA percentage. Generally, strains with THC levels above 15% will likely have a high THCA percentage before decarboxylation.
However, it’s essential to remember that the actual THCA percentage may vary based on factors such as the strain’s genetics, cultivation practices, and processing methods. For accurate results, it’s best to have cannabis products tested by a reputable laboratory that can measure THC and THCA levels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cannabis, particularly THCA, offers a variety of potential health benefits, from alleviating chronic pain to aiding in cancer treatment and improving mental health. Whether consumed through tinctures, smoothies, or other alternative forms, THCA provides a non-psychoactive way to tap into cannabis’s therapeutic properties.
As more research emerges, it’s essential to stay informed about the benefits and proper uses of cannabis. For those seeking to enhance their wellness routine, a Medical Spa that integrates cannabis-based treatments can offer a safe and effective way to explore its health benefits under professional guidance. Always consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it’s the right choice for you.
