Cannabis in molecules: Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa)
In this episode we explore the properties of a lesser known cannabinoid & its therapeutic pote
ntial: the acid form of THC, THC acid.
In its raw form, Cannabis sativa’s main constituent is D9-THCa, the acid form of the (in)famous D9-THC (or THC, for short); these two brother molecules are the chemical correspondent of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, (where probably the latter is named Mr High): in fact, the acid form of THC has no psychotropic effect.
D9-THCa is a great anti-inflammatory as it also inhibits the cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 (COX-1) (COX-2).Ā Pharmacological inhibition of COX is the way of action of common painkillers (such as ibuprofen and aspirin), causing relief from inflammation and pain.
In the video we summarise:
- What is THCA?
- What are the effects of THCA?
- Who can benefit from THCA?
If you are interested to learn more about THCa and cannabis juicinig, we recommend to read our full guide “Raw cannabis juicing: a guide to the green elixir of life”
This video has been offered for free without advertisements thanks to our readers’ donations. You, too, can support us in many ways. Check out howĀ here! Thank you Ā
Video references:
Moreno-Sanz, Guillermo. “Can You Pass the Acid Test? Critical Review and Novel Therapeutic Perspectives of Ī9-Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid A.”Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research”.
De Petrocellis, Luciano, et al. “Effects of cannabinoids and cannabinoidāenriched Cannabis extracts on TRP channels and endocannabinoid metabolic enzymes.”Ā British journal of pharmacologyĀ 163.7 (2011): 1479-1494.
Cascio, Maria Grazia, and Roger G. Pertwee. “Known pharmacological actions of nine nonpsychotropic phytocannabinoids.”Ā Handbook of Cannabis(2014): 137.
PĆ©rez de Vega, M. JesĆŗs, et al. “Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 8 Channel (TRPM8) Modulation: Cool Entryway for Treating Pain and Cancer.”Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.
Izzo, Angelo A., et al. “Non-psychotropic plant cannabinoids: new therapeutic opportunities from an ancient herb.”Ā Trends in pharmacological sciences30.10 (2009): 515-527.
Di Marzo, Vincenzo, Luciano De Petrocellis, and Aniello Schiano Moriello. “New use for cannabinoid-containing plant extracts.” U.S. Patent Application No. 12/596,500.
Russo, Ethan B. “Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoidāterpenoid entourage effects.”Ā British journal of pharmacologyĀ 163.7 (2011): 1344-1364.
