THCa, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, might sound like a mouthful, but it’s a compound in cannabis that’s sparking curiosity far and wide. Before it becomes THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) — the psychoactive element that most people associate with marijuana — it sits in its raw form: non-psychoactive and packed with potential.

THCa’s anti-inflammatory properties are one of its most fascinating features. Imagine you are chopping up vegetables and you cut your finger. Right? It swells. This is inflammation in action. Imagine applying a balm that contains THCa to your skin. This compound may help to calm your body’s inflamed reaction, much like ice but without the chill.

Let’s continue. Muscle soreness can be as common for those who play sports or work in physically demanding occupations as dirt on hiking boots. THCa is back in the spotlight. THCa is known to have muscle relaxing properties. This could be helpful in easing aches and discomforts that may occur after a hard day at work or a strenuous workout.

THCa also offers neuroprotective properties. The brain, which is the central command centre for everything, from catching a football to solving complex issues, requires protection. Imagine THCa like the helmet that your brain would wear while playing football. Early studies suggest that this compound protects nerve cells and promotes brain health.

What about people who suffer from nausea? It can be a real problem for anyone to suffer from nausea, whether it is from motion sickness when reading in the car or from side effects of medical treatments such as chemotherapy. THCa is back to save the day! It is known to have antiemetic qualities — it calms the seas in your stomach.

Here’s something unexpected: appetite stimulation. THCa is a subtler version of THC, which has a similar effect without the psychoactive high. It is especially beneficial to those who need to maintain their appetite in difficult health conditions, but do not want to feel high.

Juicing raw cannabis leaves, which are rich in THCa, is similar to pressing fresh orange juice in the morning for those who have a deep interest in wellness and natural therapies. They consume the phytonutrient powerhouse without heat processing (which turns THCa to THC).

We’ll pivot a little and talk about something equally important — accessibility and legal status. Products containing THCa, which does not cause intoxication until it is heated or aged to THC before it becomes THC can often be classified under different regulatory categories from those containing THC. It allows more people to experience these benefits, without having to cross legal boundaries or suffer from unwanted psychoactive effects.

Next time you hear someone talking about cannabis, don’t just think of the smoke. There are also whispers of health benefits. Who knows? Who knows?