THC-A stands for tetrahydrocannabinol acid. Raw and live cannabis have the largest concentrations of it. THC-A slowly converts to THC as a plant dries. Heating cannabis speeds the process up. THC-A is a non-psychoactive precursor to THC, which means it won’t get you high. This is the reason cannabis must be decarboxylated in an oven before being used in edibles. The process ensures all the THC-A has been converted into THC so you can experience the full psychoactive effects.
