Glossary cannabinoids
THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)
The raw, non-intoxicating precursor to THC found in unheated cannabis. Raw cannabis flower contains mostly THCA, not THC. Decarboxylation — applying heat — converts THCA to active THC. Eating raw cannabis produces no intoxicating effect because THCA doesn't bind to CB1 receptors the way THC does. This is why decarboxylation is a non-negotiable first step in any edibles process.