In recent years, the medical community has become increasingly interested in the potential benefits of cannabis-based treatments for cancer. As researchers delve deeper into the world of cannabinoids, new findings are shedding light on their possible therapeutic applications. One compound that has researchers’ attention is tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THC-A), a naturally occurring precursor to the well-known psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
What is THC-A?
THC-A, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a naturally occurring compound in cannabis plants. It’s the precursor to the psychoactive compound delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In its natural state, THC-A is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce the “high” typically associated with THC. Learn more about THC vs. THC-A at myqwin.com.
THCA’s chemical structure includes 22 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and four oxygen atoms. This arrangement resembles THC’s molecular structure, with one key difference: THC-A contains an additional carboxyl group (COOH) attached to the molecule. THCA’s different shape and larger form make it far less efficient than THC at activating the neural receptors responsible for marijuana’s trademark high.
Psychoactivity
The primary distinction between THC-A and THC lies in their psychoactive properties. THC-A is naturally non-psychoactive, while THC has mind-altering effects. Interestingly, however, THCA can quickly transform into THCA through a common chemical process known as decarboxylation.
Heat activates the decarboxylation process, which removes the carboxyl group from the THC-A molecule, transforming it into THC. Thus when people light and smoke THCA flower or vapes or bake it, they convert THCA into THC and experience the classic weed effects such as:
- Euphoria
- Heightened sensory perception
- Altered pain perception
- Sedation
- Enhanced appetite
Therapeutic Benefits
Growing evidence suggests that THC-A may offer various therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammation, neuroprotection, antioxidant properties, and anti-nausea effects. And recent research reveals THCA’s mechanisms of action may lead to cancer-fighting potential.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Scientists believe chronic inflammation can cause DNA damage and promote the growth of cancer cells. By reducing inflammation, THCA and CBDa may help prevent cancer cells from forming and growing. By reducing inflammation, THCA may help prevent the conditions that promote the formation and growth of cancer cells.
Antiproliferative Effects
According to studies, THC-A may have antiproliferative effects on cancer cells. This means that THC-A may inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells, making it an attractive option for further research in cancer therapy.
Decarboxylated Effects
Decarboxylated THCA, aka THC, may also exhibits considerable cancer treatment benefits. For example, THC exhibits therapeutic properties, such as pain relief, nausea relief, and appetite stimulation, which may benefit cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
The Latest Research on THC-A and Cancer
Early preclinical research exploring the potential anti-cancer properties of cannabinoids like THCA suggests it could effectively inhibit tumor growth in pancreatic, breast, and prostate cancers.
THC-A and Pancreatic Cancer
A study in the Journal of Pancreatic Cancer (June 2020) investigated the potential of THCA derivatives for treating pancreatic cancer. Researchers examined their effects on pancreatic cancer cell lines in the lab and live mice.
Results showed both compounds effectively reduced tumor volume and mass without causing discomfort or weight loss in mice. These findings suggest THCA derivatives may slow pancreatic cancer tumor growth by 1.6 to 2 times, highlighting their potential as a promising treatment option for this devastating disease.
THCA and Breast Cancer
A 2021 study in the American Journal of Biomedical Science & Research found that THCA and CBDA inhibit the expression of inflammatory enzymes (COX-2) in breast cancer cell lines, instigating breast cancer growth.
THC-A and Prostate Cancer
A 2020 study in the Cell Cycle Journal explores the potential of using cannabinoids, specifically THCA, as an anti-prostate cancer therapy. Preliminary findings suggest these compounds may help slow down the growth of breast and prostate cancer cells by interacting with receptors, known as CB1 and CB2, on cell surfaces throughout the brain and body.
Potential Benefits of THC-A in Cancer Treatment Symptoms
Cancer treatment involving chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and potent pharmaceuticals can cause significant mental and physical side effects. In recent years, researchers have explored whether cannabinoids like THCA are complementary therapies that naturally minimize these adverse outcomes.
For example, chemotherapy frequently causes side effects like nausea, fatigue, and appetite loss. Additionally, cancer-related pain significantly impacts a patient’s quality of life, and traditional pain medications like opioids can lead to dependence and adverse side effects.
THCA, which delivers anti-nausea and vomiting benefits, may be an effective treatment for patients who want a natural, non-psychoactive therapy option.
Alternatively, patients can smoke or ingest decarboxylated THCA, or THC, for the added benefits of THC’s powerful pain-relieving and mood-boosting properties.
The Bottom Line
Exploring cannabinoids like THCA as complementary cancer therapies could enhance treatment success and patients’ quality of life. Early evidence suggests THCA could offer cancer-fighting properties and complement traditional therapies by minimizing adverse side effects. Further clinical trials and studies are vital to comprehending THC-A’s role in cancer treatment.