THCA isolate is the latest craze among cannabis concentrate aficionados. From producers to consumers, everyone wants to get their hands on these powdery white crystals that look like snowflakes. Why? THCA isolate is a versatile product with insanely high potency and purity. Our article covers the basics of what is THCA, how it’s made, and how to use it. What Is THCA? Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in raw cannabis flower. In cannabis plants, THCA is an acidic precursor to the psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) compound. As the cannabis plant ages or undergoes various decarboxylation methods, THCA slowly converts into THC. In its natural state, the cannabis plant goes through a vegetative and then flowering stage where it produces cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), the mother of many therapeutic cannabinoids. Enzymes called synthases convert CBGA into THCA and other cannabinoids such as CBDA or CBCA before being converted to their parent compounds. THCA can be consumed in the form of the raw cannabis plant or be extracted and made into tinctures, transdermal patches, edibles, capsules, and isolates. Isolates come in a THCA crystalline powder that’s white, odorless, and flavorless. Unlike other broad-spectrum or full-spectrum products, THCA isolate does not contain any other terpenes or cannabinoids.HCA crystalline contains nearly 100 percent THCA cannabinoids. Compare that to most extracts that contain between 50 percent and 80 percent THCA. Despite this high potency, don’t expect to get high from orally consuming this pure crystalline form. In fact, don’t expect any flavor or aroma either, since isolates are free of any aromatic compounds. Normally, consumers convert THCA to THC before consuming it by heating the product. Once THCA is converted to THC, through a vaporizer for example, it does produce psychoactive effects. Benefits of THCA While THCA doesn’t usually elicit a high, you can receive numerous wellness benefits from it. While the research is limited, studies suggest that THCA can indirectly act on similar endocannabinoid receptors as THC. One 2012 study found that THCA had neuroprotective effects against neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. A 2013 study found that THCA reduced nausea and vomiting in animal models. As an antiemetic, it could prove useful to stimulate appetites in cancer patients. Another study during the same year found that THCA helped reduce the spread of prostate cancer cells. THCA has also exhibited anti-inflammatory properties, which is helpful for certain conditions such as lupus and arthritis. THCA’s benefits don’t end there. Other studies have shown that THCA can reduce pain and muscle spasms, which is helpful for people with chronic pain and epilepsy. THCA has also helped patients improve their insomnia to get better sleep. Furthermore, THCA has brought patients stress and anxiety relief, all without the traditional high of THC.