Key Takeaways:

• THCA vs THC: THCA is non-psychoactive but can convert to THC, which is detectable in drug tests.
• Risk of Conversion: Heat exposure is crucial; THCA can convert to THC through smoking, vaping, or improper testing.
• Testing Sensitivity: Drug test outcomes depend on factors like test sensitivity and frequency of use.

Understanding how THCA interacts with the body, particularly in relation to drug testing, is crucial for our customers who rely on cannabis products for wellness without legal or professional consequences. While many are familiar with THC and its detection in drug tests, the nuances surrounding THCA are less commonly understood.

At Gold CBD, we pride ourselves on offering the highest quality THCA and CBD products in the market, designed to help customers achieve their wellness goals naturally. With a wide range of premium hemp flowers, vegan gummies, and other cannabis-derived products, we set the benchmark for purity, transparency, and effectiveness.

In this piece, we will be discussing whether THCA shows up on a drug test and what to expect from its use in terms of test results.

What Is THCA?

THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a naturally occurring compound found in raw and live cannabis plants. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is known for its psychoactive effects, THCA is non-psychoactive in its raw form. This means that consuming raw cannabis or products with THCA won’t make you feel "high."

THCA is considered a precursor to THC. When cannabis is exposed to heat through a process called decarboxylation—such as smoking, vaping, or cooking—THCA transforms into THC. This conversion is key to unlocking THC’s psychoactive effects. THCA itself is being studied for its potential therapeutic benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, but it does not have the same intoxicating properties as THC.

 

 

How Does THCA Differ From THC?

The primary difference between THCA and THC lies in their chemical structure and effects on the body. THCA is an acidic compound found in raw cannabis plants, while THC is the active form that is created when THCA is exposed to heat. Here are the key distinctions:

Psychoactive Properties

THCA is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce the "high" associated with cannabis use. This is because THCA does not interact with the cannabinoid receptors in the brain in the same way THC does. Once THCA is converted to THC through heating, it becomes psychoactive and can induce the euphoric effects commonly associated with cannabis use.

Chemical Structure

THCA contains an extra carboxyl group (COOH) in its molecular structure, which is lost when it converts into THC through heat exposure in a process called decarboxylation. This chemical transformation is essential because it changes how the compound interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system. Without this transformation, THCA remains in its inert form, unable to bind effectively to cannabinoid receptors and create psychoactive effects.

The conversion of THCA to THC is what makes the difference in how these compounds are detected and affect the body.

How Drug Tests Typically Work

Drug tests are designed to detect the presence of specific substances or their metabolites in the body, most commonly through urine, blood, saliva, or hair samples. These tests are commonly used by employers, law enforcement, and healthcare providers to screen for the use of drugs, including cannabis. Here’s how they generally work:

Targeting Metabolites

Drug tests don’t usually look for the drug itself but for metabolites—the byproducts that are created when the body breaks down the drug. For cannabis, most tests look for THC-COOH, a metabolite produced when THC is processed by the liver. This metabolite is stored in fat cells and can be detected in the body for days, or even weeks, after the drug is used.

Types Of Drug Tests

The most common type of drug test is a urine test, which is inexpensive and can detect drug use within a certain window. Blood tests are more precise but are less commonly used, as they typically only detect recent drug use within a few hours. Hair follicle tests, although rare, can detect drug use over a longer period—up to 90 days.

Sensitivity To THC

Most drug tests are specifically designed to detect THC and its metabolites, not other cannabinoids like THCA. However, there is always a possibility of THCA being converted to THC during handling or processing, which could lead to a positive test result. This risk increases when samples are exposed to heat or improper storage conditions, which may trigger the decarboxylation process and turn THCA into detectable THC.

Does THCA Show Up On Standard Drug Tests?

Whether or not THCA shows up on standard drug tests depends on several factors. Most drug tests are designed to detect THC and its metabolites, not THCA directly, but there are certain scenarios in which THCA could still lead to a positive result. Here are the key considerations:

THCA Conversion To THC

While THCA is not psychoactive and is not usually the target of drug tests, it can convert to THC when exposed to heat. If THCA converts into THC before or during testing (for example, through improper handling of samples), it could potentially trigger a positive result for THC.

Type Of Test

Most standard drug tests, especially urine tests, are designed to detect THC metabolites like THC-COOH, not THCA. However, some more advanced tests that can detect raw cannabinoids may potentially identify THCA, though these tests are rare and usually not used in routine screenings.

Ingestion Of THCA

Consuming raw cannabis products that contain THCA, such as raw cannabis juice or unprocessed cannabis plant material, typically wouldn’t result in a positive drug test because the THCA hasn’t been decarboxylated into THC. However, any exposure to heat—such as vaping or smoking—could convert THCA to THC, raising the likelihood of a positive result.

Lab Sensitivity

Different labs have different sensitivities and protocols when it comes to detecting cannabis-related substances. Some labs may use methods that inadvertently detect THCA or convert THCA into THC during the testing process, though this is rare. Understanding the specific testing method being used can help clarify the likelihood of THCA detection.

Factors That Influence Drug Test Results For THCA

Several factors can influence whether THCA shows up on a drug test or whether it could potentially convert to THC and result in a positive test. Understanding these factors can help mitigate any risk of an unexpected result.

Method Of Consumption

The way cannabis is consumed plays a significant role in whether THCA or THC is detected in a drug test. Consuming raw cannabis, such as in edibles or juices, preserves THCA in its original form, which is non-psychoactive and unlikely to trigger a positive test result. However, when cannabis is smoked, vaped, or heated, the THCA converts to THC, increasing the chances of testing positive for THC metabolites.

Time Since Consumption

The time since your last exposure to THCA or THC can impact test results. THC metabolites can linger in the body for days or even weeks after use, especially for frequent users. Since THCA can potentially convert into THC, the more recent the exposure, the higher the likelihood of THC metabolites being present in your system.

Frequency Of Use

Regular or heavy use of cannabis increases the amount of THC stored in the body’s fat cells, which can extend the detection window for THC metabolites. Even if you primarily consume THCA in its raw form, repeated exposure to any heated cannabis could increase the overall THC level in your system, leading to a positive result.

Body Metabolism And Fat Content

THC metabolites, including THC-COOH, are stored in fat cells, so individuals with higher body fat may retain THC metabolites longer. A person’s metabolic rate also affects how quickly these metabolites are broken down and eliminated from the body. Those with slower metabolisms may test positive for THC for a longer period after use.

Testing Sensitivity

The sensitivity of the drug test plays a critical role in detection. Standard urine tests are designed to detect THC metabolites like THC-COOH, but highly sensitive tests may detect even trace amounts of THC or THCA. While most tests are not specifically designed to detect THCA, errors in the testing process or handling could potentially lead to a false positive for THC.

Can THCA Convert To THC In The Body?

One of the main concerns for individuals consuming THCA is whether it can convert to THC inside the body and cause a positive drug test result. While THCA primarily converts to THC when exposed to heat, there are some factors to consider regarding how it interacts within the body.

Heat Exposure And Decarboxylation

THCA converts to THC when it is exposed to heat, a process known as decarboxylation. This can occur during smoking, vaping, or cooking cannabis. If THCA is heated before entering the body, it will convert into THC and could lead to the psychoactive effects commonly associated with cannabis use.

THCA Conversion In The Digestive System

When consumed raw, THCA does not typically convert into THC within the digestive system. The body does not produce enough heat for the decarboxylation process to occur internally. This means that ingesting THCA from raw cannabis or in products that have not been heated should not result in psychoactive effects or a positive drug test for THC.

Potential For Conversion During Testing

In rare cases, THCA could potentially convert to THC during the testing process itself, particularly if the sample is exposed to heat or improper handling. While most drug tests are designed to detect THC metabolites, not raw THCA, improper lab procedures might lead to a false positive.

Conditions For Conversion

For THCA to convert into THC in the body, it would require exposure to high levels of heat, such as those involved in smoking or cooking. Unless consumed in a manner that heats the THCA, the risk of conversion to THC within the body remains low.

How Long Does THCA Stay In Your System?

The duration that THCA remains detectable in your system depends on several factors, including the method of consumption, frequency of use, and the type of drug test being administered. While THCA itself is not the primary target in most drug tests, understanding how long it stays in the body can help reduce concerns about potential test results.

Impact Of Consumption Method

The way THCA is consumed can influence how long it remains detectable in the body. When consumed raw in products like edibles or juices, THCA doesn’t convert into THC and is processed differently by the body. In these cases, it may not be detectable in standard drug tests at all. However, if consumed via smoking, vaping, or cooking (where THCA is converted into THC), THC metabolites can remain in the body for several days or even weeks.

Frequency Of Use

Frequent or long-term cannabis use tends to result in THC metabolites accumulating in fat cells, which can prolong how long they remain detectable. Even if someone is primarily consuming THCA-rich products, repeated exposure to THC through heated methods could cause THC metabolites to build up in the system. For infrequent users, these metabolites generally clear within a few days, but for regular users, they can linger for weeks.

Type Of Drug Test

Different types of drug tests have varying detection windows. Urine tests, the most common form, can detect THC metabolites for up to 30 days in chronic users and up to 3–7 days in occasional users. Blood tests are more precise but typically only detect THC for up to 24–48 hours after use. Hair follicle tests have the longest detection window, up to 90 days, but are less commonly used.

 

 

Final Thoughts

While THCA itself is not the direct target of standard drug tests, there are scenarios where it could indirectly impact test results. THCA can convert into THC when exposed to heat, which could lead to the detection of THC metabolites and a positive test result. The method of consumption, frequency of use, and the sensitivity of the test all play significant roles in whether THCA or its byproducts might show up on a drug test.

If you are consuming raw cannabis or THCA-rich products without heat exposure, the likelihood of testing positive is much lower. However, it’s important to understand that even small amounts of THC, whether through heated consumption or unintentional conversion during testing, can affect drug test outcomes. Being informed about how drug tests work and how your body processes cannabis products can help you better manage your exposure and reduce the chances of unexpected results.

Read also: 

• THCA Flower: Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions Surrounding its Use
• Is THCA Flower Natural? Unveiling The Truth Behind THCA Hemp Flower
• Do Edibles Show Up In Drug Tests?

Frequently Asked Questions About THCA And Drug Tests

What is the main difference between THCA and THC regarding drug tests?

THCA is the precursor to THC and is non-psychoactive. Drug tests typically screen for THC metabolites, not THCA directly, unless converted to THC.

Can consuming raw cannabis containing THCA trigger a drug test?

Consuming raw cannabis with THCA won’t typically trigger a drug test unless the THCA is exposed to heat, converting it to THC, which tests can detect.

Is there a risk of false positives for THCA consumption in a drug test?

While rare, improper handling of samples or extreme test sensitivity could potentially lead to a false positive if THCA is converted to THC.

Can THCA be detected in a blood test?

THCA is not usually detectable in blood tests since these tests are designed to detect THC and its metabolites, not THCA.

How long can THC stay in your system after consuming THCA-rich products?

If THCA is converted to THC through heat, THC metabolites can stay in the body for several days to weeks, depending on usage frequency and metabolism.

Does THCA have any psychoactive effects?

No, THCA in its raw form is non-psychoactive and won’t make you feel "high" unless it is heated and converted to THC.

Can topical cannabis products with THCA cause a positive drug test?

Topical products with THCA are unlikely to affect drug tests, as they are not typically absorbed into the bloodstream in significant amounts.

Does THCA degrade into THC over time without heat?

Without heat, THCA generally does not convert into THC. However, prolonged exposure to light or heat could cause gradual degradation.

Are there specific tests that screen for THCA?

Most standard drug tests do not screen for THCA, but specialized tests could theoretically detect it, though this is uncommon in routine testing.

Does vaporizing cannabis convert THCA into THC?

Yes, vaporizing cannabis heats THCA, converting it into THC, which is why this method can trigger a positive result on a drug test.

Sources: 

1. Jones, J., Jones, M., Plate, C., & Lewis, D. (2013). The Detection of THCA Using 2-Dimensional Gas Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry in Human Fingernail Clippings: Method Validation and Comparison with Head Hair. American Journal of Analytical Chemistry, 04(10), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.4236/ajac.2013.410a2001 
2. Moosmann, B., Roth, N., & Auwärter, V. (2015). Hair analysis for Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A (THCA-A) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) after handling cannabis plant material. Drug Testing and Analysis, 8(1), 128–132. https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.1830 
3. Moreno-Sanz, G. (2016). Can you pass the acid test? Critical Review and Novel Therapeutic Perspectives of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid A. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 1(1), 124–130. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2016.0008 
4. Stephanson, N., Josefsson, M., Kronstrand, R., & Beck, O. (2008). Accurate identification and quantification of 11-nor-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid in urine drug testing: Evaluation of a direct high efficiency liquid chromatographic–mass spectrometric method. Journal of Chromatography B, 871(1), 101–108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jchromb.2008.06.047 
5. Struempler, R. E., Nelson, G., & Urry, F. M. (1997). A positive cannabinoids workplace drug test following the ingestion of commercially available hemp seed oil. Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 21(4), 283–285. https://doi.org/10.1093/jat/21.4.283 
6. Urine Testing for Detection of Marijuana: An Advisory. (1983, September 16). https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00000138.htm