As a scientist at Steep Hill, I am frequently asked about the chemistry of cannabis. Will eating raw cannabis make one high? Eating raw cannabis will not cause the same euphoric sensation often associated with consumption. While this seems counter intuitive, a little chemistry will quickly reveal exactly why this is the case!

There are two main actors in this scenario: Delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA) and Delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (D9THC). While they do sound very similar to one another – their influence is quite different.

THCA is produced in living cannabis, and this cannabinoid appears in highest concentration within structures called trichomes. Trichomes grow from the surface of cannabis flowers (and fewer on the leaves) like microscopic mushrooms. When a consumer smokes the cannabis flower, they expose the trichomes to an immense heat, which converts THCA into the psychoactive D9THC as it vaporizes and is inhaled.

Decarboxylation is a chemical process whereby a cannabinoid molecule with a carboxylic acid group loses carbon dioxide (CO2) from that group, resulting in THCA (non psychoactive, “acid” form) converting into Delta-9-THC (psychoactive, “neutral” form). Mostly. We find that typically ~75% of the THCA molecules end up as D9THC molecules when we heat raw cannabis in our laboratory. A small amount ends up as cannabinol (CBN), but most of that loss is probably other terpenoids (natural and modified compounds that give plants their aromas and flavors) – byproducts we do not measure routinely.

At Steep Hill, we use a device called the Liquid Chromatograph to test for concentrations of cannabinoid acids and neutrals. Since the device doesn’t expose the sample to any heat source, the results illustrate the nascent cannabinoid acid contents found within. This is incredibly useful for products that aren’t going to be exposed to heat during consumption (like edibles or topicals), since the THCA will not be decarboxylated. Identifying the concentrations of both cannabinoid acids and their decarboxylated counterparts is important for consumers interested in identifying their proper dose. If a patient or consumer wants to avoid the euphoria associated with D9THC, choosing products with cannabinoid acids, but low in D9THC, enables them to benefit from cannabinoid therapy without the risk of significant euphoric intoxication.

Regards,

Dr. Donald Land, 
Chief Scientific Consultant, Steep Hill

Phone: +1 (530) 219-4366 | +1 (800) 658-0955 | Ext: 104

Email: [email protected]