THCa’s popularity continues to increase among cannabis users. Some enthusiasts report that using THCa-rich flower products makes them eat less and lose weight. Evidence suggests that consuming THCa flower may cause one to lose weight. Here’s more information about THCa and how it causes weight loss:
What Is THCa?
Cannabis plants can potentially produce between 80 and 100 cannabinoids, sometimes more. THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is one of them, harvested from fresh cannabis flowers. When consumed in its raw form, THCa cannabis flower won’t cause a “high” or psychoactive state. The product is non-intoxicating, unlike regular THC, which is a psychoactive compound. But when heated or smoked, THCa loses its carboxyl group “a” and becomes THC.
There are various ways you can consume THCa flowers to avoid the effects of THC. You may add the raw THCa cannabis flower to juices, smoothies, or salads. Some people soak raw THCa in alcohol to make tinctures or infuse it into creams and oils.
How Does Using THCa Cause Weight Loss?
There’s enough evidence to show the effectiveness of cannabis in appetite regulation. Heating or smoking THCa flower to convert it into THC can stimulate the CB1 receptor. This receptor can lead to increased food intake. The CB1 receptor antagonists help reduce appetite. The CB1 receptor antagonists deactivate or block the CB1 receptor to regulate appetite.
By regulating appetite, cannabis users may drop weight over time. Cannabis has active compounds that speed up metabolism. Your metabolism will help convert the foods you consume into energy. Increasing your metabolic rate may help the body to burn excessive fats (like omega-3) and calories.
Proving That Using THCa Causes Weight Loss
A group of researchers is studying the effect of THCa on weight loss. In one study, researchers experimented on mice to determine the effectiveness of THCa on weight loss. They fed the mice a high-fat diet for twelve weeks to allow them to gain weight, which resulted in a 300% weight gain.
After gaining weight, researchers administered a daily dosage of THCa to these mice. Results showed that THCa helped normalize the levels of various hormones like GLP-1 and leptin. Here’s what these hormones do in the body:
- GLP-1: A low level of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) may contribute to obesity.
- Leptin: This hormone inhibits hunger and regulates energy balance. Low levels of leptin encourage appetite and retention of fats.
The addition of THC improved glucose tolerance, decreasing the risk of obesity-related disorders. Researchers also noted an increase in the percentage of brown fat. Brown fat burns calories and generates heat, while white fat stores energy. Other studies show that cannabis helps convert white fat into brown fat. This increases thermogenesis, assisting the body in burning more calories.
Consuming THCa Flower for Weight Loss
THCa-rich flower products provide a range of benefits, including weight loss. It increases metabolism to help burn excessive calories, resulting in lower BMI. When looking for THCa products, choose the right strain to add to your smoothies or salads. Besides making you lose weight, THCa-rich flower products and reduce nausea and vomiting. Start using THCa flower today to reduce weight.