Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is a non-psychoactive, terpene-rich precursor of the THC found in marijuana. THCA is known for relieving inflammation and treating chronic pain, among other uses.

Cutting-edge cannabis companies have started to incorporate THCA into new products as more consumers become interested in its many uses. One such company is Papa & Barkley, a California company that has emerged as a leader in cannabis products that include balms, body oils, capsules, patches, soaks and tinctures.

In December 2019, Papa & Barkley is launching a line of Raw THCa Living Tincture made from cold pressed, fresh frozen flower infused in MCT Oil at a low temperature. The resulting tincture preserves the flower’s natural terpenes and flavor profile. Papa & Barkley also currently carries a 1:1 CBD to THCa Tincture in their Releaf line.

What Is THCA?

THCA is a chemical compound found in cannabis. Unlike THC, it is not psychoactive (it does not cause the “high” feeling). Preliminary research has shown that THCA could play a major role in the use of medical cannabis in the years to come, according to Leafly, adding that THCA is “beginning to demonstrate therapeutic potential.”

Some of the potential benefits found in research and anecdotal evidence include:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Neuroprotective
• Antiemetic (for treatment of nausea or appetite loss)
• Antiproliferative
• Insomnia
• Muscle spasms
• Pain

Papa & Barkley has taken the step of providing the wellness potential of THCA into tinctures.

What Are Tinctures?

Experts consider tinctures as one of the fastest ways to reap the benefits of THCA and other marijuana-related wellness products. Tinctures are concentrated liquids that rapidly deliver THCA into the body. Users can add it as an ingredient in a beverage or take it sublingually.

In the case of the Releaf Tinctures from Papa & Barkley, the dosages can be set to feel the effects for more than three hours. The company adds MCT oil, which helps users to metabolize the THCA or cannabidiols (CBD) faster.

Choosing The Right Tincture

Papa & Barkley are adding the THCA tincture to their product lineup because they want to give consumers another option in how they treat their medical conditions with cannabis-based products.

The company already provides an opportunity for consumers to customize their tincture doses with the Right Ratio Pack.  The pack allows users to find the right balance between a CBD-rich tincture and THC-rich tincture by using a dosing guide, allowing them to choose the right ratio depending on their own personal preferences and the time of day. The idea is to help customers better manage their pain.

Papa & Barkley Focuses on Pain Management

Papa & Barkley is a company founded on caring for the ones we love using alternative topical and tincture-based cannabis plant medicine. That’s because the company started as a way to find relief for the founder’s father, who suffered from terrible back pain. By using a combination of physical therapy and cannabis-infused products, “Papa” was able to leave hospice care (Barkley is the name of Papa’s pitbull).

The company started with Releaf Balm, which uses CBD in a topical lotion. Papa Barkley now has a full lineup of products, with the THCA tincture becoming the latest addition. Other products include:

• Releaf Body Oil. This can be applied directly to areas where you are experiencing pain, or as a massage oil.
• Releaf Capsules. Capsules come with either THC or CBD and are designed to have a calming effect and reduce pain.
• Releaf Patches. Patches stick to the skin and offer slow release of CBD.
• Releaf Soak. This can be used in the bath, or as a soak for hands and feet. It contains Dead Sea salt and both CBD and THC.
• Hemp CBD. This non-psychoactive product comes in balm, tincture and capsule form.

Sparked by a need to find alternative treatments for pain, Papa & Barkley has emerged as a leader in medicinal hemp CBD and cannabis-derived products. In December, that will include the ability to use THCA to manage pain and inflammation.