Does THCA Make Music Even Better?
It certainly seems that cannabis has contributed a lot to the act of music-making. From “Purple Haze” to “Smoke on the Water,” references to cannabis abound throughout ‘60s music lyrics, and it becomes mentioned even more frequently from thereon out.
What special connection does music hold to cannabis, exactly, and does THCA offer you the same musical mojo as THC? Find out in this guide to THCA, music, and how to combine them effectively.
What is THCA?
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is the original form THC takes in cannabis flower before it’s converted. Pretty much anything can convert THCA into THC, including heat, ultraviolet light, or even just plain time.
In its unconverted form, THCA is a lot like CBD in regard to its effects. When THCA converts into THC, though, it has the same psychoactive effects as this iconic cannabinoid. In other words, be prepared to get high when you smoke or vape THCA.
Why do people enjoy music?
The psychology behind the enjoyment of music remains something of a mystery. Respected publications like Psychology Today suggest that human recognition of the beauty of music comes from perception of its patterns. Music also appears to be tied in with sex and other sources of pleasure.
Music can trigger the release of dopamine, but beyond that, it’s anybody’s guess exactly how the auditory nerves interact with the brain to make music so transcendently sublime… in certain cases, at least. All we can surmise is that there’s something to THC that makes music even better — at least based on history.
History of cannabis and music
Cannabis has played a role in communal rituals the world over since the dawn of time. When people get together, there’s almost always music, and cannabis has often been there too.
Music and cannabis came together in an unmistakably powerful way around the beginning of the 20th century. In Europe, French poets like Bauedelaire and Mallarme had popularized cannabis use in artsy cafes, and cannabis started making its way out of pharmacies and into parties and other American social gatherings during the Roaring 20s.
By the time jazz culture became accepted in the 1930s, cannabis had become firmly entrenched within the music scene in urban America. Despite Reefer Madness and other half-baked propaganda efforts, cannabis remained irascibly attached to American music throughout the 20th century and on into the 21st, hopping from rock’n’roll to hip-hop to EDM as the times have changed and culture has shifted.
Nowadays, cannabis is normal, and people are just as free to enjoy whichever musical genre they wish. The next time you get high and listen to music, bask in the multi-generational history you’re evoking.
Why THCA and THC enhance music
Little though we know, it does certainly appear that music has the potential to trigger dopamine release in the brain. THC also has this ability, meaning that THCA does as well when it’s converted into THC.
The biochemical connection between cannabis and music is undoubtedly more complex than a simple chemical. However, by understanding that THC and music both have a relationship with dopamine, we can get closer to appreciating the full picture.
Best THCA strains for enjoying music
Overall, THCA flower or vape strains that are known for being highly cognitive will be best for enhancing your enjoyment of music. Sativa strains are generally the most cognitive, but make sure to do some research into each strain before deciding which one will be best for enjoying music. Also, depending on the type of mood you’re going for, a calming indica could be better due to couchlock’s ability to force focus on perception and nothing else.
Here are a few Secret Nature THCA strains you might want to try for enjoying music and why:
Sugar Pop THCA - Sugar Pop is a highly cognitive strain with roots in cultivars like Sour Diesel and Purple Mystery. While it’s technically an indica, users often report that Sugar Pop has effects that make it a lot like a sativa. Did we mention it’s purple?
Blood Diamond THCA - Originally a CBD strain, Blood Diamond is just as powerful in THCA form — and now, it gets you high! This hybrid is usually described as being highly cognitive. It relaxes your body at the same time, though, helping you focus on the music you’re enjoying.
Frosted Kush THCA - Frosted Kush is our OG indica. If you’re looking for couchlock that will make the music come alive in your mind, this ultra-calming strain is a solid bet.
THCA vapes vs. THCA flower for music enjoyment
There isn’t any considerable difference between using THCA vapes and THCA flower for enjoying music. The usual considerations apply, of course, such as THCA flower being messy while THCA vapes are portable. Both options will convert THCA into THC, however, and they’ll get that THC to brain where it can get to work enhancing the beauty of musical patterns.
Indica vs. sativa for music
Sativas will usually be better for enjoying music than indicas. However, you might find an indica strain that helps you enjoy (or even play) music better than any other cultivar you’ve tried. Don’t deny the effects you’ve experienced just because the strain has the word “indica” on its label.
More tips for enjoying THCA with music
If you really want to make the most of using THCA and listening to music, do this:
- Create a dim, calm environment
- Use a real stereo, or headphones if not available
- If you have vinyl, play it
- Keep plenty of THCA on hand for a large dose
- Consider sharing with others
THCA & music: The bottom line
Is it worth smoking THCA before listening to music? Absolutely. The brain works differently on THCA, allowing you to experience aspects of music you may have never noticed before.
You might still enjoy listening to music sober. For many music enjoyers and even music artists, though, THC or THCA can make all the difference in music appreciation and vibe generation. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find out exactly how THCA can enhance your experience of music.
Cannabis & music FAQs
Does music improve your high?
Yes, it’s pretty much universally agreed that music will make your cannabis high more enjoyable. Whether you got high using THC or THCA, listening to music is probably a good idea if you want to make sure you get as high as humanly possible.
Is it a good idea to listen to music while high?
It’s usually a good idea to listen to music when high on cannabis because doing so will enhance your high. Some types of music, however, might be stressful or even induce paranoia when you’re high. Avoid Dark Psychological Trance and Swedish Black Metal, for instance.
Which cannabinoids are best for enjoying music?
You’ll usually have the best time enjoying cannabinoids in the THC family while listening to music. Whether it’s THC, THCA, or even delta 8, cannabinoids that have an intoxicating effect will synergize with the dopamine that’s naturally released when your brain perceives music. Depending on your preferences, though, you might find that CBD or even CBG also helps music become even more enjoyable.
Is music better with sativa or indica?
You’ll usually find music to be best enhanced by sativa cannabis strain. On odd occasions, though, an indica strain might be just the thing for accentuating the musical vibes wafting through your room.
