apparent that its precursor is cannabigerolic acid, which goes through oxidocyclization through the actions of the enzyme THCA-synthase. It is unstable, and slowly decarboxylates into THC during storage, and the THC itself slowly degrades to CBN, found with potential immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory activities. When heated or burned, as when cannabis is smoked or included in baked goods, the decarboxylation is rapid but not complete; THCA is detectable in people who smoke or otherwise consume cannabis. Legal status THCA is not scheduled by the United Nations' Convention on Psychotropic Substances. United States THCA is not scheduled at the federal level in the United States, but it is possible that THCA could legally be considered an analog of THC and sales or possession could potentially be prosecuted under the Federal Analogue Act. In practice, because THCA spontaneously decarboxylates to form THC, no real sample of purified THCA will be completely free of THC. Thus, any laboratory analysis of THCA using any technique involving significant heat will generate THC in the handling and analytical process. See also Cannabinoids Cannabidiol (CBD) Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) References Phenols Cannabinoids Diterpenes Benzochromenes Tetrahydrocannabinol