THCA-C1 (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabiorcolic acid) is a rare cannabinoid acid with a C1 side chain. It has been reported in male Cannabis sativa pollen and is part of the broader THC homologue family.

What does C1 mean in THCA-C1?

C1 refers to the side chain length. Classic Δ9-THC is a C5 compound (pentyl chain). C1 indicates a much shorter methyl side chain, which can change receptor activity and real-world effects.

What is the vaporizing temperature for THCA-C1?

THCA-C1 does not have a meaningful standalone vaporizing temperature because cannabinoid acids can decarboxylate (convert) with heat before they would vaporize as intact acids. Practical vaporizer guidance uses a controlled stepped session to support conversion and extraction.

THCA-C1 – Delta-9- tetrahydrocannabiorcolic acid

THCA-C1 (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabiorcolic acid) | what it is, male cannabis pollen, and vaporizer temperature strategy

One-carbon side chain. Acid form. Reported in male cannabis pollen. This is cannabinoid chemistry without the marketing glitter.

Compound: THCA-C1 Also written: Δ9-THCA-C1 Category: cannabinoid acid Context: male cannabis pollen

THCA-C1 (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabiorcolic acid) molecule infographic showing C1 side chain and heat conversion concept

What THCA-C1 is

THCA-C1 is shorthand for Δ9-tetrahydrocannabiorcolic acid, a rare cannabinoid acid reported in male Cannabis sativa pollen. It belongs to the THC homologue family, but it is not “regular THCA.” The key identifier is the C1 side chain.

Quick facts

Full name: Δ9-tetrahydrocannabiorcolic acid
Short name: THCA-C1
What C1 means: a methyl (one-carbon) side chain
Where it is reported: male cannabis pollen (specialized plant material)
Why it is unusual: most “THC/THCA” people encounter is C5, not C1

What “C1” actually means

Cannabinoid naming gets clearer when you treat it like a label maker: the C-number refers to the alkyl side chain length. Classic Δ9-THC is the C5 version. THCV is commonly discussed as C3. THCA-C1 is the extreme short-chain cousin: C1.

Fast translation: C1 is a structural identifier, not a potency claim, and definitely not a temperature.

How THCA-C1 relates to THCC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabiorcol)

Acid and neutral forms are “before and after.” THCA-type compounds are acidic precursors. With heat, cannabinoid acids can decarboxylate into neutral cannabinoids. In this naming family, the neutral C1 THC-type compound is often discussed as THCC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabiorcol).

Decarboxylation: the conversion step

Like other cannabinoid acids, THCA-C1 carries a carboxyl group (–COOH). Heat can remove that group as CO₂. That is decarboxylation. In a dry herb session, conversion and extraction happen together, fast, in moving air.

Vaporizing temperature for THCA-C1

Honest answer: THCA-C1 does not have a meaningful standalone vaporizing temperature. Cannabinoid acids can decarboxylate with heat before they would vaporize as intact acids. So the right approach is a temperature strategy, not a single magic number.

Practical dry herb vaporizer session strategy

Warm-up / early conversion: 365–375°F
Main extraction: 385–400°F
Finish if needed: 405–410°F (avoid combustion territory)

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Why THCA-C1 matters for education

It shows how diverse cannabis chemistry is: the plant makes more than the mainstream cannabinoids.
It reinforces acid vs neutral reality: raw material is mostly acids, heat changes the profile.
It improves label literacy: side chain length (C1, C3, C5) is a real structural signal.

FAQ

Is THCA-C1 the same as THCA-A?

No. THCA-A is the common acidic precursor to Δ9-THC (C5). THCA-C1 is a short-chain (C1) cannabinoid acid in a different homologue lane.

Is THCA-C1 intoxicating?

In acidic form, cannabinoid acids are not typically considered intoxicating. Intoxicating effects, when they occur, are associated with the neutral form after heat conversion.

What temp should I use to vape THCA-C1?

Use a stepped session like 365–410°F. That supports conversion and extraction in real vaporizers without chasing fake “acid boiling points.”