A functional group in organic chemistry consisting of a carbon atom double-bonded to an Oxygen atom and single-bonded to a hydroxyl group, written as -COOH. In cannabis chemistry, the carboxyl group is what differentiates acid-form cannabinoids from their neutral counterparts. THCa has a Carboxyl group attached to the THC molecule, CBDa has one attached to CBD and so on across all the acid-form cannabinoids. The carboxyl group becomes unstable when exposed to heat and releases as carbon dioxide, a process known as decarboxylation. This releasing of the carboxyl group is what converts a raw acid-form cannabinoid into its active neutral form.
🔊 kar·BOK·sil groop
In the Wild — Example
The carboxyl group is what makes THCA non-psychoactive. Remove it through heat and you're left with active THC.
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