Thca, same thing as THC? Is thca, the same thing as thc sativa?

I've read thca is sativa breed . What is the difference from thca and THC? Are the effects the same. It supposed to protect thca. I've seen someone say, thca is the same thing as THC.

I know they are separate words, on a cannabis test.

 

THCa isn't psychoactive until it's heated—like when you smoke or dab it—then it turns into THC and gives you the high. I’ve used it with silicone dab rigs online, and once decarbed, it hit just like regular THC. Before heating, though, it doesn't really do much, so eating raw THCa won't get you stoned unless it's processed first.