Through some research I have found that my previous conception that trace amounts of fiberglass are deposited in chew is false (Dipping tobacco - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia). Rather than fiberglass, companies pack chew with alkaline salt crystals that allow for the nicotine to be absorbed much quicker and efficiently (It effs with the weather in your mouth). Creating lacerations in your mouth actually works against you because it causes your capillaries to contract and bleed, thus flushing all substances away from the blood stream and making sure nothing gets in...

Sorry for the incorrect info earlier. I don't chew or smoke cigs, I only smoke shisha out of hookahs...

As far as the psychoactivity of THC vs. THCA goes, my research tells me that THCA is NOT psychoactive. Read the Cannabinoids section of this book (Clinical laboratory medicine - Google Books) and you will understand (If you like science). My understanding is that, when heated or bonded with an unsaturated fat (decarboxylated), THCA becomes psychoactively available in the form of THC. Once ingested, THC is then RE-oxidized by your body and stored as the non-psychoactive THCA in your body fat. This is why, when you smoke up and THCA is stored in your body, you can test positive for THCA for a period of time after ingestion but not experience any prolonged psychoactive effects.

Lastly, pertaining to the ingestion of REALLY OLD and dry cannabis, I am unsure if THCA naturally decomposes into THC, but it would seem unlikely that it would become devoid of its oxygen over time...if you find an article that speaks otherwise, please post it. I love science. Perhaps our mod StinkyAttic can chime in, I hear she is a chemist.

The end.

Peace,
SMG