Since hemp legalization, the cannabis buzz has gone into overdrive, and a new player has entered the game: THCa flower.
You may have heard it and wondered, “What is THCa flower?” Or you may have seen it on a dispensary menu and thought, “Surely it must be a typo for THC, right?”
Don’t sweat it - you’re in the right place! This post will explain everything you need to know about THCa flower, from its unique properties to how it fits into your recreational cannabis lineup.
Let’s dive in and explore what makes THCa flower so special.
What is THCA?
We’ve been talking about delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) for years. It’s what most consumers associate cannabis with. But maybe we should have been talking about THCa all along.
Why? Because THCa isn’t exactly a “new cannabinoid”. Sure, its legality has put the spotlight on it, and everyone’s attention is on it now, but THCA has been around as long as the cannabis plant itself.
Here’s the wild part: the THC we know and love can’t even exist without THCA. Before any heat or curing process, the cannabis plant’s trichomes (the frosty little crystals on your cannabis buds) are full of THCA.
Once THCa is heated, whether through smoking, vaping, or cooking, it undergoes a process called decarboxylation—that’s just a fancy way of saying THCA converts to THC by losing a carboxyl group.
That said, here’s the proper definition of THCa: Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid and the precursor to THC that exists naturally in raw cannabis. Call it the daddy or mommy of delta-9 THC - you wouldn’t be wrong!
Benefits Of THCa Flower
For the recreational cannabis user, there’s plenty to love about THCa flower—and not just because it’s federally legal (more on that later). Here are some benefits:
- Euphoria: Ride the wave of blissful feelings that can turn an average day into an amazing one.
- Mood Uplift: Need a pick-me-up? A little THCa flower can brighten your perspective and lighten your day.
- Relaxation: Melt away stress and tension with every puff.
- Creativity Boost: Stuck in a rut? THCa flower can help unleash your inner artist or problem-solver.
- Happiness: Giggly, content, and at peace.
- Energy Kick: Some THCa sativa strains provide that extra push to keep you active and engaged.
- Focus: Perfect for when you need a little extra help zoning in on what matters.
- Appetite Stimulation: Get ready to enjoy food like never before—hello, munchies!
- Social Spark: Break the ice and ease into social settings with a bit more confidence and ease.
- Enhanced Productivity: Some users find it motivates them to knock out tasks.
- Better Sleep: Certain Indica-dominant strains can help you relax into a deep, restful sleep.
Does THCa Flower Get You High?
Does THCa flower get you high? The short answer is yes—but with a catch. THCa itself isn’t psychoactive in its raw form.
But as we mentioned before, once it’s heated, it decarboxylates and converts into delta-9 THC—the compound that gives you those psychoactive effects.
In other words, once you light it up, the effects of THCA are exactly like your regular cannabis flower. The high is very similar: euphoria, relaxation, and all the other effects you’d expect from THC.
How Strong Is THCa Flower?
Let’s put it this way: have you ever smoked regular cannabis flower before? Then, you already have a ballpark idea of how strong THCA is.
The potency of THCa flower is practically identical to traditional cannabis once it’s heated.
However, THCa percentages listed on the packaging don’t directly translate to THC levels. This is because THCa loses about 13% of its mass during decarboxylation due to removing a carboxyl group. To estimate THC content, multiply the listed THCa percentage by 0.877.
For instance, if a strain is labeled with 20% THCa content, it will yield approximately 17.54% THC after heating. That said, this slight reduction in mass is barely noticeable from a potency perspective. You’ll still enjoy the same strong, euphoric effects you’d expect from high-quality cannabis flower.
How To Use THCa Flower?
Due to THCa hemp flower requiring heat that activates its psychoactive properties—it needs to be smoked, vaped, or baked at high temperatures to deliver its full effects. Here are some ways to use it:
Smoking
Roll it up, pack it into a pipe, or load a bong. It’s simple and effective, getting you right where you want to be.
Vaping
Opt for a dry herb vaporizer to heat your THCa hemp flower precisely without combustion, providing a smoother and less harsh experience.
Baking
Want to get creative in the kitchen? Start by decarboxylating your THCa flower in the oven (about 30-40 minutes at 240°F0. Then, infuse it into butter or oil to whip up anything from brownies to savory dishes for potent, delicious edibles.
Consuming raw THCA
It’s also worth mentioning that THCa flower can be consumed in its raw form—added to smoothies, juiced, or incorporated into tinctures—to explore potential wellness benefits.
Is THCa Flower The Same as Delta 9 THC?
THCa is the non-psychoactive version of THC. Once heated, THCa becomes delta-9 THC. So, in other words, they are the same thing in different forms. With any method of consumption that involves heat, you would be inhaling THC in both cases.
Think of THCa as Clark Kent - mild-mannered and unassuming until it steps into a phone booth (or, in this case, meets some heat). Then BAM! It becomes Superman (THC), ready to save the day with all those effects you’re looking for. Same hero, different costume!
Is THCa Legal?
Yes, THCa is legal under federal law. The passing of the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived products like delta 8 THC, CBD, and THCa as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
We’ve hinted at this throughout the article - the legal status of THCa is the reason for all the sudden attention. Here’s why: because THCa converts to THC when smoked, it offers a legal alternative to get high because THC remains largely an illegal controlled substance in the USA. So there you have it - that’s what all the buzz is about. A legal loophole to get high!
It’s worth noting that state laws on THCa legality can vary significantly from federal regulations. So before buying or indulging, do your due diligence and check your local laws.
Where To Buy THCa Flower Online?
We’ve touched base on what THCa is, how it compares to THC and its legality - but where can you find the best THCa flower?
Smokeable THCa flower is readily available online for purchase. And as you’d imagine, after legalization, the market was flooded with THCa products from various retailers.
We recommend sticking with reputable brands like Bay Smokes to ensure you only get top-quality flower. Below, let’s look at why we’re setting the standard as the best THCa dispensary.
Why Buy THCa Flower Online With Bay Smokes
Third-Party Lab Tests
To ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience, all our products undergo rigorous third-party testing.
Every purchase comes with a scannable COA (Certificate of Analysis) for your viewing pleasure, verifying potency and confirming zero contaminants in each and every one of our products, including our THCa.
Unique Terpene Profiles
Enjoy the full spectrum of flavors and effects that premium THCa flower has to offer with our carefully curated selection of strains.
Large Variety of THCa Strains
We have hundreds of THCa strains in stock, from rare to exotic varieties. Whether you’re looking for classics or trying something new, we’ve got what you’re after.
No Pesticides Used
Rest assured that all our THCa is organically grown without the use of harmful pesticides. We believe in pure, high-quality cannabis, just as nature intended.
Federally Legal
Our products are hemp-derived and fully compliant with federal law, so you can buy with confidence, knowing you’re getting a legal and safe product.
Fast Shipping
We offer same-day and next-day shipping nationwide to states where THCa is legal. Order today, and we’ll deliver discreetly to your door—plus, enjoy free shipping on all orders $77+!
USA Grown
Our THCa flower is grown right here in the USA, ensuring top-quality and freshness straight from the farm.
Variety Of THCa Products
We have a variety of hemp products in stock, from THCa flower to concentrates, carts, diamonds, pre-rolls, and gummies. No matter your preference, we’ve got you covered.
Excellent Customer Service
Not sure which product or strain is right for you? Got any burning questions? Feel free to contact Bay Smoke’s customer care. We’re here to guide you through your THCa journey.
Promotions & Discounts
Keep an eye out for special promotions and discounts so you can save while enjoying premium THCa flower.
Competitive Pricing
At Bay Smokes, we offer competitive pricing on all our products, ensuring you get the best value without compromising quality.
FAQ:
Is THCA flower natural or synthetic?
THCa is 100% natural and not a synthetic lab-manufactured compound. It exists naturally in raw cannabis and live cannabis plants.
Is THCA flower any good?
There’s proof in the pudding, and all the rave about THCa is far from hype. If you’re looking for relaxation, euphoria, or any other effects similar to what THC offers - but legally - THCa flower is where it’s at!
Does THCA flower provide the same potency as regular cannabis?
Yes, when heated, you’re getting the same potency as regular cannabis products.
Will raw THCA flower get me high?
No! Raw THCA flower is non-psychoactive in its raw form. To unlock its psychedelic properties, it must be smoked, vaped, or baked.
Will THCA show up on a drug test?
Yes, THCA will show up in a drug test. When smoked or vaped, THCA converts to THC, which metabolizes into THC-COOH, the compound drug tests look for, so avoid it if you’re subject to a drug test.
Is THCA legal where I live?
While THCA is legal at the federal level, state laws vary. Check your local regulations to be sure.
Dive into the state-by-state legality of THCA using this link!