What Is THCA Flower? Effects, Benefits, & How It Works
THCA flower is cannabis flower containing high levels of THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), the raw form of THC.
On its own, THCA is non-intoxicating, but once the THCA flower is heated by smoking, vaping, or baking, it converts into THC, producing a high.
THCA flower has been trending online and for good reason. If you’re curious about how it compares to regular weed, here’s everything you need to know in our in depth guide!
Does THCA Flower Get You High?
One of the first questions you might have is whether THCA flower will get you high.
The answer is yes and no.
When THCa is in its raw form/natural state, it will not get you high. THCA itself is not psychoactive, so if you eat raw cannabis buds, you won’t experience any noticeable psychoactive effects.
However, when heated this is where things change and THCa converts to THC. The application of heat triggers a process known as decarboxylation. This process removes a carbon molecule from the THCA, converting it into delta-9 THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for the typical high associated with cannabis.
So if you smoke or vape THCA flower, you will definitely feel the psychoactive effects, similar to those you would expect from traditional cannabis.
How Does THCA Flower Work?
To start its important to understand that cannabis plants naturally produce THCA, not THC.
THCA contains an extra carboxyl group before being heated, which prevents it from fitting into the receptors in your brain that would cause intoxicating effects. When you add heat, that carboxyl group is removed, allowing the THCA to convert into delta-9 THC.
For the transformation, heating is necessary for activating THC. For example, if you’re making edibles, you need to decarb the raw cannabis at a low temperature to activate the THC. Also, the reason you light a joint and smoke it. Simply consuming the raw buds won’t do anything because the THCA hasn’t converted yet.
THCA Flower vs THC Flower: What’s the Key Difference?
You might be wondering if THCA is the same as regular weed.
The answer is yes, THCA flower and THC flower are essentially the same; however, there are some notable differences, particularly in terms of legality and their state of raw vs. activated.
THCA is a non-psychoactive form that turns into psychoactive THC when heated. This means high-THCA hemp is legal under federal law, while THC flower is classified as marijuana and is restricted.
In a dispensary, you might find THC flower that has already undergone a slight natural decarboxylation over time. On the other hand, THCA flower sold online is usually grown and processed under conditions specifically designed to keep it in its raw form. When you light it up, both flowers produce the same effects since you’re ultimately consuming THC.
The main differences lie in legal labeling. THCA flower with less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight is considered legal hemp, while THC flower with higher levels is classified federally as marijuana.
What Does THCA Flower Feel Like?
When considering THCa flower and its effects, it is important to note that all THCa strains will feel exactly like their THC versions. The only difference lies in the actual consumption. Heating the THCa will bring on the psychoactive effects similar to regular weed.
You can choose strains based on the mood/feeling you want to feel. Indica strains will lean more toward a sedative body high, whearas sativa strains tend to provide more energy and mental stimulation.
The potency and the terpenes also play a significant role in the overall experience. Terpenes are the natural compounds that give cannabis its unique aromas and can influence the effects you feel. A strain with a higher THC content and a rich terpene profile is likely to produce a more pronounced experience compared to a strain with lower levels.
On that note, some people consume raw thca for its potential wellness benefits.
How Do You Use THCA Flower?
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Smoke it: The most straightforward way is to pack THCA flower into a bowl or roll it into a joint. The heat from burning the flower converts it from THCA to THC immediately.
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Vape it: Using a dry herb vaporizer is highly effective. It heats the cannabis flower enough to activate the THC without burning it, which preserves the taste and aromatic qualities.
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Use it in pre-rolls: Many online shops offer THCA flower in pre-rolled thca joints, making it easy to enjoy without any extra tools.
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In edibles after decarbing: You can also use THCA flower to make homemade treats like gummies or cookies, but remember to decarb it first to activate the THC properly. Learn how to deacrb THCA flower for edibles.
Is THCA Flower Legal?
That brings us to a really important question. Is THCA flower legal?
Addressing the question of legality, THCA flower finds itself in a gray area.
Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp and its derivatives (which include THCA flower) were legalized as long as they contain less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. This has led to the “hemp loophole,” allowing raw THCA flower to be sold federally.
However, state laws on cannabis, as we know them, can differ substantially. Some states have chosen to update their regulations to ban THCA products, so it's always wise to check local laws before making a purchase.
How To Choose Quality THCA Flower
If you’re on the lookout for high quality THCA flower online, keep these tips in mind:
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Check COAs: Always look for a certificate of analysis anywhere you’re looking to shop. This document shows what’s in the product and confirms levels of THCA and other cannabinoids, as well as checking for any harmful substances like heavy metals or pesticides.
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Look at THCA percentage: The THCA level is crucial because higher percentages will convert to greater amounts of THC, affecting the potency of the product.
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Review the terpene profile: A good COA will also list the terpenes present. These compounds contribute to the flavor and can influence how the high feels.
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Buy from trusted brands: Quality matters when it comes to cannabis. Look for brands that source their thca flower from growers who use proper curing processes and don’t use harsh pesticides.
