thcaHow is THCA Flower Grown?
Cultivating THCA flower is no simple task. From germination to harvest, every step requires meticulous care, including choosing the right cannabis strain, carefully monitoring the growing environment, and maintaining specific THCA and THC levels.
Let’s dive into the specifics of how THCA flower is grown and what makes it so unique.
THCA Flower 101
THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) flower is the raw, non-psychoactive form of cannabis and the precursor to THC. Because it maintains less than 0.3% THC in this state, it’s still classified as a hemp plant, meaning it’s federally legal.
While THCA flower is often associated with a synthetic product, it’s actually a naturally grown cannabis flower that requires specialized cultivation and curating techniques.
Some people consume THCA flower in its raw state (unheated) to take advantage of its potential wellness benefits. You can add flower to smoothies, juices, or salads, take it in tincture form, or use it in raw cannabis edibles.
When heated, however, (either through smoking, vaping, or cooking), THCA converts into THC through a process called decarboxylation. This unlocks the “high” associated with recreational marijuana use.
What Makes THCA Flower Unique?
Unlike traditional hemp or marijuana plants, THCA flower requires a more complex curing process to preserve its high THCA levels and maintain its rich terpene profiles. “Curing” is the post-harvest process where cannabis is dried and stored to enhance its flavor, potency, and overall quality. With THCA flower, the goal is to avoid the conversion of THCA into THC.
Cultivators carefully control factors like temperature, humidity, and airflow to ensure the flower retains its THCA content without triggering decarboxylation. This process also helps to protect the terpenes, resulting in a more rich, potent product.
The Science of THCA Flower
Growing THCA flower requires a balance of science, nature, and precision. Let’s dive into what the process looks like:
Choosing the Right Genetics / Seeds
Cultivating THCA flower begins with selecting the right cannabis genetics. Strains naturally high in THCA are specifically bred to maintain high concentrations of this cannabinoid throughout the plant's growth stages.
Growth Phases of the Cannabis Plant
Like all cannabis plants, THCA flower goes through several growth stages:
- Germination – The seed sprouts and begins to grow roots.
- Vegetative Stage – The plant absorbs light, developing stems and leaves
- Flowering Stage – Buds start to form, and cannabinoids like THCA begin to concentrate in the flower's resin glands.
- Harvesting – The flower is carefully picked at peak cannabinoid levels.
THCA-Specific Cultivation Techniques
Throughout these stages, growers closely monitor conditions to preserve the high THCA content, especially during the flowering and curing phases. This meticulous handling ensures the flower remains potent and legally classified as hemp.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Light, humidity, and temperature are carefully controlled to influence cannabinoid profiles and enhance THCA while minimizing THC levels.
Growers use specific lighting schedules and monitor humidity to prevent mold and mildew while enhancing the plant’s overall health. Temperature and ventilation are also critical to preserving terpenes and preventing moisture buildup.
The Harvesting Process for THCA Flower
The harvesting process for THCA flower involves cutting the plant at its peak cannabinoid concentration to preserve the highest possible levels of THCA. This step is crucial to ensuring the potency and overall quality of the flower.
The curing process that follows is a slower, more meticulous method that allows the flower to dry out gradually. This prevents the degradation of THCA while preserving the plant's terpene profile.
Lab Testing for THCA Flower
For THCA flower to classify as “hemp,” it must maintain THC compliance. This means the THC content cannot exceed 0.3%. To make sure the flower meets this standard, lab tests are done to check the levels of THCA and THC. These tests confirm the THCA hemp flower has enough THCA while keeping THC within legal limits.
Lab testing ensures that the product is legal while providing consumers with transparency.
What is The Best Way To Consume THCA Flower?
Depending on your preference, there are many ways to enjoy THCA flower. Whether you prefer a joint or raw flower, VIIA has some great options:
- THCA Pre-Rolls: Relax and unwind with VIIA’s high-strength THCA pre-rolls, available in six strains across indica, sativa, and hybrid varieties.
- THCA Flower: VIIA’s dispensary-grade, American-grown THCA flower allows you to explore a variety of strains and personalize your experience.
- THCA Vapes: A discreet, smooth, and satisfying way to consume THCA without the smoke or scent of a joint.
How Much THCA is in VIIA’s Flower?
VIIA offers a wide range of THCA flower strains, featuring both classic and niche options. Here are a few crowd-pleasers that vary in THCA concentration:
- Purple Tangie - 23.65% THCA
- Grand Daddy Purple - 24.26% THCA
- Sweet Tartz High- 30.38% THCA
- Blueberry Yum Yum - 31.40% THCA
Interested in learning more about specific THCA strains? Get all the details on popular strains like Lemon Cherry Gelato and Tangerine Dream, including genetic heritage, aroma, flavor profile, and appearance.
The Takeaway: How is THCA Flower Made?
THCA flower isn’t “made” in the traditional sense — it’s carefully grown through specific cultivation techniques. From selecting the right genetics to harvesting and curing with precision, THCA flower provides a natural and legal cannabis experience.
Ready to try THCA flower for yourself? Check out VIIA’s Pre-Rolls, Raw Flower Collection, and other THCA products to get all the benefits of hemp.
