What is THCA Flower?

Alan Cruz|August 05, 2024

THCA flower refers to cannabis flower or buds that are high in tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and low in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This unique composition is achieved through careful genetic selection, specialized growing methods, and meticulous curation techniques.

Unlike most dried and cured cannabis, which undergoes a transformation from THCA to THC, raw THCA flower retains its original composition. This distinction is crucial because, under the Farm Bill, hemp is legally defined as having less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Therefore, raw THCA flower is still considered a hemp flower.

Have you ever wondered why consuming raw (unheated) cannabis flower doesn't produce a high, but baking, smoking, or vaping it does? The key lies in the presence of THCA.

THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid predominantly found in raw and live cannabis plants. It is only when THCA is heated that it converts into delta-9 THC, the compound responsible for cannabis's psychoactive effects.

This property makes THCA flower an intriguing option for individuals seeking to explore the full benefits of the cannabis plant without experiencing its psychoactive effects. It is particularly beneficial for those who may not have access to legal recreational cannabis in their area but still wish to benefit from the plant's therapeutic properties.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to use THCA products, its effects, and how THCA flower is legal.

How To Consume THCA Flower

There are several ways to consume THCA flower, making it a versatile option if you add a few extra steps. Compared to other hemp products like tinctures, gummies, capsules, and vapes, THCA flower isn't as 'ready-to-consume.' Here's what we mean:

Heating THCA Flower

Many people utilize THCA flower to legally obtain higher levels of THC. In its raw form, THCA flower contains minimal THC, but when heated, it undergoes a chemical process called decarboxylation. This process removes the carboxylic acid group (the "A" in THCA), converting it into THC.

Smoking THCA Flower

One of the more obvious ways to use THCA flower is to smoke it like traditional cannabis buds. You can roll it up into a joint, or add the buds to your one-hitters or favorite glassware.

Smoking applies direct heat to the THCA flower, which decarboxylates the THCA, converts it into THC, and essentially activates the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis use. THCA flower has been reported to be less intoxicating than conventional THC flower or buds.

Vaping THCA Flower

Vaping THCA flowers is another effective method of converting THCA into THC. This time, you’re using low heat to vaporize only the resin glands on the flower, which holds the cannabinoids and terpenes and leaves the rest of the plant material unburnt. Since you’re not burning the plant material, it’s much gentler on the lungs.

You can also find THCA vape pens made from a raw resin concentrate, eliminating the plant material altogether.

Disposable vape devices can be more convenient and affordable than expensive whole-flower vape devices, which cost upwards of $80 and require regular maintenance.

Raw THCA Flower Consumption

If you’re not looking to experience psychoactive effects, then you might want to consume THCA in its raw form by incorporating it into smoothies, salads, or juices. When THCA flower is consumed raw, it remains non-psychoactive, allowing you to enjoy the potential wellness benefits of hemp without the high.

Not only does this give you a healthy kick of dietary fiber, but THCA and other raw cannabinoids like CBDA and CBGA might have separate health benefits from their more commonly used counterparts [1 ,2].

Cooking THCA Flower

Cooking with THCA flowers gives you some versatility in creating various cannabis-infused edibles. Compared to smoking and vaping, which have a relatively quick onset of effects, consuming edibles has a slower onset but tends to last longer.

When cooking with THCA flowers, you’ll need to take a few extra steps to avoid a bunch of plant material in your finished dish:

Decarboxylate: Preheat your oven to 220°F (105°C). Grind up your THCA flower and spread it evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-30 minutes until golden brown but not burnt, as this flavor will come through in your dish.
Infuse with fat: Combine your decarboxylated cannabis flower with your choice of fat (butter, coconut oil, cooking oil) in a saucepan and heat it on low for 1-2 hours, occasionally stirring.
Strain: Strain the mixture through the cheesecloth to remove the plant material, and store your cannabis-infused oil or butter in a glass jar in the refrigerator. This should be kept for a month, and you can essentially substitute any recipe that calls for butter or oil.

What Does THCA Flower Feel Like?

What THCA feels like will depend on how you’ve prepared it.

You won’t get high consuming THCA flower in its raw form, which means its effects will feel much more subtle. Many people use THCA flower as a superfood to enhance their diet, for example like taking a multivitamin — but you won’t feel anything. Still, with long-term use, you’ll help to support your body’s natural processes that feed into your overall well-being.

When you use decarboxylated THCA (expose it to heat), you’re essentially consuming delta-9 THC in lower concentrations — which is the main psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. Some of the effects of THC include:

Altered sense of perception
Elevated mood
Comfort
Deep relaxation
Increased appetite

The intensity of these effects will vary depending on how you consumed the heated THCA, the dose, and your individual tolerance levels to THC.

If you’re new to the psychoactive effects of cannabis, it’s recommended you start with lower doses and build your way up to avoid experiencing the negative effects associated with THC, such as:

Racing thoughts and paranoia
Cognitive impairment
Increased heart rate
Coordination impairment
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Dry, red eyes

Popular THCA Flower Strains

Cannabis strains are the different varieties of the cannabis plant based on their growing characteristics, flavor, aroma, and effects. Strains are typically categorized into three main types: Sativa, Indica, and hybrid.

You’ll find many creative names for cannabis strains, often reflecting the genetics of the plant, flavor, appearance, or the effects it produces. Some of the most popular THCA flower strains include:

Strawberry Cough

Strawberry Cough is a Sativa-dominant hybrid cannabis strain best known for its uplifting and energetic effects, perfect for social settings. Its terpene flavors are fresh and berry-like, earthy, a touch peppery, and with skunky undertones.

Wedding Cake

Wedding Cake is another hybrid that’s more Indica-dominant and is derived from two popular strains: Cherry Pie and Girl Scout Cookies. This THCA bud strain, best known for its relaxing yet euphoric effects, has a sweet and earthy aroma with notes of vanilla and a hint of spice.

While most people like using it to unwind after a long day, some people find a burst in productivity and creative thinking, making it a go-to for personal creative projects.

Northern Lights

Northern Lights is a classic Indica strain that has been around for decades. It’s made by cross-breeding Afghani and Thai for its feel-good, deeply relaxing high. The scent notes are pungent with a spicy and citrusy top note. This strain is popular for sleep support and addressing discomfort.

Pineapple OG

Pineapple OG gets its name from its tropical fruity aroma and powerful OG Kush Lineage. This Sativa-dominant strain is best for daytime use and has balanced effects between an uplifted and calming high.

Lemon Cherry Gelato

Lemon Cherry Gelato is a hybrid strain with a dessert-like flavor and a hint of grassy undertones in its densely packed conical buds. It's recommended for tough days because it offers a feel-good high that’s mellow, centering, and not too overpowering.

Purple Sticky Punch

Purple Sticky Punch is known for its characteristic purple coloring. This Indica-heavy THCA flower strain has a notably sweet flavor and potent relaxing effects, perfect for nighttime use.

Is THCA Flower Legal?

THCA flower is federally legal. However, some state laws may vary.

Unlike delta-9 THC, THCA itself is not explicitly mentioned in the federal definitions of weed or hemp, which means it is technically considered legal as long as it's derived from industrial hemp and maintains less than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis.

THCA lives in a bit of a legal loophole because of this. Still, more recently, lawmakers are considering measuring the THC and the THCA content of cannabis plants to ensure that it doesn’t exceed the legal THC limit even after they’re harvested.

What Makes THCA Flower Different from Weed?

THCA flower and weed (marijuana) are both cannabis sativa plants but have differences in their chemical composition (cannabinoids), which determines their legal status.

THCA flower contains higher levels of THCA, which is a non-psychoactive precursor of THC. It’s typically harvested much fresher and doesn’t undergo fermentation or curing as with weed buds, which accentuates its natural terpene flavors.

Under the 2018 Farm Bill, THCA flower can be legally sold as long as the THC content is below 0.3%, classifying it as hemp flower.

The Research Behind THCA

Let’s take a moment to analyze THCA itself as a cannabinoid and its potential benefits when consumed in its raw form.

Most of the research behind cannabis revolves around the two main cannabinoids, THC and CBD, so we’ll try to explain THCA in relation to THC.

Some states have specific regulations that make THCA flower illegal due to its potential to convert into delta-9 THC when heated.

Here are some states where THCA flower is explicitly illegal:

Arkansas
Idaho
Louisiana
Minnesota
Mississippi
Rhode Island
South Dakota

Looking at its chemical structure, THCA has an extra carboxyl group (COOH), making the shape slightly different from THC.

Think about cannabinoids as keys and receptors as locks. The THC molecule is the perfect shape for activating the psychoactive effects that come from unlocking the CB1 receptor, whereas THCA has a different role.

THCA doesn’t have an affinity to the CB1 receptor, which is why you won’t get high from eating raw THCA flower. Instead, it’s found to have a mild interaction with CB2 receptors, which are involved in immune response and inflammation regulation [3].

There’s also additional research to suggest that THCA may have neuroprotective qualities, which is important for maintaining brain health with age [4]. However, most of the research on THCA on brain health is very early studies and requires time and more research funding.

And similar to THC, research has observed THCA’s anti-nausea effects but without the high in murine models, highlighting it as a potential cannabinoid for those who want this relief but without the high that can be distracting for daily activities [5].

We want to underscore that by no means are we suggesting that THCA flower or other cannabis products should be used to self-treat any condition. The FDA has not approved THCA for use to treat or mitigate any condition. So if you have a health concern, we strongly recommend you speak with your healthcare professional.

A Quick Guide to Buying THCA Flower

If you’re intrigued by the benefits of THCA flower for your wellness routine, you might be ready to buy some THCA products. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate the cannabis industry and make sure you’re getting the most from your purchase.

Check The Legal Status in Your Area

You should research the legal status of THCA in your area. Don’t just browse through blog posts — onsult reliable official sources from credible state organizations or with lawyers.

While THCA flower might be legal federally, state laws can impose specific restrictions on the sale and possession of THCA flower, even if it meets federal criteria.

The State Departments of Agriculture or Health might have relevant information and updates on THCA laws and other hemp-derived products on their website that are easy to access.

Purchase THCA Flower from Reputable Brands

If you have the patience for it, we stand by the fact that the best place to purchase your THCA products is online, directly from a reputable brand’s website. Not only will you have more options to choose from, but you’ll also have access to the freshest supply with customer support.

Purchasing from well-known and respected brands can greatly enhance your buying experience as they tend to prioritize quality, transparency, and customer satisfaction. After all, companies that are transparent about their sourcing and manufacturing processes are often more trustworthy.

Check Cannabinoid and Terpene Concentrations

When buying THCA flower, don’t forget to look at the cannabinoid and terpene profiles. These compounds determine the effects and flavor of the flower.

Wherever you decide to buy your high THCA strains, make sure it states the percentage of THCA and other cannabinoids. To ensure it remains federally legal, the THC content should not be higher than 0.3%.

Terpenes often get overlooked, but they’re critical aspects for determining the experience you can expect from a hemp strain. Different terpenes can enhance the overall experience, so check for detailed terpene information. Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that contribute to the flower’s aroma and effects.

Backed By Third-Party Lab Tests

Reputable brands will have their products independently tested by an accredited lab. This report should be available on the brand’s website, giving you a detailed breakdown of the cannabinoid and terpene report.

Still, you also want to look at the report saying that the THCA product is free from impurities such as pesticides, heavy metals, and mold that could make their way into the final product from farming and processing practices.

Will THCA Show Up On A Drug Test?

THCA will show up on a drug test because most common drug tests detect THC metabolites in your system (either through blood or urine). These metabolites are the byproducts of THC getting broken down in the body.

Even if you consume THCA in its raw form, many standard drug tests aren’t sophisticated enough to distinguish between THCA and THC. They’re looking for any tetrahydrocannabinol presence, including THCA. Because of this, even raw THCA could potentially be flagged, especially if the test is highly sensitive.

The Takeaway:

You can think of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) as the precursor to THC, which can be achieved through a process called decarboxylation.

THCA flower, in its raw form, offers a unique way to experience the benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive effects typically associated with THC. However, it’s more commonly purchased for its THC potential and can be used in the same way you would use weed bud — smoked, vaped, baked, or cooked.

When choosing THCA flower, consider factors like cannabinoid and terpene profiles, third-party lab testing, reputable brands, and the legal status in your area. These considerations will help ensure you’re getting a high-quality product that meets your expectations and complies with regulations.

Resources:

Vigil, J. M., Stith, S. S., Diviant, J. P., Brockelman, F., Keeling, K., & Hall, B. (2018). Effectiveness of raw, natural medical cannabis flower for treating insomnia under naturalistic conditions. Medicines, 5(3), 75.
Kim, J., Choi, P., Park, Y. T., Kim, T., Ham, J., & Kim, J. C. (2023). The cannabinoids, CBDA and THCA, rescue memory deficits and reduce amyloid-beta and tau pathology in an Alzheimer’s disease-like mouse model. International journal of molecular sciences, 24(7), 6827.
Nallathambi, R., Mazuz, M., Ion, A., Selvaraj, G., Weininger, S., Fridlender, M., ... & Koltai, H. (2017). Anti-inflammatory activity in colon models is derived from δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid that interacts with additional compounds in cannabis extracts. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 2(1), 167-182.
Nadal, X., Del Río, C., Casano, S., Palomares, B., Ferreiro‐Vera, C., Navarrete, C., ... & Muñoz, E. (2017). Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is a potent PPARγ agonist with neuroprotective activity. British journal of pharmacology, 174(23), 4263-4276.
Rock, E. M., Kopstick, R. L., Limebeer, C. L., & Parker, L. A. (2013). Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid reduces nausea‐induced conditioned gaping in rats and vomiting in S uncus murinus. British journal of pharmacology, 170(3), 641-648.