THCA Flower, THCA Hemp Flower
THCa Flower or Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid cannabis hemp flower is yet another exceptional phytocannabinoid to add to your dynamite cannabis collection. These beautiful cannabis buds are grown to achieve high percentages of THCa and can be enjoyed in a myriad of ways.
What Is THCa Flower?
“THCa flower” or “THCa hemp flower” is the name for cannabis buds with delta-9 THC levels that do not exceed 0.3% by dry weight, but which have high levels of THCa. StrainX’s THCa flower is completely natural with all cannabinoids produced organically by the plant itself. StrainX THCa flower is NEVER dipped, sprayed, or otherwise infused and is ALWAYS 100% natural.
What Is THCa?
“THCa” is the abbreviation for “tetrahydrocannabinolic acid”, a cannabinoid produced in abundance naturally by the cannabis plant. THCa in its natural form does not produce intoxication; however, under certain conditions, including exposure to heat and light, it can convert to delta-9 THC, which does have an intoxicating effect. The conversion from THCa to delta-9 THC is known as “decarboxylation” and occurs primarily when THCa is heated.
Is THCa Flower Legal?
The production of THCa flower from American-grown hemp is legal under the 2018 Hemp Farm Bill. It is not classified as a federally banned substance, as the Agricultural Improvement Act (Farm Bill) officially removed hemp plants and seeds from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s schedule of controlled substances.
Under federal law, harvested THCa hemp flower is lawful. This is because the federal 2018 Farm Bill distinguishes between lawful harvested hemp and unlawful marijuana based on the levels of delta-9 THC, not THCa. Harvested cannabis, including its flowers and buds, with no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight is lawful hemp, regardless of the amount of THCa or any other cannabinoid, such as CBD, that it contains. Additionally, the federal Controlled Substances Act, which regulates drugs, removes hemp from the definition of marijuana. In other words, hemp is not an illegal controlled substance under federal law.
THCa vs THC: What’s the Difference?
THCa and delta-9 THC are both different cannabinoids found naturally in the cannabis plant. THCa is the acidic inactive form of delta-9 THC that is found in raw, unheated cannabis. It converts into delta-9 THC through a process called “decarboxylation” such as through exposure to heat and light. THCa on its own does not have an intoxicating effect. However, once decarboxylated, such as through heating, it can convert to delta-9 THC, which does have an intoxicating effect.
Will THCa Get Me High?
Raw THCa consumption does not produce any euphoric effects. The THCA molecule includes a carboxyl ring, preventing it from binding to CB1 receptors in the brain and CB2 receptors in the body.
However, when exposed to heat THCa converts into THC through a process known as decarboxylation. Once converted to THC, it can bind to CB1 receptors and induce a euphoric experience.
What Is Considered “High Level” THCA?
For those new to hemp, understanding THCa percentages is crucial to anticipate the experience it will provide. At StrainX we utilize third-party laboratories regularly to test our flower buds to ensure compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill and the safety of our customers.
When examining lab results, focus on the THCa content, which represents the full potency potential of the buds. THCa requires decarboxylation (activation by heat) to transform into a structure that can interact with CB1 or CB2 receptors.
THCa flower is categorized as follows based on THCa percentages:
- Low: 0-5%
- Medium: 5-10%
- High: 10-15%
- Very High: 15-20%
- Extremely High: > 20%
What Are The Benefits Of THCa?
While many of the benefits of THCa are still being researched, recent studies suggest its potential in various areas.
However, please note that statements regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult your health physician before use.
How Do I Store THCa Flowers Properly?
At StrainX, we take pride in offering the freshest high THCa flower. Proper storage is essential to preserving the quality of your THCA hemp.
Store your THCa flower in a cool, dark location away from direct sunlight to avoid unnecessary heating of the buds. Keep your stash in a dry place, using airtight containers to shield it from air and moisture. This practice helps extend the freshness of your buds. Remember that StrainX THCa flower contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dried weight and is federally legal in the United States. Always keep it out of reach of children, and to purchase our products, you must be 21 years old.
What Is The Difference Between THCa and THC?
THCa is the acidic inactive form of delta-9 THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid commonly associated with the “high” experienced when using cannabis. THCa is one of three major cannabinoids that start in their acidic forms and transform into THC over time, primarily with exposure to heat. This process is how CBG, CBD, and THC develop from their acidic form counterparts.
Will THCa Show Up On A Drug Test?
Most drug tests analyze specific chemical substances or analytes, and cannabis compounds have the potential to trigger positive results. If you anticipate or undergo drug testing, it’s advisable to avoid THCa consumption. THCa hemp flower contains cannibinoids, including delta-9 THC, which may cause users to fail a drug test.
How Is THCa Flower Made?
Producing THCa flower involves a meticulous process. Like other hemp or cannabis plants, it begins with cultivation. To achieve high THCa hemp plants, growers must prevent excessive exposure to high temperatures, as tetrahydrocannabinolic acid remains in its acidic form is prevented from decarboxylating into delta-9 THC. Therefore, a slow drying and curing process in a temperature-controlled, low-humidity, and dark environment is vital to preserving THCa levels in the buds.
The drying phase typically lasts from a few days to several weeks, depending on factors like the quantity of buds, environmental conditions, and desired cannabinoid percentages. After the buds have dried sufficiently, they are cured in containers for an additional few weeks to achieve moisture balance. This phase also allows terpenes to fully develop the aromatic and flavor characteristics of the strain. It’s crucial not to overextend the curing process to preserve tetrahydrocannabinolic acid.
