Unwind With Hemp-derived THCA Flower
If you have an interest in Alternative Wellness and Hemp derived Products, you may have heard of a newcomer to the Holistic Marketplace: THCA. It seems like it’s on the shelves of every Alternative Wellness retailer lately!
So what exactly is THCA, where does it come from, and how does it compare to other Hemp derived Cannabinoids like CBD and Delta-8-THC? Read on to learn more.
What Is THCA?
Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid, more commonly known simply as “THCA,” is a naturally occurring Cannabinoid found in plants from the Cannabis family. THCA is readily found in freshly harvested, undried plants, with different strains naturally offering varying levels of THCA. In addition to being found in fresh Cannabis plants, THCA can be extracted to be used in concentrates. THCA is the acid form of THC, produced organically by the Hemp plant as it grows, similarly to other Cannabinoids, such as CBDA, which itself breaks down into a variety of other major Cannabinoids.
THCA, unlike other THCs such as Delta-8, is not psychoactive itself – meaning it produces no “high” on its own – a major distinction that sets THCA apart from other well known Cannabinoids. This is due to the presence of an “extra” carboxyl group in THCA which prevents it from binding to Endocannabinoid receptors in the same way that THC and CBD do. As of writing, THCA is legal at the Federal Level in the USA – itself containing no Delta-9-THC content, the primary target of most laws prohibiting THC. This presents an amazing opportunity for Hemp enthusiasts to try this unique Cannabinoid for themselves.
What Is THCA Useful For?
Already showing promise as a therapeutic alternative, THCA has exhibited some potential in acting as an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agent. Research into all of the potential applications for THCA is ongoing, so follow us here to stay up to date on the latest in Hemp Products and News, including THCA options.
How Is THCA Used?
Currently, the majority of options which feature THCA are either Flower or Concentrate products, although there are Edibles on the market which have THCA as an ingredient as well. Many customers are already familiar with THC made from Hemp, which can be found in a diverse range of Gummies and other Edible Options – but now, you can also enjoy the unique benefits of THCA with aromatic Flower.
When heated through smoking, dabbing, or even cooking, THCA undergoes a process known as decarboxylation – releasing the “extra” carboxyl group in THCA as CO2 gas, and freeing the THC molecule from its “shell.” Through this process, THCA becomes THC and is then able to bind to Endocannabinoid receptors throughout the body and brain, delivering a range of desirable potential effects. This unique characteristic of THCA makes it an excitingly powerful option for those who already enjoy Hemp derived Cannabinoids – such as Delta-8-THC – but want to try something new. Thanks to THCA, you can now enjoy even more of the unique benefits that Hemp has to offer in an all new way.
Can I Eat THCA In An Edible?
THCA itself is generally considered safe to ingest, and there are a number of Edible products on the market which include THCA as an ingredient. However, without heating to decarboxylate the THCA molecule, you won’t experience the same sort of effects as other Hemp derived THCs. For this reason, most THCA products must be heated to activate their full potential – such as with THCA Flower.
To get the full benefits of THCA in Edible form, you can cook with THCA Flower to “unlock” its effects – such as in cookies or other treats. For best results, don’t exceed 300ºF, as Cannabinoids will begin to burn away above this temperature. Thirty to forty minutes at 200-245ºF is generally recommended as the ideal range for maximum conversion of THCA when baking or cooking.
Is It Legal To Buy THCA?
As of the time of writing, THCA is not scheduled as a controlled substance in the USA – unlike some other forms of THC – largely due to its lack of psychoactivity when in acid form. This puts THCA in the same category as other Hemp derived Cannabinoids which are covered under the 2018 Farm Bill, such as CBD, Delta-8-THC.
As long as a Hemp-derived product meets the required 0.3% or less of Delta-9-THC, it is considered Federally Legal to own. Individual states or locales may have additional regulations regarding Cannabinoids, even those derived from Hemp, so always check local laws before purchasing or traveling with any Hemp product. While there is not a currently set minimum age for purchase of THCA at the Federal level, most retailers require customers to be 21 years of age or older to purchase Hemp Products, including those with THCA.
Will THCA Show Up On A Drug Test?
In short, yes. When THCA is decarboxylated through application of heat, it breaks down into the same type of THC tested for in your average, everyday drug screen. If you know that you will need to pass a drug test in the near future, it’s best to avoid THCA products, even those made from Hemp.
