What Is THCA Flower & Why Is It So Hot Right Now?

High THCA hemp has surged in popularity, much like high CBD bud and CBG bud. The THCA cannabinoid itself is receiving similar attention. It’s not hard to see why. For one, there’s growing evidence that inactive THCA has medicinal benefits. Plus, depending on the consumption method, it can get you almost as high as marijuana.

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, commonly abbreviated to THCA or THCa, is the precursor to delta 9 THC. While THCA is produced by cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), heat or oxygen is needed to convert THCA into psychoactive THC. This is a natural part of the plant’s life cycle and will occur without intervention, given enough time.

In a sense, THCA flower isn’t anything new. Traditional marijuana bud could also be considered “high THCA” in its raw form. There’s a key legal distinction, though: high THCA hemp must contain below 0.3% delta 9 THC. Unheated marijuana exceeds this amount, clocking in at around 1% or 2% of the active compound.

This is everything you need to know about THCA flower—what makes it special, how it’s produced, and how you can consume it for maximum effect.

How is THCA flower made?

Selective breeding and tightly controlled growing conditions can produce high THCA bud with only trace THC—but this is tedious in practice. The bud can easily wind up with delta 9 THC levels above 0.3% by dry weight. That’s to be expected, considering high THCA strains become high delta 9 strains with heat or time.

Still, most retailers sell high THCA bud that was naturally grown, with no spraying or infusion involved. CBG flower is produced in a similar way. According to some in the cannabis industry, this is common practice and more cost-effective than THCA infusion.

On that note, it’s still possible to create THCA flower by infusing hemp with extracts, though this seems to be rare.

Spraying the plant can create bud with high levels of a given cannabinoid, even when it’s impossible to grow organically. For instance, high delta 8 bud is generally hemp flower infused with D8 distillate. A dusting of infused kief is applied to intensify the hit.

Does THCA flower get you high?

When you vape or smoke flower, heat triggers the conversion of THCA into THC. This process is known as decarboxylation. Looking at the effects, there’s very little difference between high THCA hemp sold online and marijuana bought at a dispensary.

THCA doesn’t convert into an equivalent sum of delta 9 THC. Rather, it’s slightly heavier than delta 9 due to its added carboxyl group, which is then removed during decarboxylation. The weight of a delta 9 THC molecule is approximately 87.7% of THCA. Marijuana retailers adjust for this difference when they calculate total THC content.

So, if your bud contains 15% THCA, this isn’t equal to 15% THC when heated. It will give you closer to 13% delta 9 THC. The difference seems minimal, but you may notice it if you regularly smoke or vape marijuana.

To experience THCA’s medicinal properties without getting high, keep your bud away from heat. THCA is a nonintoxicating substance on its own. We’ll get into it later, but there are ways you can consume high THCA flower without applying heat and triggering decarboxylation.

What are the benefits of THCA flower?

Although THCA is more researched than many other hemp compounds, we’re still waiting on new studies to confirm its effects. The science does look highly promising, though.

How to consume THCA flower

Vaporization (or smoking)

If you’re seeking ease and the ability to vape THCA on the go, consider trying a portable herb vaporizer, or even a compact dry herb pen. For a different kind of experience, check out desktop vaporizers. These stationary devices are superior for users seeking power and a wider range of settings.

To prepare your THCA herb for a vaporizer, it must be ground to a medium-fine consistency. Failing to adequately grind your bud can lead to reduced flavor and effects. Herb that isn’t ground finely enough may not be heated all the way through by your device.

Make sure to use a grinder for better results and an easier experience. Scissors can be used in a pinch, but this method should only be performed by someone who knows what they’re doing. Otherwise, you risk damaging the THCA bud.

You can also smoke high THCA flower. Roll it into a joint, break out your bong, or load the herb into a pipe.

AVB Edibles

Technically, you can activate your high THCA flower without vaping it first. This can be done in an oven, for example. Using AVB allows you to get more sessions out of your herb—it’s the thriftier way to go.

Cannabutter is a good starting place since it can be used as an ingredient in baked goods and other recipes, including brownies or cookies. If you’re in the mood for something savory, your buttery mixture can be used in anything from sandwiches to fried chicken.

Let your butter and AVB simmer on a stovetop for around four hours. You can also make cannabutter in a slow cooker. Alternatively, try using oil to craft your mixture. Coconut oil is a common substitute and can also be incorporated into a whole host of recipes.

If you’re interested in making AVB edibles out of your high THCA bud, you can find countless recipes and ideas online. Don’t be afraid to get creative.

Raw consumption

As we mentioned earlier, inactive THCA seems to possess a range of health benefits. Although more research is needed to definitively prove the claims we’ve heard, this cannabinoid shows outstanding potential. Not everyone uses it to get high.

One of the most popular ways to eat raw THCA flower involves blending it into a smoothie. Mixing your herb into salads is a close runner-up.

Is THCA flower legal?