THCa Flower | Everything You Need to Know
Think of THCa as potential THC. In this blog, we’ll explain what THCa is, what it does, and how it’s different from THC.
What is THCa?
THCa, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a cannabinoid that’s a precursor to THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana that is responsible for the plant's psychoactive effects. THCa is typically found in high concentrations in raw, fresh cannabis plants, but is converted to THC through a process called decarboxylation, which occurs when the plant is heated or smoked.
THCa Benefits
Despite the fact that THCa is not psychoactive like THC, it has shown to have potential therapeutic benefits. THCa has been found to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, and may help with conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis.
One of the key benefits of THCa is its ability to reduce inflammation. Inflammation is a natural response by the body to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to a range of health problems, including arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. Research has shown that THCa has anti-inflammatory properties, and may be able to help reduce inflammation in the body.
In addition to its potential therapeutic benefits, THCa has also been found to have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are compounds that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to the development of diseases such as cancer and heart disease. By acting as an antioxidant, THCa may be able to help protect cells from damage and reduce the risk of developing these diseases.
While THCa may not be as well-known as THC, it has shown to have potential therapeutic benefits. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of THCa, but it is clear that this compound has much to offer in the world of natural medicine.
THCa vs. THC
THC and THCa are both cannabinoids found in hemp and cannabis plants, but they have different properties and effects. THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive component of marijuana that is responsible for the plant's euphoric and intoxicating effects. THCa, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is the precursor to THC—which means that it can be converted into THC. THCa is not psychoactive like THC and does not produce the same euphoric effects. Instead, it has been found to have potential therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anticonvulsant, and antioxidant properties.
One of the key differences between THC and THCa is their molecular structure. THC has a slightly different structure than THCa, with an additional carbon and hydrogen atom. This small difference in structure is what allows THC to produce psychoactive effects, while THCa remains non-psychoactive.
Another difference between THC and THCa is their stability. THC is relatively stable and does not break down easily, while THCa is more unstable and can break down into THC over time or when exposed to heat. This is why heating or smoking cannabis is necessary to convert THCa into THC and activate its psychoactive effects.
THCa to THC
THCa, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is the precursor to THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive component of marijuana. THCa does not produce psychoactive effects on its own, but it can be converted into THC through a process called decarboxylation.
Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction that occurs when heat is applied to the cannabis plant material, either through smoking, vaporizing, or cooking. During decarboxylation, the carboxylic acid group in THCa is removed, transforming it into THC.
The heat causes the molecular structure of THCA to change, breaking down the acid molecule and releasing carbon dioxide (CO2) in the process. This converts THCa into THC, which is a smaller molecule and can pass through the blood-brain barrier to produce psychoactive effects.
The decarboxylation process can also occur over time, as THCa slowly breaks down into THC through exposure to air and light. However, this process is slower and less efficient than decarboxylation through heat.
It's important to note that not all cannabis products are decarboxylated. For example, raw cannabis flowers or fresh cannabis juice contain high levels of THCa but little to no THC, as they have not undergone decarboxylation.
THCa Flower FAQ
What is THCa Hemp Flower?
THCa hemp flower refers to hemp strains that have high levels of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa), which is the precursor to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis. High THCa hemp flower is often sought after by individuals who want to benefit from the potential therapeutic effects of THCa—anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anticonvulsant, and antioxidant properties, among other potential benefits.
Many users seek out THCa flower because of its similar effects to THC flower. THCa is technically non-psychoactive. However, THCa is easily converted into THC when heated, which is exactly what happens when you spark a pre roll, light a pipe, or vaporize fresh flower. While THCa flower contains less than the legal limit of THC in its raw form, the THCa will convert to THC in your body when you smoke it.
How is THCa Flower Made?
THCa flower is a result of selective breeding practices that allow cultivators to produce smokable hemp flower that has minimal THC but a lot of THCa (potential THC.) The original high-THCa strain, known as ‘Franklin,’ showed breeders the possibility of creating a high THCa/low delta 9-THC strain back in 2020.
Does THCa Get You High?
When THCa is heated, either through smoking, vaporizing, or cooking, it undergoes a process called decarboxylation, which converts it into THC. This transformation allows THC to cross the blood-brain barrier and produce psychoactive effects. And yes, it will get you high.
If THCa flower is not heated or decarboxylated, it will not produce psychoactive effects on its own. This means that consuming raw or unheated THCa flower will not get you high. Some people choose to consume raw or unheated THCa for its potential health benefits, which include anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anticonvulsant properties.
Is THCa Flower Legal?
THCa derived from hemp (cannabis with less than 0.3% THC) is legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp and its derivatives at the federal level. However, THCa derived from marijuana (cannabis with more than 0.3% THC) is still illegal under federal law, although some states have legalized marijuana for medicinal or recreational use.
It's important to note that even in states where cannabis is legal, THCa may not be legal in all forms or for all uses. Some states have specific regulations regarding the possession, use, and sale of cannabis products, including THCa.
Buy High THCa Hemp
With so many options for THCa hemp flower, where do you start? How do you know that you’re buying a product that is potent, safe, and legal?
THCa Hemp Flower Online
At Lucky Elk, we’re proud to offer industry leading THCa genetics grown with the very best cultivation practices. Indoor grown THCa flower is the gold standard. With total control of the growing environment, we can create a product that showcases the very best of what THCa flower can offer.
Be warned that not all online retailers of THCa hemp flower are the same! Because THCa is such a new cannabinoid, many of the products out there aren’t what they claim to be. In reality, the genetics are still fairly unstable, and it can be very difficult to source THCa flower that is potent, safe, and legal. Be sure to shop with an online store you trust, and of course, check the Certificate of Analysis for cannabinoid percentages.
THCa Near Me
You might be able to find THCa flower is local stores. But considering the wide range of quality THCa flower out there, why not shop with a retailer that specializes in hemp flower? At Lucky Elk, we are dedicated to providing the very best high THCa hemp flower available anywhere. We ship the day you order, and it only takes a few days to receive your order. And as always, orders over $50 ship free!
THCa Flower Pound
Looking for THCa by the pound? We have indoor and greenhouse strains available. Reach out for bulk orders today.