What is the Deal with THCA Flower?

Is THCA Real Weed?

What is THCA Flower &
Is it the Same as Real Weed?

You may have noticed a relatively new product to the market popping up at your local smoke shop – THCA. THCA products include THCA flower, THCA pre rolls, and THCA vape cartridges. This could lead you to ask a genuine question, “is THCa real weed?”. The cannabinoid THCA can be considered the mother THCA. Delta-9 THC, the compound that produces the high felt when using marijuana, starts its life as THCA. When THCA is heated up (like when you smoke marijuana flower) it converts into Delta-9 THC through a process called decarboxylation. 

THCA is not an active compound. On its own, THCA will not produce a high. It is only when THCA converts into Delta-9 THC that a high is produced. When someone talks about THC percentages in marijuana flower, as in “This weed has 25% THC”, what they mean is that the flower contains 25% THCA. Levels of Delta-9 THC rarely exceed 1% in marijuana.

Is THCa Real Weed?

Many wonder if THCA Flower is the same as real weed. The short answer is Yes! THCA Flower is the same as real weed. Here is an example of some marijuana from a dispensary:

As you can see, the flower has high levels of THCA and low levels of Delta-9 THC. In fact, it has such low levels of Delta-9 THC, that it would be accurate to refer to this marijuana as THCA Flower. THCA Flower is the word given to marijuana flower that is sold through a legal loophole in the Hemp Bill (2018). 

The bill states that all hemp products must contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. It does not restrict levels of THCA. In the lab results pictured above, notice that the level of Delta-9 THC is 0.27%, below the limit of 0.3%. That means this marijuana flower would be considered a legal product according to the Hemp Bill.

Here is an example of some THCA Flower from Thrive Flower:

Here we see very similar levels of THCA and Delta-9 THC to the marijuana flower from a dispensary we reviewed above. They both have less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. They also both have high levels of THCA. 

So as to whether THCA Flower and marijuana are the same thing: Yes. They contain the same levels of THC and produce the same exact effects. The only difference is the legal path each takes and that is why they are named differently. THCA Flower is marijuana that is sold through the Hemp Bill loophole rather than through state legalization.

You can go about smoking THCa flower the same as you would with marijuana as well! You can use pipes, rolling papers, and vaporizers. However, we always recommend to use a dry herb vaporizer to smoke any flower because it eliminates combustion when smoking a traditional way using a lighter.

Using a dry herb vaporizer for cannabis consumption offers numerous advantages compared to traditional smoking methods. One key benefit is the reduction of harmful toxins and carcinogens released through combustion. Unlike smoking, vaporization heats the cannabis at lower temperatures, preventing the formation of harmful byproducts associated with burning plant material.

This results in a cleaner and purer inhalation experience, potentially minimizing respiratory risks. Additionally, the controlled temperature settings of dry herb vaporizers allow users to customize their sessions, unlocking the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes without the degradation caused by high-temperature combustion. Vaporizers also contribute to a more discreet and less pungent experience, as they produce less odor than traditional smoking methods.

Moreover, the efficiency of vaporization ensures that cannabinoids are utilized more effectively, ultimately requiring less cannabis for the desired effects. Overall, the shift towards dry herb vaporizers aligns with a growing awareness of health-conscious cannabis consumption, offering a safer and more efficient alternative for individuals seeking a mindful and enjoyable experience.