THCa Flower - Everything You Need to Know

You have questions about THCa flower. We have answers. The better educated you are about this cannabinoid the better you'll be able to find the products that meet your expectations and deliver the cannabis experience you desire. THCa flower and concentrates maybe what you're looking for. Read on for more pertinent information about THCa flower.

THCa stands for Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. It’s the precursor to Delta 9 THC. Through a process known as decarboxylation, carboxylic acids found in the cannabinoid convert to acidic form. In other words, when heat is
applied to THCa, it converts into THC and from that users experience similar effects to traditional cannabis.

THCa flower is relatively new to the world of cannabis products. As a result, there is plenty of misinformation circulating. For your safety and peace of mind, we've compiled a series of questions & answers about THCa flower. This list includes the most common THCa questions, questions that will help you decide if you want to experience this wonderful cannabinoid.

In the Q&A section below, you’ll find factual and objective information regarding THCa flower. Its pros, cons, benefits, and perks. We even had it audited by a world-renowned cannabis attorney. Nothing matters more to us than earning your trust - and providing quality cannabis products, of course - and this is another reason we hope you make Arete Hemp your flower store of choice.

There is so much to learn about THCa. This guide provides an excellent starting point with answers to the most common and important questions.

What is THCa Flower?

THCa flower is a product that resembles traditional cannabis but has less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC on a dry weight basis. It is the same great flower cannabis enthusiasts have enjoyed for years, minus the Delta 9 THC. These beautiful phytocannabinoid products also taste great. The magic happens when THCa is heated and converts to Delta 9 THC. This chemical transformation provides the euphoria that is very similar to real cannabis. Also, it's worth mentioning that the amount of light exposure and heat used on THCa affects the intensity of its effects.

THCa flower is flexible and versatile. Traditionally it can be smoked in a pipe, bong, bowl, as joints, or as blunts. Alternatively, it makes a great addition to edibles like brownies and cookies; or it can be vaped on the go; and it also works wonders when made into topicals. Regardless of how it's ingested or used THCa flower offers the same benefits as traditional THC flower.

The effects and enjoyment may not be as intense or as long-lasting as consuming real cannabis but for many users that's the reason they choose THCa flower. Different cannabis strains produce different effects, and the same is true for THCa flower. You may have to try two or more strains before you find the experience you're looking for.

As you browse our wide selection of THCa flower available, you’ll discover strain names you’re very familiar with along with plenty of
new names. Many consumers have heard names like Gorilla Glue, Grandaddy Purp, and Green Crack. But you can also explore the lesser-known strains such as Shockwave and Tsunami. There a plenty of less popular strains that are favored by THCa flower connoisseurs.

In short, THCa flower is an excellent alternative to traditional Delta 9 THC flower.

Is THCa Flower legal?

Aside from federal laws, cannabis laws differ in every state. These variations tend to confuse many people, people simply wanting to find out if they can legally carry and consume products. We are not lawyers so instead we've had our attorney - a known expert in the area of cannabis - prepare a document for us. You can find that on our Legal page; look for the section: Arete Hemp Legal Opinion Letter.

Spoiler alert: THCa is legal under federal law in all 50 states. It is not classified as a psychoactive cannabinoid or as a scheduled substance.

In other words, anyone anywhere in the U.S. can legally purchase and consume THCa flower and other THCa products without concern. While cannabis may not yet be legal in your area, THCa is certainly an awesome legal alternative.

If you have any reservations about the legality of THCa flower in your area then we urge you to reach out to a local lawyer - better safe than sorry. You can also learn information about THCa via the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) website.

Short answer: Every product sold on the Arete Hemp website is 100% federally legal.

Will THCa Flower get me high?

The burning question you may have been afraid to ask but certainly need to know. Because if a cannabis product does not get you high, what is the point of consuming it, right?

Let's skip the suspense: THCa itself will not get you high.

Remember above, we mentioned that the THCa flower - a cannabis product - is not a psychoactive cannabinoid? For that reason, it is not possible to get high from THCa. Also, don't forget, the just-add-heat decarb process we talked about earlier converts THCa to THC. So while you do not feel the same effects as you would from ingesting THC, the results of decarbbing THCa are enjoyable.

Since THCa is legal across the country, it’s an awesome legal alternative for those who live in states without consumer-friendly cannabis laws. It's very appropriate for people who, for various reasons, may not yet be ready to experience the real thing. The truth is, that consuming real cannabis doesn't appeal to everyone. That's okay, because for those people we have THCa flower.

Raw THCa can also provide plenty of benefits. It is commonly added to smoothies and other nutritional drinks. It tastes great before it goes through the decarb process and could very well provide benefits to you and your good health. Of course, you can use the internet to research such things.

So while THCa itself does not create psychoactive, mind-altering effects, the decarb conversion process certainly provides nearly identical results when compared to THC.

You can expect to enjoy every experience using THCa products.

What is High THCa?

Yes, there are two types of THCa. There is THCa and there is also High THCa. There are essentially the same product, but High THCa contains a higher percentage of the cannabinoid we all enjoy. The truth be told, some High THCa products contain such a significant amount of THCa, that they could easily pass as real cannabis in a dispensary.

High THCa products contain 1% or more THCa, which for those who don't already know is an amazing level of cannabinoid. If you are new to THCa then tread lightly when trying High THCa for the first or second time.
High THCa products are definitely not for the faint at heart. You choose from High THCa concentrates and flower for your cannabis consumption experience.

Experienced cannabis enthusiasts speak highly of High THCa products because these products provide an added level of euphoria.

Will THCa show up on a drug test?

In well over half the states, cannabis is legal for medicinal purposes. In a smaller number of states, recreational cannabis is legal for consumers 21 years old and older. Despite state decriminalization, cannabis remains illegal at the federal level.

Many private companies and federal organizations follow federal regulations regarding cannabis possession and consumption. What this means is that despite various state laws, consuming cannabis can cause a variety of legal problems. For example, companies that drug test employees may fire an employee who tests positive for marijuana, despite its legal status in that state.

The answer is that yes, THCa has the potential to cause you to fail a drug test.

Consuming this cannabinoid should not result in a failed drug test since it is not psychoactive. However, the reality is, there is a risk. If you're concerned about failing a drug test it's up to you to proceed with caution.

Although THCa products from Arete Hemp are compliant with all federal guidelines requiring 0.3% or less Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis, the decarboxylation process may alter the concentration and that could result in a failed drug test. It is best that anyone anticipating a drug test in the near future (30 to 60 days) should avoid consuming THCa because there is definitely the potential to show a positive result for cannabis during that test.

Keep in mind other cannabis products from Arete may produce similar effects without the risks of a positive drug test. Regardless, please shop our website carefully so you're buying only the types of products that fit your needs and lifestyle, and avoid any legal concerns you might have.

How can I use THCa Hemp?

There are a variety of ways to consume THCa Hemp, and changing the consumption method changes the effects, results, and overall experience.

The best ways to use THCa hemp include:

• Rolled into a joint - Many consumers use THCa hemp in traditional joint form. It’s simple to break down the cannabis flower to roll it into a joint. In this form, it also makes it easy for you to share with friends. All you need are special joint rolling papers which you can find at convenience stores and smoke shops.
• Rolled into a blunt - Blunts are preferred by many people who enjoy the added flavor provided by the cigar wrap.
• Water Bong - Smoking THCa hemp in a water bong provides more intense, yet mellow effects. Smoking THCa flower in a bong uses up more of the flower, so many people reserve its use only on special occasions or when hanging out with a group of
  friends. Unfortunately, to smoke from a bong you obviously need a bong. They come in many shapes and sizes, with costs ranging from $10 to $10,000.
• Vape - Vaping THCa flower requires a special tool called a vaporizer. Be sure to buy a vape designed for dry herb since many vapes are designed to accommodate oils and extracts. For on-the-go indulging opt for a vape pen. Many people find vaping less harsh to their lungs. Vaping is also more discreet than smoking THCa flower using more conventional options we've already mentioned.
• Edibles - Bake THCa into your edible treats for a discreet, tasty way to experience this cannabinoid. Consuming brownies, cookies, and other delicious snacks baked with THCa makes users feel like a kid on Christmas Day! It's a feeling every adult needs to relive from time to time. Plus, edibles are even more discreet than vaping and can be consumed just about anywhere without any suspicion that you are indulging in cannabis products.

There is no right or wrong way to consume THCa flower. Simply use the method that you most prefer and that delivers the best results specific to your needs in that moment. Again, each of the different means to use THCa produces slightly different end effects.

What are the benefits of THCa?

Researchers are still discovering more and more of the benefits THCa can provide.

Here is a partial list of advantages and benefits can you expect when using THCa:

• It is legal - Many would-be cannabis enthusiasts avoid consuming due to their fear of the legal implications. This is understandable, considering how complex federal, state, and local laws can be. The good news for you is THCa is legal across the U.S. It contains less than 0.3 percent Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis, which according to the DEA, makes it legal at the federal level. We are all free to purchase and enjoy THCa without the worry of getting arrested or other headaches.
• Potent effects - THCa itself is not psychoactive and does not offer those THC-like effects. After heating THCa, it becomes THC and delivers similar benefits to consuming a cannabis product. Yes, you can experience euphoric pleasures from consuming THCa.
• Benefits in Raw Form - Don't forget that THCa offers possible benefits when consumed in raw form. Many people add raw THCa to smoothies and other drinks to enjoy these added benefits. It tastes great and could very well be the supplement you've been searching for.
• It can be used in cooking - If you love sweets and desserts, toss a little THCa into the mix and enjoy an even more decadent treat. Many people love edibles, and why not when sweets taste so great when they deliver that extra THCa kick at the end?
• No side effects or potential risks of using THCa - Whether you prefer to consume flower or concentrate, use the THCa product with complete confidence that it is safe and effective.
• Variety of products and ways to consume THCa - These options make it viable for anyone looking to indulge. Regular consumers enjoy the variety offered by THCa products as well.

This is only a partial list of the benefits you might receive from consuming and using THCa. Consult your local search engine to explore more possibilities, and be sure to tell them Arete Hemp sent you.

What is the Difference Between THCa and THC?

If THCa converts to THC, doesn’t this make the two cannabinoids practically identical? THC and THCa share many similar qualities, as well as have many of their own distinct qualities. Let's discuss the differences between the two.

THCa is called tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. It is the inactive cannabinoid found in the trichomes of live and freshly harvested cannabis. An inactive compound is not purposeless, however.

THC is a psychotropic version of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. THC generally cannot be found in live or freshly harvested cannabis. THC binds with CB1 receptors in the brain which causes users to feel “high.”

THCa has an extra carboxyl group not found in THC which makes binding with CB1 or CB2 receptors impossible due to the odd shape and its inability to fit inside the receptor. At the chemical level, this is why THCa experience doesn't have psychoactive effects created by THC. That is, THCa won't get you high in the same sense as THC.

THCa is essentially THC that has yet to undergo the decarb process. To convert THCa into THC, one must complete the decarboxylation process which removes that extra carboxyl group so that it fits inside those CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Decarbing THCa is simple, just heat it. Heating the THCa product can be done in several ways, including through direct sunlight exposure, increased room temperatures, and direct heat exposure when
smoking or vaping. Sunlight exposure is the most time-consuming decarb process while direct heat during consumption is the most common.

All that aide, the key difference between THC and THCa is that the latter is legal and the former is not, at least not yet.

I still have questions about Arete Hemp's THCa Flower, now what?

First, please start by checking our FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions page. If that doesn't resolve your questions, then reach out to us for help via our Contact page.