THCA Flower VS THC Flower: Is It All Just Weed?

When you light up THCA flower, it basically turns into THC flower. So what’s the difference between them?

That’s exactly what you’re about to find out. As a veteran cannabis consumer who’s been smoking, researching, and writing about weed for over a decade, I’m well-versed in canna industry evolution. 

Keep reading to learn the difference between THCA flower vs THC flower, including what it is, how it’s legal, why it’s so popular, and things to keep in mind if you’re interested in smoking THCA flower yourself. 

Quick Summary

• THCA flower is essentially identical to regular THC flower, with the biggest difference being a Delta 9 THC content that’s less than 0.3%.
• Unlike THC flower, THCA flower isn’t a controlled substance due to its federally legal status as a hemp-derived substance under the 2018 Farm Bill.
• When it’s heated, THCA flower delivers the same effects as THC flower, providing a federally legal high, but it’s important to keep in mind state laws may vary. 

THCA Flower is Weed in Disguise

THCA flower has been a game changer weed for enthusiasts in states without legal cannabis laws. With a high THCA percentage and less than 0.3% delta 9 THC content, it’s federally legal. But that doesn’t mean it won’t get you high.  

THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the acidic precursor to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). In its raw form, THCA is non-psychoactive. Ultimately, this is how it complies with legal standards. But there’s a catch.

When THCA flower is exposed to heat, whether it’s smoked, vaped, or baked, it converts to THC. Yes, the same THC that’s responsible for the euphoric effects that have made marijuana famous. 

It happens in a process known as decarboxylation. A lot of people who smoke weed don’t know that lighting the bowl, bong, joint, or blunt automatically activates the weed. When exposed to intense heat, cannabis is decarbed, unlocking its euphoric effects. 

This is why eating a raw bud on its own won’t get you high. Raw cannabis flower doesn’t even contain THC. It’s full of THCA. Which contains zero intoxicating effects unless it’s heated up.  

So, does this mean that THCA flower is just legal weed? Yes and no. Like most things to do with legal cannabis, it’s complicated. Keep reading to learn more about THCA legality, including how it’s legal and why it’s become such a popular alternative to THC flower in several US states. 

How is it Legal? 

So if THCA flower is really just THC flower, how’s it legal? 

Great question. One that can be answered by the 2018 Farm Bill. It legalized hemp. And when it did, it defined hemp as cannabis plants containing less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC. 

But here’s the thing. The Farm Bill basically overlooks the decarboxylation process. Well, not completely. It does say the following about D9 THC testing in Section 990.3:

“The procedure must include a validated testing methodology that uses post-decarboxylation or other similarly reliable methods. The testing methodology must consider the potential conversion of THCA in hemp into THC and the test result must report the total available THC derived from the sum of the THC and THCA content.”

In Section 990.1, federal law offers a formula for determining THC and THCA percentages in hemp: 

“The post-decarboxylation value of THC can also be calculated by using a liquid chromatograph technique, which keeps the THCA intact. This technique requires the use of the following conversion: [Total THC = (0.877 x THCA) + THC] which calculates the potential total THC in a given sample.”

Looking at this might make you think it would make every THCA product illegal, but there’s a catch. The whole post-decarboxylation section is only required for pre-harvested plants.

The Farm Bill mentions regulating hemp production, defining production as “to grow hemp plants for market, or for cultivation for market, in the United States.”

Translated to layman’s terms, this means the production of hemp is growing it. Ultimately this means post-decarboxulation testing is required for growing hemp plants. Not harvested hemp plants. Once hemp has passed pre-harvest testing it gets the federal green light. 

So, if a crop tests in that federally legal conversion of below 0.3% THC + 87.7% THCA up to 30 days before harvest, it’s good to go under federal law. Even if crops do contain high levels of THCA that will convert to THC once flowers are decarbed. 

Why is THCA So Popular?

In short, THCA flower is the federally legal weed everyone’s been waiting on. Thanks to regulations outlined in the 2018 Farm Bill, THCA hemp flower is fair game for cannabis consumers across the nation. 

The number one reason behind THCA flower’s popularity? It’s easy. It provides a legal (and the same cannabis) high for people in states that haven’t passed medical or recreational cannabis laws yet. 

That’s right. High THCA hemp flower can get you high AF. I’m talking just like regular weed. Regular weed (aka THC flower) typically contains high levels of THCA, as well as THC concentrations over 0.3%. 

But legal THCA flower must contain less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC. But those naturally high  THCA levels will still give you the same high when THCA flower is exposed to heat.

A THCA preroll will offer the same coveted high as a THC preroll. Smoking a bowl pack of THCA flower will make you feel the same as a bowl packed with THC flower. 

See what makes THCA flower so popular? In states that haven’t jumped on the legal weed bandwagon, THCA flowers might as well be regular weed. 

There’s something to keep in mind, though. While those high THCA levels in cannabis are natural, they might raise an eyebrow or two from a botanical standpoint. Here’s the deal. High percentages of THCA are a bit suspicious. And infused THCA flower is a real thing. 

Spotting the difference between THCA and THC flower isn’t exactly easy. But if you come across a product that boasts anything over 25% THCA, it’s likely infused. Most regular weed doesn’t even test that high while maintaining a <0.3% Delta 9 THC level. 

THC percentages in cannabis average around 15-25%. Sure, there are super-potent strains like Godfather OG that test with up to 30% THC. But if you come across some fire THCA flower that boasts levels higher than 25%, remember that botanically, it’s (highly) unlikely. 

This hasn’t stopped THCA from filling the shoes of some good, old-fashioned THC flower for consumers without access to legal weed. They’ve discovered it offers an identical high to the familiar THC high. Because at the end of the day, THCA and THC flowers are the same thing. 

My Experiences Smoking THCA

I’ve been smoking weed (aka cannabis) for close to three decades. By this point, I’ve got my cannabis consumption game dialed. I know what I like, what I don’t, how certain strains make me feel, and the effects I’m after when it’s time to sit down for a sesh. 

Sure, I was a bit skeptical when THCA flower first hit the scene. But once I smoked it, any preconceived judgments I had went out the window. It’s like smoking a high-quality hydro. Smooth and flavorful, with impressively balanced effects. 

Honestly, THCA makes me think of experiencing a high-quality high without stepping into a dispensary. I’ve explored countless strains in my day, and I know what good weed is. I can honestly say, however, that it would be difficult to distinguish between dispensary-bought bud and high-quality THCA flower if they were sitting side by side. 

So, there you have it. In my personal experience, THCA flower is on par with dispensary-grade weed. The enhanced terpene profiles and potency mirror several top-shelf options you’d find at the pot shop.

If I were to smoke a bowl of each not knowing if it was THCA flower or THC flower, I most likely wouldn’t be able to tell you which was which. Meaning the quality of high-quality THCA flower shines through. Even in the form of smaller, budget-friendly buds it’s usually sold in. 

After smoking THCA flower myself, I can absolutely see its allure. Especially for my fellow cannabis consumers without access to legal weed. 

Risks and Tradeoffs

Before you go out and buy some THCA flower for yourself, there are some risks and tradeoffs worth considering before you dive in.

Legality

First, let’s talk legality. Yes, THCA flower is federally legal. But if you’re caught with it, explaining that it’s legal might not be that easy.

It looks just like THC flower, meaning it might be taken for regular weed. Typically, law enforcement typically relies on total THC tests. If you are caught, you may be fined instead of cops taking the time to test it. 

Potentially Altered COAs

Fraudulent COAs are a real thing in the hemp industry, and unfortunately, it happens more than you might think. Before buying, learn how to read a COA and how to spot the telltale signs of one that’s been altered.

THCA flower COAs can be doctored, leaving you in the dark as to what you’re actually consuming. To ensure your product is safe, always check the QR code yourself. It’s the only way to verify your THCA flower is legit without spending time analyzing. 

Not All THCA Flower is Natural

Finally, there’s the whole natural vs infused thing to consider. THCA doesn’t typically occur in flower over 25% while maintaing a federally legal (<0.3%) Delta 9 THC concentration.

That said, extremley high-potency THCA flower is likely infused. Possibly by spraying compliant hemp crops with THCA Isolate. 

This means some THCA flower on the market is far from natural. If consuming all-natural cannabis flower is your thing, keep in mind that THCA might not contain the authenticity you desire. 

Wrapping Up

Before jumping into the welcomed world of THCA flower, it’s important to ensure your experience is the best it can be. Knowing the differences between THCA flower vs THC flower is one thing. 

But you’ll want to take a moment to consider the legal complexities and verify the authenticity of THCA flower before you dive in. 

Navigating the THCA flower landscape with awareness allows you to make informed decisions on the products you choose. In the end, this ensures your cannabis experience aligns with the law and the euphoria you want to feel. 

The best thing about THCa flower? Let me count the ways. 

It’s federally legal, can be legally purchased and consumed in most states, is easily accessible online, and can be shipped pretty much everywhere in the US. Even in states that haven’t legalized medical and recreational marijuana.