Q: What is THCa?
A: “THCa” is a cannabinoid produced by the cannabis plant.  THCa stands for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid.  THCa does not cause intoxication in its raw form.  However, THCa is the direct precursor to delta-9 THC, and converts to delta-9 THC under certain conditions like heat, light exposure, and time.  This conversion is known as decarboxylation, and it happens when smoking or vaping THCa hemp flower.

Q: What happens chemically during that decarboxylation process?
A: During decarboxylation, a CO2 carboxyl group (C-O-O-H) is removed from THCa.  It thus converts to THC, which activates its psychoactive properties.

Q: Is THCa hemp flower (buds) legal under federal law?
A: Yes. According to federal law, harvested THCa hemp flower is legal.  The 2018 Farm Bill differentiates lawful hemp from unlawful marijuana.  This differentiation is based on delta-9 THC levels; not THCa levels.  Harvested cannabis with no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight is legal hemp.  In addition, the Federal Controlled Substance Act excludes hemp from the definition of marijuana.

Q: Is THCa flower legal in all states?
A: No.  State laws vary on the sale and possession requirements for THCa hemp flower.  This is, in part, because some states use a “total THC” calculation to determine legality.  In other words, their measurement is based on the total of both THC and THCa; not just the THC content alone.

Q: How is THCa flower consumed?
A: Generally, THCa flower is consumed by smoking or vaping.  Another popular method for consuming THCa is by incorporating it into edibles; a process that requires decarboxylation to activate the potential psychoactive qualities of THCa.

Q: Will using THCa hemp flower result in a failed drug test?
A: Yes.  If you are subject to drug testing, it’s not advisable to use THCa products.

Q: How long does THCa stay in your body?
A: Because THCa actually enters the body as THC, it will produce the same metabolites as THC.  Thus, you can expect that those metabolites will remain in your system as long as regular THC metabolites do.

Q: What is the difference between THCa and delta-8?
A: Delta-8, or delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol, is a minor cannabinoid in cannabis plants.  It usually occurs in very small concentrations.  Delta-8 is concentrated for use in edibles.  Delta-8 can also be produced from CBD.  You will seldom find “delta-8 flower”, and what you do find will be infused delta-8 flower.  In other words, the flower is amped up with more delta-8 THC.