It may surprise you to know that THCa flower has been on sale with a small number of vendors for a couple of years already. It’s been steadily growing in popularity as more and more people learn about the similarities between high THCa hemp and high THC cannabis.
In this article, we’ll aim to answer all your questions about THCa flower, including:
What is THCa flower?
Does THCa flower get you high?
THC vs THCa flower - what’s the difference?
And, is THCa flower legal?
Once you’ve acquainted yourself with this extraordinary product, then we’ll also hook you up with the best high THCa hemp flower strains and vendors on the market right now. We’ve tried high THCa hemp flower from countless different vendors over the last couple of years, so we know who’s putting out the best.
What is THCa flower?
THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) flower applies to any and all strains of hemp flower that have high levels of THCa in them. As long as the Delta 9 THC level is .3% or lower then it’s classified as hemp (according to the 2018 Hemp Farming Act) and can be legally sold online under federal law.
THC vs THCa
THC and THCa are two of over 100 different cannabinoids that can be found in the cannabis plant.
THC is the primary psychoactive compound and is responsible for the "high" associated with cannabis use.
THCa is not psychoactive and is found in the raw, unheated plant material. However, when THCa is exposed to heat, it is decarboxylated and converted to THC.
Will THCa flower get you high?
THCa is not a psychoactive compound, so when THCa hemp flower is consumed in its raw, unheated state, it is unable to make its user feel high. However, when THCa is decarboxylated, via smoking or vaping, it is converted to THC, enabling it to bind to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and produce intoxicating effects.
What is decarboxylation?
Decarboxylation is a chemical process that removes a carboxyl group from a molecule, resulting in the release of carbon dioxide.
In the context of cannabis, decarboxylation is the process of heating the plant material to activate cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
In raw cannabis, cannabinoids exist in their acidic form, such as THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), CBDa (cannabidiolic acid), CBGa, CBCa, and so on.
Decarboxylation occurs naturally over time as the cannabis plant dries and ages, but it can also be accelerated by heating the plant material.
The most common at-home method of decarboxylation involves baking or heating the cannabis in an oven. Additionally, decarboxylation can also occur when smoking or vaporizing cannabis, as the heat from the flame or vaporizer activates the cannabinoids.
It’s estimated that THCa converts into THC at a rate of around 87.7%
You can learn more about the differences between THC and THCa (including how to decarb THCa flower at home) on the link. You can also learn about the best temperatures to vape hemp flower on our website.
THC vs THCa flower - cannabis labeling
In order to better understand the difference between THC and THCa flower, let’s take a quick look at two images. The first one is a picture of a cannabis flower label and the second one shows a hemp flower lab report.
First up, this label for a strain called Dutch Treat shows a THC content of 0.80% (in blue). This identifies the flower as a cannabis strain as this is over the legal threshold of 0.3% for hemp.
The THCa content is shown in red and then the total THC level (in green) actually indicates how much THC you might end up with after the THCa has been decarboxylated. Therefore, this “total THC” content is, more specifically, a “total potential THC” content that includes both the THCa and THC.
Next up, on this high THCa flower lab report, you can see that the Delta 9 THC level (in red) is just 0.267%. So, in the eyes of the law, this is a hemp flower strain.
However, this strain also contains 21.657% THCa (in purple), making a total potential THC level of 19.26%. This means that this hemp flower strain will also have incredibly intoxicating effects if it’s smoked or vaped (anything upwards of 15% total THC is considered to be highly potent), despite it being classified as hemp.
Is THCa flower legal in the US?
The legality of THCa flower in the US all depends on the Delta 9 THC content of the flower. Hemp is defined as cannabis with a THC content of 0.3% or less by dry weight, so as long as the THCa flower you buy is legally classified as hemp flower, then it is federally legal according to the 2018 Farm Bill.
However, some state and local laws may vary, and some states may have stricter regulations regarding hemp and hemp-derived products.
Is THCa legal in Texas?
Yes, THCa and THCa flower is legal in Texas as long as the THC level is compliant with the federal limits for hemp. According to Texas.gov, “Consumable hemp products with less than 0.3% Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol THC are permitted under Chapter 443 of the Texas Health & Safety Code.”
THCA FLOWER FOR SALE - TOP #3 BEST ONLINE VENDORS
When it comes to buying high THCa hemp flower, it’s especially important to source it from a reputable and licensed producer. This will not only ensure its quality, but also that the flower is within the legal THC limits to be classified as hemp.
Don’t just take someone’s word for it - always demand to see third-party lab reports before making a purchase!
Sticking with our recommended vendor list here will ensure you end up with legal, quality THCa hemp flower, at the best prices on the market.
- Offers third-party lab reports for potency and terpenes
- Boasts some of the highest cannabinoid and terpene profiles available
- Offers the largest variety of high THCa hemp strains, including my #1 Death Star strain
- Prices start at just $10 for 1 gram or $35 for 3.5 grams
- Heavily discounted package deals often available (including small buds)
- Purest and most potent THCa diamonds on the market (99.96%)
- Also has a brand new line of THCa vape carts (choose from 13 strains)
- All products are third-party lab tested for potency
- Offer a good variety of great tasting strains, as well as THC-O, HHC, and Delta 8 flower
- Buds are pungent and perfectly trimmed
- Also offer highly effective THCa vapes and concentrates on their sister site (Binoid CBD)
- Prices start at $44 for 3.5 grams
- Receive a massive 25% off all THCa products (across Bloomz & Binoid sites) when you use our special discount code THCA25
- All products are third-party lab tested for potency
- Beautiful, pungent-smelling buds
- Also offer (perfectly rolled) pre-rolls and THCa vapes
- Smaller selection of strains that sell out quickly
- Offer a competitive price of $190 per ounce or $40 for 3.6 grams
THE TOP #7 BEST THCA FLOWER STRAINS (POTENT & EXOTIC)
Death Star THCa flower is a potent indica-dominant strain of hemp flower with an average THCa content of around 22% (buy from Arete Hemp for higher THCa). It has dense, resinous buds with a pungent, earthy aroma and sweet flavor.
The effects are supposed to be primarily sedative and relaxing, with users reporting feelings of euphoria, couch-lock, and stress relief. However, I found it elicited more energizing effects which made me feel motivated and incredibly uplifted. I guess you’ll just have to try this one for yourself!
It's popular among experienced users seeking powerful effects and anecdotal evidence suggests that it may be effective in treating conditions such as pain, insomnia, and anxiety.
Buy Death Star THCa flower from Arete Hemp as they just got a fresh batch in with 23% THCa.
Grape Frosty THCa is a flavorful hybrid strain with a grape and citrus aroma and taste and a THCa content of around 20%.
When smoked, it provides a nicely balanced, physically-relaxed and happy high that's perfect for socializing with friends or relaxing in front of the TV. This is a lovely “anytime-of-day” strain and I can’t wait until Bloomz starts offering this Grape Frosty in pre-rolls.
This strain is also popular with medicinal users, best known for providing relief from pain, anxiety, and insomnia.
Buy Grape Frosty THCa flower from Bloomz (by Binoid) using discount code THCA25 for 25% off.
Northern Lights #5 THCa is a legendary strain, best known for its muscle-relaxing, sedative effects (aka. the “two-hit-and-quit strain”). It has a THCa content ranging from 15% to 20% and a sweet, spicy aroma with flavors of pine and earth.
When smoked, it provides a calming and euphoric, stress-relieving high and it’s quite possibly my favorite for unwinding after a long day. In the world of medical marijuana, NL is commonly used to provide relief from pain, insomnia, stress, and depression.
Buy Northern Lights THCa flower from Arete Hemp as they have a super potent batch in containing over 22% THCa.
This sativa-leaning hybrid strain is best known for its invigorating and energizing effects. I tried this again recently (from Arete Hemp) and it jumped straight back into my favorites list.
The terpene profile of Green Crack includes myrcene, caryophyllene, and limonene, which gives way to a sweet and fruity aroma with hints of citrus.
Green Crack THCa usually has a fairly high THCa content, which provides a gloriously invigorating and uplifting cerebral high. These energizing effects are often used to help combat fatigue, depression, and stress.
Buy Green Crack THCa flower from Arete Hemp for a perfectly cured batch which weighs in at over 21%.
Blood Diamond THCa strain is an indica-dominant hybrid with an average THCa content of around 20%. It features dense, resinous, purple-tinged buds with a skunky, piney aroma.
The strain has a sweet, earthy flavor and it has mostly relaxing and sedative effects, easing tensions and stresses away from both mind and body. Medicinally-speaking, this strain may be useful in treating conditions such as pain, insomnia, and stress.
Buy Blood Diamond THCa flower from Secret Nature CBD when they have it back in stock (sign up to get notified - you won’t regret it)
6. Miracle Alien Cookies (aka. MAC strain)
Miracle Alien Cookies THCa is a beautiful and powerful hybrid strain with a THCa content of around 20%. It has a sweet, earthy aroma with flavors of vanilla and nuts.
When smoked, it provides a happy and uplifting high, as well as all over body relaxation that's ideal for both daytime and evening use. I often feel extra creative when I’m smoking this strain.
It's also been known to provide relief from stress and depression, making it a popular choice in the medicinal world.
Buy MAC THCa flower from Arete Hemp for a slightly more cannabinoid-rich and perfectly cured harvest.
Or buy MAC from Bloomz for a more terpene-rich, pungent harvest (use discount code THCA25 for 25% off).
I recommend buying an 1/8 oz from each so you can compare the two different harvests for yourself!
Mocha THCa flower usually has a THCa content around 20% and it boasts an extremely unique terpene profile as it has a sweet, earthy aroma with hints of chocolate and coffee (hence its name).
This visually-striking strain has dense, trichome-covered buds in shades of green, purple, and orange. When smoked, you can expect to feel hazy and relaxed, calm and pain-free, usually with an increase in mood and creativity.
Buy Mocha THCa flower now from Secret Nature CBD for a unique and delicious, small-batch harvest.
THCa flower - benefits and uses
Due to the fact that THCa transforms into THC when it’s heated, THCa flower can offer different uses, depending on whether it’s ingested raw or heated first.
- Raw THCa flower
In its raw state, THCa flower may offer unique therapeutic benefits due to its non-psychoactive nature and potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
You can learn more about the potential benefits of THCa here.
Raw THCa flower can be consumed by juicing the raw plant material or using it in food preparations such as smoothies and salads. Juicing is particularly popular, as it allows for the consumption of large quantities of THCa without the psychoactive effects of THC. Some people also use THCa flower as a topical treatment for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
- Heated THCa flower
If THCa is decarboxylated, through heating, smoking, or vaping it’s estimated that almost 90% of the THCa within the flower transforms into THC. So, despite hemp only having .3% or less THC, the many therapeutic benefits of THC can be accessed by smoking or vaping THCa flower.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive compound that has been studied extensively for its potential therapeutic benefits. THC can activate the endocannabinoid system in the brain and body, which plays a critical role in regulating mood, pain, appetite, as well as many other physiological and cognitive processes.
You can learn more about the potential benefits of microdosing THC here.
THC LAWS IN TEXAS (FAQ’s)
Still not sure where you stand on THC vs THCa in the eyes of the law? Here’s a quick Q&A session to answer any remaining questions you have about the legality of THC and THCa in Texas:
Is THC legal in Texas?
These days, there are many different types of THC available on the market, including Delta 8, Delta 9, and Delta 10 THC, so it really depends on what type of THC you’re talking about!
Is Delta 9 THC legal in Texas?
No, Delta 9 THC is a controlled substance (it’s in penalty group 2 for the purposes of criminal penalties). However, hemp-derived THC products that contain 0.3% or less Delta 9 THC, by dry weight, are legal.
So, as long as you buy your hemp-derived THC products from a reputable vendor, you can be sure that the amount of THC offered (within their products) is legally compliant with both federal and state laws.
Is Delta 8 THC legal in Texas?
Yes, like Delta 10 THC, Delta 8 THC is legal in the state of Texas because it is a hemp-derived cannabinoid and neither Delta 8 or 10 are named substances in the Controlled Substances Act (only Delta 9 THC is).
Are THC vapes legal in Texas?
THC vapes may or may not be legal, depending on whether they contain Delta 8 or Delta 9 THC (see above). The best THC carts in Texas (that you can buy legally) are Delta 8 THC vapes (for milder effects) or THCa vape carts (for a more potent experience).
THCa - the next big thing in hempworld
So, the secret’s out - you can now buy weed online. Even in Texas!
Just look for hemp flower that contains high levels of THCa (aka THCa flower) and only buy your flower from vendors that can verify that their hemp is legally compliant with third-party lab reports proving their potency.
Alongside all of these awesome THCa flower strains listed above, you can also buy some highly potent THCa concentrates. Many recreational and medicinal users like to use these concentrates alongside regular CBD flower to dramatically alter and enhance their experience.
Click the text link if you’re curious to learn more about THCa diamonds (and how to use them).
Or, if you’re looking for something a little more discreet, check out our recommended vendor’s THCa vapes.
No-one really knows how long high THCa products like this will continue to be legal under federal and Texas law, but we say let’s enjoy them while we can!
