There are hundreds of cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, each unique in properties and how they interact with the human body. Since hemp became legal and products flooded the market, there seem to be new cannabinoids trending seasonally.
One of the most recent trending cannabinoids is Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA). Others that have shared the spotlight include CBD, THC, CBG, CBN, and others. Recently, the buzz has concentrated on THCA flower and its many uses and health benefits. So, let's get into what THCA flower is and the many questions about it. The first step to understanding THCA flower is knowing what exactly THCA flower is, its origins, and its function.
What is THCA Flower?
THCA Flower is another word for hemp flower containing higher concentrations of THCA. This brings us to the above question. THCA is a significant cannabinoid in the development of a hemp plant. THCA is a primary cannabinoid and the first produced by the cannabis or hemp plant. A healthy, maturing hemp plant should have a cannabinoid called CBGA, which will eventually be broken down into THCA and other primary cannabinoids.
How is THCA Flower Made?
The selective cultivation makes THCA Flower of hemp plants containing higher concentrations of THCA. After the plants have been grown, harvested, cut, and dried, they are stored in a dry and cool place. This process allows the plants to maintain their potency while drying. THCA flower is usually extracted from the dried hemp plant. The two popular extraction methods used are solvent extraction and CO2 extraction. Both are equally effective: the solvent method involves using butane or ethanol to extract THCA. The CO2 method utilizes pressurized carbon dioxide to extract THCA from the dried plant.
Is THCA Flower Sprayed?
The answer is yes and no, depending on where you source your THCA flower. Some farmers have no problem spraying their hemp plants with chemicals and fertilizers that aid growth and fight parasites. However, some farmers pride themselves in only using organic growing practices. Manufacturers of hemp flower products choose farmers to buy from based on their company values or economic reach. It's essential to buy your hemp flower products sourced from organic farmers. Some of the best brands source their THCA flowers from local organic hemp farmers.
How To Grow THCA Flower?
As mentioned above, THCA comes from the cannabis/hemp plant. The first step to growing THCA flower is cultivating a strain high in THCA. Using organic farming methods will ensure good yield. After harvesting and treating, THCA flowers can then be extracted via CO2 and solvent extraction process.
Does THCA Flower Work?
Like other cannabinoids, THCA affects the body and works via the endocannabinoid system in the brain. Although it does bind with this region of the brain like THC and other cannabinoids like THC, THCA still affects the body. According to research, THCA and other acidic forms of cannabinoids work to inhibit COX 1 and COX 2 enzymes. The effect of THCA and these acid forms of cannabinoids are expressed in several ways. Studies show that THCA offers several health benefits, including anti-inflammation, neuroprotective, anti-obesity, antiemetic, antioxidant, and anti-proliferative.
Is THCA Flower Legal?
THCA flower is legal according to the 2018 Farm Bill. However, it can get tricky. This federal law in the United States only permits growing hemp plants containing 0.3 percent of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and lower. Products made with these low-THC plants are also legal. And since THCA contains no psychoactive properties and has not been converted to THC, it should pass. THCA is not classified as a psychoactive cannabinoid or a scheduled substance in the US. However, it is essential to check with your local marijuana and hemp laws before purchasing THCA flower online since rules may change and depend on your state or residence.
Is THCA Flower Real Weed?
The simple answer to the question is no. There is a big difference between THCA flower and real weed. THCA is a cannabinoid that, although closely related to THC, does not have the same psychoactive properties. THCA is the acidic form of THC; it is psychotropic and needs to be converted to THC via decarboxylation.
Usually, real weed is cannabis, not hemp, meaning it contains higher concentrations of THC. Hemp or industrial hemp is in the same species as the cannabis plant. However, it usually has lower levels of THC compared to cannabis. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, only hemp plants containing 0.3 percent THC and lower are legal. And all hemp products, including THCA, must contain 0.3 percent THC. While real weed strains can have THC levels ranging from 17 to 28 percent.
Does Smoking THCA Flower Get You High?
Smoking THCA flower will definitely get you high, since fire and heat can convert THCA to THC. There are other ways of consuming THCA that don't require smoking and the risk of getting high. Some examples include juicing tinctures, among others.
How To Decarb THCA Flower?
THCA is the most abundant non-psychoactive cannabinoid in the hemp plant. THCA and THC are closely related, the former being the acidic form of the latter. THCA can easily be converted into THC via decarbing or heating. Several examples of decarboxylation methods examples include vaping, smoking, and sunlight. THCA can also be decreased by heat exposure in a room.
