What is THCa Flower?

• THCa flower refers to cannabis buds containing a high concentration of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. 
• THCa releases psychoactive THC properties only when heated in baked goods or smoked in bowls, pipes, or prerolls.
• THCa flower is a naturally derived cultivar, never lab grown or synthetic. 
• THCa vs CBD: explore which option is best for you. 

Vape, bowl, or brownie, however you consume cannabis, there are a wide variety of ways to enjoy this versatile flower. Since ancient times, people all over the world have used and enjoyed cannabis for a variety of uses. And just like with other plants, marijuana has been cultivated, grown and harvested over time to meet the needs of growers and consumers alike. And while CBD and THC have led the way for cannabis enthusiasts over the years, THCa flower is now rising in popularity as an alternative smokable and consumable cannabinoid product for those seeking a different and exciting new option.

Many consumers wonder: what is THCa flower and does smoking THCa get you high? THCa flower is a non-psychoactive hemp hybrid that is legal to purchase, and only releases THC when heated. Marijuana plants produce two different chemical compounds: cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Both CBD and THC react with cannabinoid receptors in your brain to deliver the relaxation and feelings of elation associated with cannabis. Read on to understand the key differences between THCa vs CBD, and why THCa might be the perfect cannabinoid for you.

Is THCa natural or synthetic?

There are so many different CBD, THC and hemp products on the market today that it’s normal to question whether or not a product is natural or synthetic. Just like with anything else you consume, the more natural the product, the better it likely is for your overall health and well being. 

So what is THCa flower? Is it natural? Yes! 

Simply put, THCa is a natural flower that has been cultivated by farmers to produce a non-psychoactive plant. Hemp farmers identify and hand-select plants specifically to boost THCa content while minimizing the conversion to THC. This process is achieved when farmers select cultivars with genetics rich in THCa, then ensure that they are harvested at their peak. After harvesting, the farmers cure and dry the flower to prevent THCa levels from diminishing. 

When hand-trimmed the correct way, delicate trichomes are preserved in the flower. The trichomes are where all of the beneficial compounds live, so proper trimming and storage is essential for preserving THCa levels in harvested buds. When choosing your THCa flower, be sure to select cultivars from growers who are passionate about the production process from growth to harvest to ensure the best quality smoking or consuming experience.

Unlike artificially created cannabinoids, what is great about THCa flower is that it is never sprayed with chemicals to achieve cannabinoid content. Synthetic cannabinoids are created in a lab, but THCa flower is natural and grown using methods that have been cultivated by expert cannabis farmers. 

Is THCA flower stronger? 

The topic of THCa vs CBD in terms of potency can be a confusing one. While CBD is generally used by those who don’t want to experience psychoactive properties, THC has the opposite effect. THCa in its natural state is non-psychoactive, meaning that until the THCa is converted into THC, it won’t produce an intoxicating effect. This often prompts the question, does smoking THCa get you high? 

While in its natural state, THCa is non-psychoactive and won’t produce an intoxicating sensation. THCa is simply the acidic raw form of the plant, found in fresh or unheated cannabis. However, once hemp flower is heated in a baked food item, pipe, bowl or preroll, the compounds that produce a high are activated. This process is known as decarboxylation. When heated, the carboxyl group in cannabis is broken down, leaving THC as the only remaining molecule. What is unique about THCa flower is that once it is heated in a vape or heat activated through cooking or smoking, THCa becomes THC. This conversion is essential for creating the psychoactive properties; consuming THCa alone without the heat application will not produce any intoxicating effects. 

What is THCa flower’s potency? To determine potency, it’s important to look at the percentage levels listed by the grower. Like with ABV (alcohol percentage by volume), the higher the number, the more potent the product. In general, anything above 15% THCa is considered potent. The Glass Slipper THCa Hemp Flower is 7.05% THCa, meaning it has mid-range potency. 

Comparing THCa vs CBD

When choosing THCa vs CBD, time is also a consideration. What is important to remember about THCa flower is that effects can last for one to three hours, and it can linger in your system for as long as eight hours. So when consuming THCa products, be sure to plan accordingly. It is also recommended to start out slow and consume only a little or begin with a few small puffs to gauge your tolerance. THCa is perfect paired with your favorite film, music or creative activities, or to help you relax before social events, and perhaps even at bedtime. 

Like all things, using THCa and CBD flower are not without their drawbacks, so be sure to consider THCa’s intoxicating effects and the duration for which you may feel them. Mild reactions can occur both with THCa and with CBD like dry mouth, and these symptoms could be very mild or potentially not affect the user at all. Either way, it’s important to be aware and ask questions, and anyone taking medications should consult with their physician before use. Also be sure to check your local laws regarding consumption and what is legal regarding THCa flower products before usage. 

At the end of the day, when it comes to THCa vs CBD, both are excellent options for those seeking relaxation or euphoria. CBD has a variety of useful properties and is a great option for those who don’t want psychoactive effects, but if you’re looking to try a new cannabinoid experience, give THCa flower a try.