What is THCa?
THCa is one of the numerous cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. It is the precursor to THC, the compound that produces the psychoactive effects commonly associated with marijuana. THCa hemp looks, smells, tastes, and gets you high just like marijuana.
However, unlike all forms of marijuana, THCa is completely legal at the federal level. In the following posts, we'll explore everything you need to know about THCa, including its chemistry, psychoactive effects, legal status, dosing, and potential benefits. If you're interested in learning about THCa and how it can affect you, you're in the right place.
THCa Hemp Vs. THC
THCa, or tetrahydrocannabinol acid, is usually present in raw, unheated cannabis plants. In its raw form, THCa isn't psychoactive. However, when THCa is smoked or heated, it undergoes a process called decarboxylation, transforming into THC. Therefore, THCa is a necessary precursor for THC!
How Does THCa Make You Feel?
THCa doesn’t create the intoxicating effects typically linked to THC until it's heated or smoked. However, once THCa is heated, it becomes highly psychoactive, providing a high comparable to top-quality cannabis from your local dispensary.
At Miss Cherries, we select strains based on their cannabinoid ratios and terpene profiles, allowing us to predict the type of experience you’ll have—whether it’s chatty and social, relaxed and chill, creative, or uplifting.
Is THCa Legal?
Yes, THCa is entirely legal under federal law. The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, also known as the Farm Bill, legalized hemp production and removed hemp and hemp seeds from the DEA's Controlled Substances list. Consequently, THCa derived from hemp, with less than 0.3% THC, is permitted.
All Mood products adhere to the Farm Bill, which sets the legal limit for THC at “no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis.” However, state regulations may vary, so it’s important to verify local laws concerning the cultivation, sale, and use of THCa-rich hemp products.
Using THCa As a Beginner
Keep in mind that THCa converts to THC when heated or smoked, resulting in psychoactive effects. The ideal THCa dosage varies based on factors such as personal tolerance, body weight, experience, and the desired outcome. Beginners should start with small amounts to assess their sensitivity and gradually increase the dose as needed. Experienced users might require larger amounts to achieve their desired effect due to higher tolerance. Regardless of your experience level, it's important to be aware of the gradual onset of psychoactive effects.