THCa is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. It’s the precursor to THC, the cannabinoid responsible for the "high" associated with marijuana. THCa Hemp looks, smells, tastes, and gets you high like marijuana.
But unlike all marijuana, THCa is 100% federally lawful. In this post, we'll dive into everything you need to know about THCa, including its chemistry, psychoactive effects, legal status, dosing, and potential benefits. If you're curious about what THCa is and how it can set your mood, you've come to the right place.
How is THCa hemp different from THC?
THCa, or tetrahydrocannabinol acid, is typically found in the raw, unheated cannabis plant. THCa is technically not psychoactive in its raw state; however, once THCa is smoked or heated, it converts directly to THC through a process called decarboxylation. You can’t get THC without first having THCa!
How does THCa make you feel?
THCa does not produce the intoxicating effects associated with THC until it’s heated or smoked. Once heated, however, THCa products are extremely psychoactive. You can expect the same high you’d get from the best flower at your local dispensary.
At MAD KANNA, we seek out strains with specific cannabinoid ratios and terpene profiles so we can confidently predict the type of high you’ll feel, whether that’s chatty and social, relaxed and chill, creative, or happy.
How does someone dose THCa as a beginner or a seasoned user?
Remember that THCa converts to THC when heated or smoked, so it will get you high! Finding the right THCa dosage depends on various factors, including individual tolerance, weight, experience, and desired effects. Beginners should always start with small doses to gauge sensitivity and gradually increase as needed. Seasoned users may have a higher tolerance and may want larger amounts to reach their desired effect. Regardless of experience level, always be mindful of the gradual onset of psychoactive effects.
What are the benefits of THCa?
Research on THCa is still in its early stages. Some users report relief from mild pain and soreness, occasional stress and tension, and occasional sleeplessness. However, more research is needed to fully understand and validate these potential benefits.
Is THCa Legal?
Yes, THCa is 100% federally lawful. The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018—commonly known as the Farm Bill—authorized hemp production and removed hemp and hemp seeds from the DEA list of Controlled Substances. As a result, Hemp-derived THCa, containing less than 0.3% THC, is legal.
All MAD KANNA Products comply with the Farm Bill, which defines legal limit as “no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis.” However, state laws vary, so it's essential to check state-level regulations regarding the cultivation, sale, and use of THCa-rich hemp products.
Does THCa show up on a Drug Test?
THCa can show up on drug tests, while CBD typically doesn’t. However, depending on the type of test and the specific product you’re using, there’s always a possibility of a positive result. It’s also impossible to pinpoint an exact timeframe for how long cannabinoids stay in your system because it depends on a variety of factors, such as:
✦ The type of cannabinoid: THC stays detectable longer than CBD, for example
✦ The method of consumption: Smoking is usually detectable faster than edibles.
✦ Your frequency of use: Regular users show traces for longer than occasional users.
✦ Your metabolism and body fat: Faster metabolisms clear out cannabinoids quicker, and fat stores THC for longer.
✦ How hydrated you are: Drinking plenty of water helps flush out cannabinoids.
Generally, you can expect cannabinoids to linger in your saliva for up to 24 hours, one to two days in your bloodstream, three to 30 days in urine, and up to 90 days in hair. These are just estimates, though, and individual cases can vary significantly.
How does MAD KANNA select its THCa flower?
We work with small, USA farms to selectively breed for cannabis that produces each of our ten signature moods, through high THCa content and precise blends of terpenes and cannabinoids. By understanding the plant and working with it, not against it, we grow cannabis that helps you get the mood you want, whether it’s a classic high, a body soothing chill, or a happy trip. Read more about our quality standards here.