Many people believe that THCA flower is just like a weed you’d find in a dispensary, but is that really the case? Let’s get into the complexities of THCA flower and figure out whether it falls under a broader category of what people call ‘weed.’
Is THCA the same as regular weed?
Cannabis users often refer to ‘weed’ as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), and some people use the term for all cannabis products. However, the word ‘weed’ actually refers to the marijuana plant itself, particularly the dried flower.
When the THCA flower is heated through smoking or vaping, THCA converts to THC, which is responsible for producing psychoactive effects associated with weed. But THCA, in its unheated form, differs in its properties compared to THC weed and does not get you high. So, raw THCA and regular weed differ in chemical composition, effects, and legal status before decarboxylation.
What is a THCA flower?
THCA flower is a cannabis flower bred to contain a high concentration of THCA and a low level of THC. Raw THCA flower is non-euphoric, but if you smoke or vape THCA flower, the THCA content converts into THC, which has high effects similar to THC-rich cannabis (weed).
How is THCA produced?
THCA is made in the cannabis plant through a natural process. It starts with a compound called Cannabigerolic Acid (CBGA). CBGA interacts with the THCA synthase enzyme. This interaction turns CBGA into THCA. The THCA then accumulates in the trichomes, which are the parts of the plant where many compounds are stored.
How does THCA interact with your endocannabinoid system?
THCA interacts differently with your endocannabinoid system (ECS), depending on the consumption method used. If you consume raw THCA flowers, the THCA compound interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors. However, THCA has a weak binding affinity to these receptors and eventually does not produce psychoactive effects.
But, once THCA is smoked or vaped, it turns into THC, which binds strongly to CB1 receptors in the brain and induces a euphoric high.
What are the effects of THCA?
The therapeutic effects of THCA and THC (weed) are similar, but they differ in effects at the psychoactive level. THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid, and THCA, on its own, does not produce euphoria. However, when you apply heat, THCA transforms into THC, which produces a high.
It also has the potential to reduce physical discomfort and may be effective in preventing symptoms related to mental conditions.
What is weed?
Weed is a marijuana plant that contains a high concentration of THC. THC is the primary psychoactive compound of cannabis that induces high effects.
Weed’s Chemical Composition
Weed or marijuana contains a high amount of Delta 9 THC. It is known as Delta-9 THC because it features a double bond with the 9th group in its carbon atom. Other types of THC, such as Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC, are present in small quantities.
How is weed grown and prepared?
Marijuana plants can be grown indoors or outdoors. Farmers often choose indoor grow rooms to facilitate strict environmental controls for better growth of plant growth.
Initially, the harvested cannabis crop contains a high concentration of THCA. THCA is then decarboxylated and results in Delta-9 THC.
Weed’s Effects
Weed contains a high amount of THC, which is well-known for its euphoria and relaxing effects, and assists with discomfort relief. It has appetite-stimulating properties that can be beneficial for individuals suffering from eating disorders.
THCA vs Weed: Legal Status
There has been a lot of confusion when it comes to the legality of THCA and THC (weed) products. The 2018 Farm Bill stated that hemp and its derivatives are federally legal if they contain less than 0.3% THC. Remember that federal law is not the same as state law. Many states have created their own cannabis regulations. You need to check your local laws regarding hemp before looking for cannabis products.
Raw THCA is considered legal because it consists of a limited amount of THC (less than 0.3%). As far as weed or marijuana products are concerned, they are federally illegal due to a higher concentration of Delta-9 THC. However, some states have legalized weed for medicinal and recreational purposes.
Where can you buy THCA flower and weed products online?
The THCA and weed products are available online, but you need to choose a reputable and trusted brand to buy your cannabis products. XLR8 Delta is an online cannabis brand that offers a wide range of THCA and cannabis products. We’re offering various Delta-8, Delta-9, Delta-10 THC, and THCA products, including gummies, vapes, flowers, dabs, and oils. Each of our product boxes includes a certificate of analysis to ensure the product is lab-tested and safe to use.
Conclusion
THCA and weed may look similar, but they are different in their effects and legal status. THCA does not cause a high unless it is heated, while weed is known for its strong psychoactive effects. Before buying any cannabis product, it’s important to understand the difference between these products. Be sure to check local laws and stick with brands that offer lab-tested and quality products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will THCA show up in a drug test?
When you consume THCA flower, it breaks down into the same THC metabolites that are detected by drug tests. This means THCA and THC are indistinguishable on drug tests, and using THCA flowers can lead to a positive result for THC.
Is THCA the same as marijuana?
No, THCA flower is classified as hemp, which contains a high amount of THCA and a limited amount of THC. Marijuana, on the other hand, is classified as a controlled substance that contains more than 0.3% THC.
Does smoking THCA flower get you high?
Yes, when you heat the THCA flower, the compound turns into THC. THC is the psychoactive element of cannabis that produces the high effects associated with it.
Is THCA flower safe?
THCA flower can be safe with minimal side effects if it is consumed responsibly. This is because consuming high doses of any cannabis products can have potential side effects. You need to check all information, ingredients, and lab reports when buying THCA flowers online to make your experience safe and enjoyable.