What is THCa?
THCa, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a naturally occurring compound found in raw cannabis plants.
Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), THCa is non-psychoactive in its natural form. This means it won’t produce the “high” associated with cannabis until it undergoes a process called decarboxylation.
When heated through smoking, vaping, or cooking, THCa converts into THC, unlocking its psychoactive effects.
What’s the Difference Between THC and THCa?
The primary difference between THCa and THC is how they interact with the body. THCa, in its raw state, does not produce a high because its molecular structure prevents it from binding directly to cannabinoid receptors in the brain.
However, when exposed to heat through smoking, vaping, or cooking, THCa undergoes a chemical transformation known as decarboxylation. This process removes a carboxyl group, converting THCa into THC and activating its psychoactive effects.
What is Decarboxylation?
Decarboxylation is a natural chemical reaction triggered by heat, time, or light exposure. Here’s how different methods cause THCa to convert into THC:
Smoking or Vaping – The heat instantly converts THCa into THC, delivering immediate psychoactive effects.
Cooking or Baking – Cannabis must be heated at a specific temperature (typically around 220-240°F for 30-45 minutes) before being infused into edibles.
Aging Over Time – Slow, natural degradation can lead to partial conversion of THCa into THC, though heat is the most effective method.
Is THCa Legal?
The legality of THCa is tied to federal hemp laws outlined in the 2018 Farm Bill. Under this law, hemp and hemp-derived products are legal as long as they contain no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis.
Since THCa itself is non-psychoactive, it falls within these legal guidelines — allowing it to be sold and shipped to most states.
However, state laws vary, and some states have introduced specific regulations or bans on THCa products. Always check your local laws before purchasing.
Due to local regulations, Leafpress cannot ship to:
Idaho
Rhode Island
Hawaii
Minnesota
Louisiana
Oregon
Vermont
Georgia
…so this is just
regular weed?
Yep.
Best legal loophole ever.
Custom 1g Pre-Roll
$20.00