As cannabis evolves, new products begin to pop up, further challenging our perceptions of this mysterious plant.1 Among these newly developed products is THCA flower, known colloquially as “pre-rolled hemp” or “diamond hemp.” But what is this new phenomenon called THCA flower, and why are so many taking interest? Lets get a deep dive into THCA Flower.
Unveiling THCA: The Precursor to Psychoactivity
Let’s get into some science on THCA. THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found abundantly in the raw, unheated cannabis plant.2 Unlike its more famous cousin, THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, THCA is not psychoactive.3 This means that consuming raw THCA flower won’t get you “high.”4
That would be the difference THC makes-THC is an active compound in marijuana with an intoxicating effect; 5 however, a THCA is a precursor for THC.6 Now THCA needs to be decarboxylated, to undergo this process it needs a reaction called decarboxylation involving heating.7 Smoking cannabis through heating activates this conversion causing a psychoactive experience in itself.
THCA Flower: Legality and the Hemp Loophole
It tends to come from hemp cultivars, a cannabis variant bred to contain high amounts of CBD (cannabidiol) and nearly negligible amounts of THC-mostly under 0.3% federally in the US. Such low content of THC makes hemp legally federated by the 2018 Farm Bill.
However, THCA flower remains a gray area from a legality standpoint. The flower itself likely complies with hemp rules, but if decarboxylation occurs, then some THC is present. If the intent of the plant is to decarboxylate, under local ordinances, it might be a possession of marijuana.
Again, most of this work is preliminary. More work must be done to establish more fully the potential benefits and risks of THCA.
Eating THCA Flower: Techniques and Precautions
So, how do you consume THCA flower? Unlike traditional cannabis, smoking or vaping THCA flower won’t get you high unless heated to a sufficient temperature (around 315°F/157°C). Some explore alternative consumption methods:
•Sublingual administration: Putting THCA flower under your tongue allows slow absorption through the mucous membranes. However, the taste can be quite unpleasant.
•Juicing or Blending: The addition of raw THCA flower to juices or smoothies might be more palatable; however, studies on bioavailability via this route are scant.
•Infused Products: There is a smaller subset of companies working on isolating THCA for edibles or topical applications.14 This ensures the dosage and prevents decarboxylation.
Important Points:
Dosage There is no standard dosage for THCA. Start low, and gradually increase as need dictates to determine your threshold.
•The possibility of Decarboxylation: Even at cold temperatures, some decarboxylation happens in the consumption methods that involve heat application.
•Legality: Check the local laws on consumptions of THCA flower to avoid committing any offense.
The Future of THCA Flower: Research and Regulations
The future of THCA flower is not certain. Its legal status remains a bit unclear, but increasing research into its therapeutic potential may lead to wider acceptance and regulated use. Here are some possibilities:
•Standardization and Testing: Over time, standards will demand that THCA flower be tested in order to guarantee quality and potency levels.
•New Products: Pure extracts and formulations may be developed related to the benefits of THCA.
• Integration into Traditional Medicine: If research confirms THCA’s therapeutic potential, it could be integrated into conventional medicine alongside established treatments.
