What is THCA? Uses, Health Impact, Benefits & Where to Buy

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Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is the non-psychoactive precursor to delta 9 THC, converting to it when decarboxylated. In other words, when it’s heated in a vape or smoked as flower, it induces the high marijuana is known for. 

In this read, you’ll learn what THCA is, why it’s the perfect legal alternative for weed smokers, and where to find the best legal THCA vapes and pre-rolls online…

Top 7 Best Legal THCA Products

Be cautious when buying THCA vapes and pre-rolls online. Many contain poor-quality ingredients and low levels of THCA or synthetic compounds that induce chemically-feeling highs.

To help you in your search, we’ve found seven of the best, most potent THCA vapes and pre-rolls from the most trusted online dispensaries and vendors:

1. Area 52 THCA Disposable Vape Pen (Top Pick)

Area 52 manufactures a range of high-quality legal THC products. You’ll find high-potency gummies, tinctures, and honey sticks available in their online store, as well as potent vaporizers. 

The THCA Disposable Vape Pens from Area 52 combine THCA with a well-thought-out blend of cannabinoids and terpenes. Each 2-gram vape contains 400 mg of THCA, 1100 mg of HHC, 280 mg of CBD, and 40 mg of terpenes. It’s one of the strongest federally legal vapes on the market.

They are available in three flavor options, with each containing the same cannabinoid blend but different terpene blends. Each flavor is named after the strains the terpenes are derived from — Girl Scout Cookies (hybrid), Maui Wowie (sativa), and Wedding Cake (indica). 

If disposables aren’t your thing, Area 52 also has a THCA vape cart that could just as easily sit in first place on our list. It’s also a great place to buy delta 9 gummies and delta 8 gummies.

Wanting something new? Then you have to try the best Amanita Muscaria gummies online. These give just the right trippy experience that’s smooth and relaxing.

Product Specs:

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Potency (mg of Actives): 400 mg THCA, 1100 mg HHC, 280 mg CBD

Capacity: 2 grams (2000 mg)

2. Finest Labs THCA Disposable Vape Pen (Runner-Up)

Finest labs’ THCA two-gram disposable vape pens contain a blend of THCA, HHC, CBD, and THCP distillate. This cannabinoid blend packs a punch and provides effects similar to cannabis-derived vape pens. 

Three strains are available at one time. However, Finest Labs rotates the strains, providing new and exciting blends regularly. Each strain provides a unique experience, each containing a live resin infused with different terpenes and flavonoids. Keep an eye on the Finest Labs website to stay up to date with the latest vape drops.

These disposable vape pens are rechargeable and have built-in draw detection and a precision-controlled ceramic heating element for full flavor from the first to the last draw. 

If vapes aren’t your thing, Finest Labs also sells a range of terpene blends, gummies, and tinctures. Its THC tincture is actually one of the best on the market — clean, potent, and made with organic ingredients.

Product Specs:

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Potency (mg of Actives): 400 mg THCA, 1100 mg HHC, 280 mg CBD

Capacity: 2 gram (2000 mg)

3. Koi CBD THCA + THCP + Delta 9 Disposable Vape

The “THCA + THCP + Delta 9 disposable vape” from Koi CBD is a high-capacity legal vape that contains 5000 mg of actives. Despite the uncreative long name given to this vape, it’s pretty well designed. 

These vapes come in a choice of five strains. Each one contains the same combination of cannabinoids but different flavors and terpene blend for a unique flavor and aroma experience. Choose from the great-tasting Cherry Gelato, Slurricane, Moon Berry, Blackberry Kush, and Watermelon Skitz. 

If you’re a heavy user and want a potent vape with the capacity to last, this could be a good option. However, it is rather expensive, and like many high-capacity THC cartridges, the flavor can fade quickly. If you’re a heavy user, we recommend purchasing a battery and several smaller-capacity carts.

Other products you’ll see here include delta 8 vapes, THC oils, and dab pens, among others. Koi also offers quality, high-CBD stress gummies, perfect for relaxing and winding down.

Product Specs:

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Potency (mg of Actives): 5000 mg THCA, THCP, Delta 9 THC

Capacity: 5 gram (5000 mg)

4. Mystic Labs THCA Pre-Rolls

If vaping isn’t your thing, these THCA pre-rolls may suit you. 

Mystic Labs THCA pre-rolls contain 1.25 grams of premium THCA hemp flower per roll. They’re rolled to perfection, burn evenly, and induce a high similar to smoking regular marijuana. 

They’re available in three strains — Biscotti, Ice Cream Cake, and White Truffle.

These pre-rolls are a great alternative if you enjoy smoking weed. However, although they’re infused with terpenes and flavonoids, the industrial hemp flower doesn’t have the same depth of flavor and burn that a high-quality cannabis strain does. 

Product Specs:

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Potency (mg of Actives): 1.25 g of THCA-infused hemp flower

Capacity: 1 pre-roll (1.25 g of flower)

5. Binoid THCA Disposable Vapes

Binoid’s disposable THCA vaporizers contain two grams of live resin that are infused with a 99% pure THCA distillate. 

They’re available in a range of “strains” from Unicorn Berry to Watermelon OG. However, they don’t have the same intense flavor as some of the weed carts on the list.

We like the Binoid THCA disposable vapes because they’re relatively low-cost and contain quality extracts. You shouldn’t expect the same potency, flavor, and consistency as the more premium products we’ve discussed. We’re not sure about the exact amount of THCA and other cannabinoids used in Binoid’s formula — this information isn’t available to consumers, which is worrying.

If you’re on a budget and have a lower tolerance, these disposable vape pens are worth a look. 

Product Specs:

Rating: ⭐⭐

Potency (mg of Actives): THCA (unknown quantities)

Capacity: 2 gram (2000 mg)

6. Cookies THCA Pre-Rolls

The one-gram THCA pre-rolls from Cookies come in a range of strains. Each different pre-roll has been formulated with US-grown hemp flower that have been infused with THCA and a range of terpenes from different strains. 

Some of Cookies’ pre-rolls are coated in THCA “diamonds,” and others contain “double-potency” extracts. There’s plenty to choose from in the range, from blends of “Gelatti and Lemon” to diamond-coated “Menthol 2 and Gelatti.”

If you’re looking for a potent hemp-derived THCA pre-roll, Cookies is well worth a look. They don’t have the same flavor and are much milder than regular cannabis pre-rolls, but they’re a good alternative if you live in a restricted state. 

Product Specs:

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Potency (mg of Actives): 1000 mg of hemp extract (including THCA)

Capacity: 1 gram (1000 mg)

7. Exhale Wellness THCA Disposable Vape

The Exhale Wellness THCA disposable vapes contain a blend of 200 mg of THCA and 500 mg of delta 8 THC. They’re some of the weakest vapes on the list but come in at a cheaper price compared to some of the other products. 

The lower price is attractive, but be aware that these are one-gram vapes — they won’t last as long as those offered by Finest Labs, Area 52, or Binoid. They’re available in a choice of four strains — Maui Wowie, Biscotti, Birthday Cake, and Orange Creamsicle — but they all taste and feel pretty similar. 

If you’re a seasoned smoker looking to replace cannabis with a federally legal alternative, these aren’t the vapes for you. However, if your tolerance is low and you don’t expect to consume much, these are worth a look. 

CBD products are also worth a try, and the brand is a great place to buy CBD gummies for anxiety as well as CBD gummies for pain.

Product Specs:

Rating: ⭐⭐

Potency (mg of Actives): 200 mg THCA, 500 mg Delta 8 THC 

Capacity: 1 gram (1000 mg)

What is THCA, & Why is it a Good Alternative for Weed Smokers?

If you’ve ever heated cannabis in the oven before making edibles to “activate it,” what you did was convert the THCA into delta 9 THC. 

THCA is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in hemp and marijuana plants. It’s the precursor to delta 9 THC. Although it doesn’t induce a high when consumed in its raw form, heating it changes it to delta 9, inducing effects similar to marijuana.

Here’s why it’s a good alternative for weed smokers:

1. THCA is Legal

Although delta 9 THC is illegal, THCA isn’t, as long as it’s derived from hemp. The 2018 Farm Bill made THCA and all other hemp-derived cannabinoids legal under federal law. Although some states have banned certain hemp-derived THC isomers, THCA remains widely unrestricted.

2. THCA is Stronger Than Delta 8 THC

THCA is much stronger than most hemp-derived THC isomers, such as delta 8 and delta 10 THC. When consumed using a vaporizer, this cannabinoid induces intense euphoria, relaxation, and altered perception. 

3. THCA Induces Similar Effects to Marijuana

THCA converts to delta 9 THC when heated. This makes it the perfect legal cannabinoid to use in vaporizers. When the vapor of a THCA vape is inhaled, the user is inhaling the same psychoactive component found in marijuana.

It’s difficult to tell the difference between a high-quality hemp-derived THCA vape and a marijuana THC vape. Most THCA vapes are slightly less potent compared to their cannabis-derived siblings, but even the experienced cannabis connoisseur will enjoy the experience.

Dosage: How Much THCA Should You Take?

The effective dose of THCA varies from person to person, depending on tolerance, body weight, and consumption format. If you consume THCA in its raw state, it won’t induce any psychoactive effects, meaning it can be consumed in almost any quantity, similar to CBD. 

If you “activate” the THCA first, it will metabolize to delta 9 THC and induce effects similar to weed. With this in mind, the dose is the same as delta 9 THC. 

THCA dosage guide:

If you’re unfamiliar with THCA or smoking/vaping cannabis, you should start with a low dose and gradually build it up. One or two puffs of a THCA vape is a good start. Wait 10 minutes between tokes and gradually increase until you achieve the desired effects. You can always consume more, but you can never take less.

Does THCA Show Up On Drug Tests? 

Although THCA is federally legal when derived from hemp, it will trigger a positive result on a drug test. This is because it metabolizes into delta 9 THC during decarboxylation. 

Drug tests can’t tell the difference between cannabis-derived THC and hemp-derived THC. They also can’t distinguish between different THC isomers such as delta 8, delta 10, etc. This means that most hemp-derived THC products will show up on a drug test. 

If you regularly undergo drug screenings for work or legal reasons, you should avoid consuming any form of THC, regardless of whether it’s legal or not.

With that said, the type of drug test performed does play a role in whether a positive result is produced. 

THC is present in the saliva glands from 12 to 30 hours after the last use, so it’s possible to pass a swab test if you haven’t consumed THC in a couple of days. 

It can be found in blood and urine samples for up to 30 days after the last use and in hair follicle samples for up to 90 days after the last use. If you need to undergo one of the latter drug screens, it’s best to avoid using THCA vapes entirely. 

THCA vs. Other Cannabinoids

THCA is just one of over 100 different cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant. It’s manufactured from another compound called CBGA, depending on the growing conditions and individual needs of the plant.

CBGA can also be converted into CBDA and CBCA in the plant, each of which further evolves into CBD and CBC, respectively.

Let’s examine how THCA compares to some of the other cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant: 

1. Delta 9 THC

THCA is the precursor molecule to delta 9 THC. When the plant manufactures THC, it adds a carboxyl group (acid). This prevents THCA from binding to the endocannabinoid receptors. 

However, once heated over 200º, the added energy rips off the carboxyl group, producing pure delta 9 THC.

2. Delta 8 THC

Delta 8 THC is virtually identical to delta 9 THC, but the location of a double bond in the central ring is moved one spot to the left. When this happens, the potency of the molecule drops by about 50%. 

Delta 8 THC is popular today because it sidesteps existing bans on delta 9 THC. It’s a psychoactive cannabinoid that will get you high, but when it comes to delta 8 vs delta 9’s effects, the former has a milder, smoother effect than the latter.

Delta 8 is also oftentimes confused with delta 10, another THC variant. When comparing delta 10 vs delta 8’s effects, delta 10 gives you a more energizing experience like sativa, while delta 8 has more indica, relaxing effects.

3. HHC

HHC forms further down the line after THCA is converted to delta 9 THC. Further decomposition yields mostly CBN (another, non-active cannabinoid) and a small portion of HHC (hexahydrocannabinol). 

HHC looks just like delta 9 THC, but the double bond in the central structure is removed entirely and replaced with an extra two hydrogen atoms. This stabilizes the molecule and helps it resist breakdown when exposed to oxygen, light, heat, and acid.

4. CBD

CBD (cannabidiol) is the cannabis plant’s primary medicinal component. It’s completely non-psychoactive, which means no matter how much you ingest, you won’t get high.

However, just because CBD doesn’t make users feel high doesn’t mean it’s “inactive.” CBD binds to the CB2 endocannabinoid receptors to regulate everything from hormone production and temperature regulation to inflammation control and sedation.

Of the different cannabinoids on the market, CBD is one of the most popular. You’ll see CBD in many formats — from full-spectrum CBD gummies and full-spectrum CBD oils to CBD creams and even CBD dog treats for anxiety.

Many people use CBD for anxiety and CBD for pain. Some even use CBD for sleep and find it very helpful for their symptoms.

5. THCV

THCV looks just like THC but with a shorter carbon tail on the end. This rare cannabinoid is only produced in notable quantities by a few rare African cannabis strains. The effects of THCV are much more subtle than THC (roughly 30% as potent) but produce stimulating effects when taken at equivalent doses.

6. THCP

Similarly to THCV, the only difference between THCP and delta 9 THC is the size of its carbon chain. This compound has a 7-carbon chain, which dramatically increases the overall potency on the CB1 receptors.

THCP is estimated to be between 7 and 10 times stronger per milligram than delta 9 THC.

7. THC-O

THC-O is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid made by adding an extra functional group to the central structure. The added group improves the bioavailability of THC to make it more efficient when smoked or eaten. THC-O is estimated to be around three times more potent than delta 9 THC.

>> Check Out the Strongest (Legal) THCA Product on the Market

FAQs: THCA & Other Legal Cannabinoids 

Read the answers to the frequently asked questions below if you want to find out more about THCA and other hemp-derived, legal cannabinoids…

1. Why Isn’t THCA Used in Legal THC Gummies?

THCA is the non-psychoactive precursor to delta 9 THC. In its raw form, it’s inactive. It must be decarboxylated to convert it to delta 9 THC to induce any psychoactive effects. 

THCA is not used in gummies because they don’t require heating like hemp flowers and vape liquids do before consumption — THCA gummies are useless to the recreational user who wants to experience the effects of THC.

If you want a legal THC gummy that induces a strong high, check out Area 52’s UFO Max full-spectrum THC gummies. Each piece contains 15 mg of THC while remaining under the legal threshold of 0.3% THC by weight. These gummies induce a similar high to cannabis but are completely legal. 

2. What’s the Best Alternative to THCA?

If you’re looking for an effective legal cannabinoid vaporizer that’s capable of inducing similar effects to cannabis, THCA vapes are the way to go. However, you can find alternatives if those are not available to you. 

Delta 8 THC is a legal hemp-derived cannabinoid that produces similar effects to THCA, but the high is much less intense. Vapes made with delta 8 extracts are ideal for functional use or for people who are more sensitive to delta 9 THC. 

HHC is a hydrogenated version of delta 9 THC. This cannabinoid is made by adding hydrogen atoms to delta 9 THC. This subtle change in structure alters the cannabinoid enough to make it federally legal in any concentration.

3. What Other Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids Get You High?

Several hemp-derived THC analogs exist that are capable of inducing a high. Delta 9 THC is the most prevalent and provides the best balance of positive and negative effects. However, it’s only federally legal in concentrations below 0.3% if it’s hemp-derived. This means gummies are the only consumption format that contains enough to get you high while remaining under the legal threshold. Vapes are out of the question. 

Other hemp-derived THC derivatives are legal in concentrations above 0.3% and can be used in vapes, tinctures, and edibles effectively. 

Here’s a list of legal psychoactive cannabinoids:

Delta 9 THC (under 0.3% by weight)

Delta 8 THC

Delta 10 THC

HHC

THCV

4. Is THCA Safe to Consume Long-Term?

THCA is generally considered safe for long-term use, especially when consumed in its raw form, as it doesn’t induce psychoactive effects. 

However, when decarboxylated into delta 9 THC and consumed regularly, it may have similar long-term effects as regular marijuana use. 

5. What is the comparison between THCA and CBD?

THCA and CBD are both non-psychoactive in their raw forms. However, THCA becomes psychoactive when heated, converting into delta-9 THC, whereas CBD remains non-psychoactive no matter how it’s consumed. CBD is commonly used for its potential health benefits, such as anxiety relief and reducing inflammation, without causing a high like THC.

6. What Should I Look for When Buying THCA Products?

When you buy weed online, including THCA products, look for third-party lab testing to verify the potency and purity of the product. Ensure the product contains high-quality, organic hemp and check for brand transparency regarding ingredients and extraction methods. Reviews and brand reputation are also crucial in determining the quality of THCA products.

7.Are THCA products usable in edibles?

Yes, THCA can be used in edibles, but it needs to be decarboxylated (heated) to convert the psychoactive delta-9 THC. This activation process can be completed by baking, cooking, or heating the product before consumption. Consuming raw THCA will not produce any psychoactive effects.

”}]]THCA is a non-psychoactive compound in cannabis. When heated, it converts to THC and causes a typical “weed” high, even if it comes from federally legal hemp.   Read More  

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