What Is THCA & How is it Legal in Most States in the USA?

Navigating the complex world of the cannabis market can be confusing and daunting, particularly for beginners. There are so many different types of products available and constantly changing legislation, which can make it hard to keep up. One product that causes a lot of confusion is THCA. THCA is a product that is rising in popularity as there are many potential benefits, and it is legal in most states in the USA. This post will delve into what exactly THCA is, what you can do with it, and why it is legal in most states. Interested? Keep reading to learn more.

What is THCA?

What is THCA

So, what is THCA? THCA – or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid – is the non-psychoactive precursor to THC, which means that you do not get the intoxicating effects associated with THC when you consume this product raw. However, THCA is converted to THC through decarboxylation (smoking, vaping, cooking, etc.), which will activate its psychoactive properties and produce the effects of being high.

What are the Benefits of THCA?

More research needs to be done, but studies suggest that consuming THCA in its raw form can bring many benefits. These include:

Pain relieving properties: THCA may have analgesic properties, which means that it can help with pain relief. This could be useful for those living with chronic pain or recovering from an injury.

Anti-inflammatory properties: It is also thought that THCA has anti-inflammatory properties, which could help those with arthritis and various other health conditions that cause inflammation.

Neuroprotective properties: Interestingly, studies suggest that THCA has neuroprotective properties, meaning it could protect nerve cells in the nervous system and brain. This could be helpful for conditions like Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s.

Of course, people can also smoke, vape, or cook THCA flower to activate the psychoactive properties. Around 90% of users report calming effects after consuming cannabis with high levels of THCA, so it can be used to manage stress and anxiety. Obviously, every person is different and will have a different reaction, so beginners should start with a low dose and monitor their response.

Ways to use THCA

Another reason that THCA products are so popular right now is that there are so many different ways to use them. For those that do not want to active the psychoactive properties, a few of the best options include:

  • Raw cannabis juicing
  • Smoothies
  • Salads
  • Tinctures
  • Topical products
  • Capsules or edibles

For those that want to active THCA to produce the feeling of being high, there are a few good options:

  • Baking
  • Cooking
  • Smoking flower
  • Vaporizing

The Legal Status Of THCA

It is always important to be aware of the legal status of any cannabis product that you are purchasing, particularly as laws and regulations are constantly changing and can vary by town, city, and state.

THCA products are technically legal in most places in the US because they have a THC content of 0.3% or less. This makes THCA products legal at a federal level under the 2018 Farm Bill. This means that THCA is not on the controlled substances list, but some states that have laws against it. These (currently) include:

  • Arkansas
  • Idaho
  • Hawaii
  • Minnesota
  • Oregon
  • Rhode Island

A common question about THCA is whether or not it will show up on a drug test. Standard tests tend to look for THC and not THCA, which means that it is unlikely to show up. However, drug testing thresholds and policies can vary, so it is useful to check beforehand.

How to Buy THCA

Multipurpose of THCA

So, how can you go about buying THCA? Fortunately, this is relatively straightforward as a largely legal product throughout the USA. You can use our dispensary finder to browse and find dispensaries that carry THCA or you can find online shop that sells THCa products. This can make it quick and easy to compare different THCA products to save money and find the best option for your specific needs.

Before you start searching for THCA products, you should think about what kind of product would be best for you. Do you want to buy THCa flower or a concentrate like diamonds or maybe a vape product. You need to establish what you want to get out of your THCA experience and what your preferred form of consumption is before deciding on the best product for your intended use.

Advice For First Timers

If you are using any kind of cannabis or cannabis-derived product for the first time, it is essential to exercise caution. It is always wise to consult with a doctor first, particularly if you have a pre-existing health condition and use any medication, as there could be interactions. 

You should also only ever shop from a trusted supplier. You need to carefully read through the information on each product to ensure that it is suitable for your requirements – you can also read previous customer reviews to get an idea of what to expect when you use the product.

When it comes to using a THCA product for the first time, it is best to start with a low dosage (particularly if using a product where the onset is typically slower, such as edibles). You should also use the product in a comfortable and familiar setting, ideally with someone that you trust nearby. You should never mix with other intoxicants, always stay hydrated, and monitor your response.

Possible Side Effects

Since THCA does not produce the feeling of being high when consumed raw, it is generally considered safe, and most do not experience any side effects. A few potential side effects to be aware of include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Increased appetite
  • Fatigue

Of course, if you decide to smoke, vape, or cook the THCA to activate its psychoactive properties, there are numerous side effects to be aware of. This is why it is important to be cautious when getting high, especially if you are a beginner. A few of the most common side effects include:

  • Red eyes
  • Dizziness
  • Paranoia
  • Increased heart rate

If you have been wondering, “What is THCA?” this post should be informative and help you understand exactly what THCA is and why it is legal in most places in the US. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to get in touch today, and we will be happy to help.