The cannabis plant has been used in many cultures and civilizations for thousands of years. Today, the use of THC-rich cannabis is becoming increasingly popular around the world due to its potential therapeutic benefits.
Thus, hemp flowers with high concentrations of THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) have become some of the most sought-after products. This article offers a detailed guide on using the THCA flower, but first, let’s understand what the THCA flower is.
What is THCA Flower?
THCA can be found naturally in raw cannabis plants and is considered one of its primary non-psychoactive components, meaning it does not have a high effect on the consumer.
Unlike THC or CBD, THCA does not transform into its activated form until it goes through decarboxylation. Decarbolyxation is a process that involves heating the material and activating its psychoactive properties.
After decarboxylating your bud, THCA will turn into THC, which can then be consumed as normal marijuana flowers for various recreational purposes.
Without going through this additional step, consuming raw cannabis flowers won’t produce any euphoric feeling or psychoactive effects like other forms of weed would when smoked or ingested orally.
Factors to Consider When Buying THCA Flower
When looking for quality hemp buds containing high levels of cannabinoid acids such as cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and, more importantly, Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA), there are several factors that you should consider.
Verify the Source
Always ensure you are purchasing from reputable suppliers. Most licensed cannabis sellers test their products for potency and quality standards.
Apart from conducting the tests at their laboratories, they also ensure to have a third-party laboratory do the test to ensure that the tests are 100% accurate.
By doing this, the supplier guarantees the safety of the consumers by ensuring that they are buying pure and safe medicinal grade THCA flower, free from any harmful contaminations.
You can check for information about the third-party tests on the website, and if it’s not available, you can request the data to ensure you get a safe experience when using the flower.
Determine THCA Flower Potency
Like any other product, there are different potency levels when it comes to hemp flowers. The higher the concentration of THCA within a strain, the more powerful its effects will be.
Always look for lab test results or ask questions about concentrations before making your purchase decision so you know what type and quantity you’re getting into.
Consult a Medical Professional
Although THCA is non-psychoactive in its natural form, it’s still important to consult your physician before adding it to your wellness routine. This is because it can counteract your current medication.
As such, talking with your physician lets you get personalized guidance on which strain to take based on your medical history, current medication, and health needs.
Forms of THCA Flower
THCA flower is available in many forms, including crystals, sand, diamonds, and buds. And each form offers slightly different benefits and consuming experiences depending on their use.
THC Crystals
This form of cannabis contains very high amounts of pure THC. THCA crystals are a form of cannabis refined to form crystals.
The crystals look like coarse sugar, and the THCA percentage is approximately 99.6%, making them incredibly potent and fast-acting once activated through decarboxylation. They can easily be added to food items such as baked goods or smoothies for an extra kick.
THCA crystals are made when the cannabis extract is combined with solvents, such as acetic acid or hexane. These absorb all the other plant components. Then the remaining extract is passed through a reactionary vessel, which uses pressure, motion, and heat to remove the solvent, leaving behind tetrahydrocannabinolic acid.
This solution still has traces of other components removed through chromatography. Then the remaining solution is passed through the reactionary vessel to remove the chemicals used during chromatography. And you are left with pure THCA crystalline.
The good thing about THCA crystals is that they are easy to consume and have a high potency without a euphoric effect unless heated. However, they have no flavor, lose their entourage effect, and are not ideal for novice users are they are highly potent.
They can be smoked, ingested orally by infusing it in food or drinks, dabbed, or dissolved into oil to make tincture-like products.
THCA Sand
This powdery substance is derived from freshly frozen organic cannabis flowers. THCA sand is a thick, sticky, and insoluble powdery substance. In the cannabis flower, it acts like glue, and it’s the one that holds the trichomes, terpenes, and cannabinoids together.
THCA sand is extracted from a hemp flower that has not undergone the drying and curing process. Instead, the flower is frozen while fresh to preserve the terpenes and cannabinoids.
When the live resin is collected, it’s usually about 95% pure.
It’s great for sprinkling onto joint papers or adding to vape oil cartridges. It can also be smoked using a dab rig, infused into food and drinks, or baked.
THCA Diamonds
THCA Diamonds is also known as shatter. These “diamonds” are a crystalline solidified hash oil that contains a high percentage of up to 99% pure THC extract.
The shatter is made by separating THCA from all other components found in the cannabis bud. THCA diamonds can be enjoyed by dabbing on heated surfaces such as nails and quartz bangers using specialized tools, such as vaporizers or dabbing.
Purpose of Taking THCA Flower
THCA is believed to have many potential benefits due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. It may be effective against chronic pain, nausea relief, muscle spasms, and other conditions not responsive to traditional medications.
While research in this area is still early, it shows promise for treating various ailments, including cancer symptoms and neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s or Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Reviews from consumers show that people feel more relaxed after consuming high concentrations of THCA, which could be beneficial for people with mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.
Start with a Low Dosage
When consuming THCA, you are advised to start with a low dosage and adjust the dosage as your body adjusts until you reach your ideal dose. You can keep track of your consumption dosage by retaining a diary. Also, take note of the side effects.
Choose the Right Mode of Consumption
THCA flowers come in various forms, diamonds, crystals, and sand. It would be best to determine the mode of consumption that offers you the most benefits.
You can vape, dab, infuse it in your foods or drinks, or consume it sublingually. Before you get your preferred mode of use, you must experiment with all methods and choose the one that best suits your needs and lifestyle.
Different Cannabis Strains
When purchasing THCA flower products online, you’ll find quite an array, each containing different levels and types of cannabinoids depending on their specific strain genetics. Therefore, you’d have to try different strains before you get the right one. Some of the best strains for THCA flower include:
- Gushers: this is an Indica-dominant hybrid cannabis strain that emits a sweet and doughy aroma. The strain is best for boosting your moods and quality sleep.
- Buttermilk Cookies: It’s best for a full-bodied effect. It helps boost your mood and calms your mind. It’s a great THCA flower for evening use.
- Gelato: This strain offers you a blend of Indica and Sativa. It has a euphoric effect that helps numb pain and provides deep relaxation that keeps your mind clear and productive.
- Ice Cream Cookies: This strain offers an invigorating cerebral sensation that morphs into a tranquilizer. Thus best for evening use as it induces sleep.
Legality
The legality surrounding hemp flowers with high THCA concentrations varies from state to state, so you must check your local laws before purchasing any cannabis product online.
However, if purchased from authorized sources, these buds should remain perfectly legal since they contain 0% psychoactive components until decarboxylated.
What are the Different Methods of Using THCA Flower?
Depending on your preferences, there are several ways to enjoy hemp flowers containing high amounts of Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid:
- Smoking: This is one of the most common methods for using cannabis and can be done through traditional smoking rolled joints. The effects are typically felt within minutes and last up to an hour or more.
- Vaping: It’s a discreet and popular method of consuming THCA flowers. Most people use vapes. But note that through vaping, the THCA is converted into THC, thus activating the psychoactive effects.
- Dabbing: This method involves heating a unique “dab” tool with an e-butane torch or e-nail. It’s much more potent than regular cannabis flowers due to its concentrated form, so caution should be used.
- Infusing it in Food and Drinks: Another popular way to enjoy THCA is by infusing it into food items or beverages like tea/coffee. This allows you to get creative while doing it, all without any psychoactive side effects. Some people like baking. However, it would be best to decarboxylate the THCA flower before infusing it in your butter or oil.
What are the Benefits of THCA Flower
- Neuroprotective properties
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Helps with insomnia
- Relief from pain and nausea
- Stimulates appetite
Final Thoughts
THCA flower offers potential therapeutic benefits that may help treat certain medical conditions if taken responsibly.
Purchasing from authorized sources is always recommended since this ensures quality and increased safety levels and guarantees potency levels stay just right without compromising overall flavor profiles.
Therefore, if you are looking forward to using THCA Flower, this guide offers detailed instructions.
