THCa Explained

To understand that THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the precursor to Delta-9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in cannabis flower, you can use the following simplified explanation:

Cannabis produces THCa:

Cannabis plants synthesize cannabinoids, including THCa, through a biosynthetic pathway within specialized structures called trichomes. Trichomes are tiny, resinous glands found mainly on the flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant.

Decarboxylation process:

THCa is actually an acidic form of THC, and it does not have the psychoactive effects commonly associated with THC. The "a" in THCa stands for "acid." For THCa to convert into its active form, Delta-9 THC, it must undergo a process called decarboxylation.

Decarboxylation explained:

Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction that occurs when THCa, or any raw form cannabinoid, is exposed to heat or light over time. During this process, the acidic carboxyl group (-COOH) at the end THCa is removed, leading to the conversion of THCa into Delta-9 THC. This transformation releases carbon dioxide (CO2) as a byproduct.

Activation of psychoactive properties:

Delta-9 THC is the psychoactive compound responsible for the euphoric "high" experienced when consuming cannabis. Once THCa is converted into Delta-9 THC through decarboxylation, it becomes biologically active and can interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, specifically with CB1 receptors in the brain and nervous system.

In summary, THCa serves as the precursor to Delta-9 THC in all of cannabis whether occurring in hemp or marijuana. Through the process of decarboxylation, the acidic form of THC (THCa) is converted into the active, psychoactive form (Delta-9 THC). This transformation occurs when any cannabis flower is heated, such as during smoking, vaporization, or cooking, releasing the psychoactive effects associated with THC consumption.

Customer Conversation: 

What is THCa? Is this real weed?

 THCa is the non-psychoactive precursor to Delta-9 THC in raw marijuana and hemp flower. Delta-9 THC is the one most commonly referred to as THC and is the psychoactive compound in cannabis. Once heat is introduced, THCa turns into Delta-9 THC and is now psychoactive. Our THCa flower has the same compounds as the flower you would purchase at a medical or recreational dispensary and displays the same effects.

How is this legal?

Because the law states that all products must be below 0.3% Delta-9 THC we are allowed to carry the raw flower. All of the flower we carry have a high percentage of THCa, while still testing below Delta-9 THC. You can find all of our lab testing on our website

So this isn’t the real stuff is it?

Because THCa is the precursor to Delta-9 THC in marijuana and hemp, our flower has the same compounds as the flower you would purchase at a medical or recreational dispensary and displays the same effects.

This is expensive, why should I purchase the flower here?

All of our flower have been lab tested and have correct percentages and cannabinoid content. We are open seven days a week at most of our locations from 10am to 7-9pm (depending on day and location) and always provide an explanation and descriptions of the product. In NC there is no additional tax on cannabis products and you can use your credit car, unlike legal states.