THC vs. THCa: What’s the Difference?
THC vs. THCa: What’s the Difference?
It’s amazing the difference a letter can make. While the chemistry behind cannabis has always been incredibly complex, it seems like smokers need to know more than ever to navigate the market.
The big question on everyone’s mind in Texas over the last couple of years has been: THC vs. THCa, what’s the difference? While the two might sound similar, there are important distinctions, both chemically and legally, of which all Texas smokers should be aware.
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You can keep reading about the differences between THC and THCa, watch the video below, or get in touch with Flower House today, and we can tell you ourselves.
What is the difference between THCa bud and THC bud?
At first glance, THCa and THC might seem nearly identical, but they're actually quite different, at least initially.
- THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the non-psychoactive precursor to THC, found in raw and unheated cannabis plants.
- THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), on the other hand, is the primary psychoactive compound that produces the "high" associated with cannabis consumption.
Delta-9 THC vs THCA
Delta-9 THC is the specific form of THC responsible for the intoxicating effects most people associate with cannabis. Although cannabis is chock-full of various cannabinoids and other compounds, and Delta-9 is only one of them, Delta-9 THC has become a shorthand for what people consider “regular” cannabis. Hungry? Feeling creative? Giggly? That’s probably the Delta-9 THC working on you.
THCa, on the other hand, exists in its raw, acidic form and doesn't produce these psychoactive effects until it undergoes a chemical transformation. You can think of THCa as a dormant version of THC, waiting to be activated by carboxylation.
What is carboxylation?
Essentially, carboxylation is the chemical process, which we like to call scientific magic, that transforms THCa into THC. When cannabis is heated (through smoking, vaping, or cooking), a carboxyl group is removed, turning the non-psychoactive THCa into the mind-altering THC.
This is why consuming raw cannabis won't produce the same effects as heating it up, and it’s also why Texas legislators have had it out for THCa over the last few years.
Why is THCa being banned?
While regulators have been keeping a close eye on THCa, and many bills have died on the state senate floor looking to ban hemp-derived cannabis, THCa is not actively being banned in the Lone Star State. As of this writing, THCa is still 100% legal in Texas.
Though there are a few reasons why lawmakers have it out for THCa:
- They’re concerned about its conversion to Delta-9 THC
- They’re concerned about an unregulated market
- They hate cannabis and anything that looks like cannabis
What you need to know about THCa legality
Like we always say, we worry about the laws and regulations so that you can enjoy a bag of the best flower in Texas, but we also encourage you to read up on the laws so that you can protect yourself if it ever comes down to it. We’ll keep it simple:
- THCa is currently federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill
- THCa is currently legal in the state of Texas due to House Bill 1325, which legalized the sale and consumption of hemp-derived products in the state.
- THCa and other hemp-derived products are only legal in Texas if they have less than .3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight.
These are the hits. Just remember: it’s up to the Houston dispensary you buy from to make sure that your flower is high-quality and complies with state and federal regulations. So make sure you’re buying from a dispensary you can trust.
Is THCa just THC without the psychoactive properties?
Not at all. One of the important reasons why THCa has yet to be banned in Texas and across the US is that it is its own compound, which can produce some interesting effects:
- Early research suggests raw THCa produces anti-inflammatory effects
- Like Delta-9 THC, THCa may benefit those looking to reduce nausea
These and other unique interactions with the human body are one of the reasons THCa is of great interest to medical professionals all over the country. We have much less information about THCa than we do Delta-9 THC, but the unknown certainly represents potential.
Is THCa as strong as THC?
Potency is admittedly a tricky topic. As we’ve already said, in its raw form, THCa lacks the psychoactive properties of THC, but once it’s heated, all bets are off. The strength of THC vs. THCa likely has a lot more to do with the quality of your product, your method of consumption, and the amount you consume than it does with whether you’re smoking THC or THCa.
Shopping in Houston? Look for THC vs THCa on a label
Whether you’re looking for Delta-9 THC or THCa, don’t just buy cannabis-related products — do some research into them. Ask questions about what you’re getting. A few things that can help make sure you’re getting the best of the best include:
- Look for dispensaries that offer comprehensive third-party lab testing
- Ask for breakdowns of cannabinoid and terpene profiles
- Inquire how cannabis sellers source their product
- Make sure the staff are experts
There are new dispensaries popping up on every corner, but they aren’t all made equal. Before you place an order for THCa delivery in Houston, always confirm what you’re buying, and make sure you’re buying it from people who know their stuff, like the people at Flower House.
Still curious? Check out our Cannabis FAQs
Trust Flower House for all of your cannabis products in Houston
The cannabis market in Texas is kind of like the wild west; it’s difficult to know what you’re going to get, and it can be even harder to know who you can trust. But Flower House is here to cut through all the noise and offer Houstonians a cannabis experience built for the true connoisseurs.
We don’t just sell products — we curate experiences. Our team is full of cannabis curators who live and breathe the science and the culture of cannabis, so that those who know can have a place to go.
Wondering where to get THCa in Houston? Get in touch with Flower House to learn more about our discreet delivery options. We handle the legal complexities, navigate the regulatory frameworks, and do everything we can to ensure you get the highest-quality product in the safest possible way.
Still have questions? Book a consultation with Flower House today.
