Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA,) is a precursor of
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), an active component of cannabis. THCA is found in variable quantities in fresh, undried cannabis, but is decarboxylated to THC with drying, and especially under heat such as when it is smoked or cooked into cannabis edibles.
Is THCA Legal?
On a federal level, THCa is permitted as long as the acceptable delta-9 THC threshold of 0.3% is met.
Does THCA get you high?
THCA doesn't make you high on its own – it's not psychoactive. Only after heating, when it becomes THC, do the high effects activate. In its raw form, it won't get you high.
Is it lawful to smoke THCa hemp flower in public or to have a package of it open in a car?
Because state laws vary regarding THCa hemp flower, and also due to the current confusion about its legal status, we do not recommend smoking it in public or having an open package of it in vehicles. Additionally, we recommend that it be sold to consumers only in pre-packaged, sealed bags or containers with labels clearly stating that it is lawful hemp.
How can you be sure that the THCa hemp flower you are purchasing meets the legal requirement for hemp?
We recommend reviewing a lab report, called a Certificate of Analysis (COA), in conjunction with your attorney. A COA shows the levels of cannabinoids, including delta-9 THC, in a hemp product. Kingpin always provides a current COA for its hemp products showing that they are compliant under federal law at the time they leave the facility. Importantly, if your state uses a total THC calculation6 to determine whether post-harvest cannabis flower is lawful, then THCa hemp flower is probably not legal in your state and we recommend that you consult a lawyer before receiving, possessing, or selling it.
How should you store THCa hemp flower?
All of Kingpin Kush hemp flower is tested to ensure legal compliance. In other words, Kingpin Kush only possesses and distributes lawful hemp. However, it is important to understand that THCa hemp flower will change form and become illegal marijuana if the THCa in it decarboxylates and raises the concentration of delta-9 THC to above 0.3%. In addition to the natural process of decarboxylation over time, THCa will also convert to delta-9 THC when it is exposed to heat and light. We strongly recommend storing THCa hemp flower in a cool, dark, dry location in order to limit the amount of THCa that is unintentionally converted to delta-9 THC through the process of decarboxylation.
