What Is THCa?

THCa is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant and acts as a precursor to THC—the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana. THCa hemp closely resembles marijuana in appearance, smell, taste, and potency.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about THCa, including its chemistry, psychoactive properties, legal standing, and potential benefits. Plus, we’ll offer some helpful tips for exploring THCa flower and other cannabis products.

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How Is THCa Hemp Different From THC?

THCa, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is the natural, raw form of THC. THCa itself is not psychoactive, but when it is heated—by smoking or vaping—it converts to THC through a process called decarboxylation. Essentially, you can’t get THC without first having THCa present in raw cannabis.

Learn more about cannabinoids on the August Blog.

What Are the Effects of THCa?

As mentioned earlier, THCa is non-psychoactive until it is exposed to heat. Once activated, THCa transforms into Delta-9 THC, the same compound that gives cannabis its classic high by interacting with your body’s cannabinoid receptors. This creates effects similar to what you would experience with high-quality cannabis flower found at a dispensary.

At August, we carefully curate strains with specific cannabinoid and terpene profiles, allowing us to predict the type of high you’ll experience—whether it’s social and energetic, relaxed and mellow, or creatively inspired.

Get 1g of Dante’s Inferno THCa flower for just $17. Subscribe to save 15%.

How Do You Get Started With THCa?

Your ideal dose of THCa depends on various factors, such as tolerance, body weight, and experience level. If you're new to cannabis, start with a small amount to test your tolerance and gradually increase as needed. More experienced users may opt for higher concentrations of THCa for a stronger effect. Regardless of your experience, it’s important to be mindful of THCa’s psychoactive effects and to start slowly.

What Are the Benefits of THCa?

While research on THCa is still emerging, some users report feeling calm, focused, or even creatively inspired after consuming it. The effects can vary based on the strain, with Sativa typically being more energizing and Indica more calming.

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Is THCa Legal?

Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived THCa with less than 0.3% THC is federally legal. All of August’s products comply with this law, but state regulations can vary, so it's important to check your local laws before purchasing.

Will THCa Show Up on a Drug Test?

Yes, THCa can appear on drug tests. Cannabinoids can remain in your system for varying periods depending on the type of test, ranging from 24 hours in saliva to up to 90 days in hair. If you have a drug test coming up, it's best to avoid THCa products for at least 90 days.

How Does August Select Its THCa Flower?

We partner with small, USDA-licensed farms in the U.S. to cultivate strains that emphasize specific cannabinoid and terpene profiles. This careful selection process ensures that you can find the perfect product to match your desired mood—whether it’s a classic high, body relaxation, or pure happiness.

Read more about our quality standards on the August Blog.

THCa FAQs

Q: What is the best THCa product for beginners?
A: If you're new to cannabis, we recommend starting with our THCa gummies, available in various flavors and potencies. Gummies offer a consistent, long-lasting high and can be easily portioned for milder effects.

Q: What is THCa dabbing?
A: Dabbing involves vaporizing highly concentrated cannabis extracts, such as hash or moonrocks, using a dab rig. It’s a potent option best suited for experienced cannabis users.

Q: What are the main side effects of THCa?
A: THCa can produce strong psychoactive effects when heated. Depending on the strain, it can influence your mood, making you feel relaxed, inspired, or even intimate.

Q: Is it safe to consume THCa raw?
A: THCa is non-psychoactive in its raw form and is safe to ingest, with juicing being a popular method. However, more research is needed to fully understand its benefits when consumed raw.

Visit the August Shop to explore our full range of premium THCa products.