How is THCA Flower Made?

It’s no surprise that many cannabis enthusiasts are curious about THCA flowers. What makes them special? How are they made? Are they similar to other cannabinoid flowers, and are they safe for consumption?

From meticulously curated growth conditions to a unique harvesting process, the journey of THCA flower manufacturing is key to unlocking the full potential of this non-intoxicating cannabinoid. This article provides valuable insights into THCA flowers, including their production process, potential effects, and more. Let’s dive in.

Key Takeaways

• THCA, the precursor to THC, is naturally found in hemp and cannabis plants.
• In its raw form, THCA is non-psychoactive, but when exposed to heat and light, it undergoes decarboxylation and transforms into THC.
• Harvesting them at the optimal time is essential to ensure maximum potency and preserve the integrity of THCA flowers.

What is THCA Flower?

THCA flower refers to cannabis buds that are rich in tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA). These buds are unique because they don’t produce any psychoactive effects when consumed raw. To unlock their psychoactive potential, you need to apply heat through smoking, vaping, or other methods.

You might wonder how cannabis plants develop THCA. As cannabis plants mature, they produce cannabinoids and terpenes. The first cannabinoid to form is CBGA, often called the “mother of all cannabinoids.” As the plant grows, CBGA breaks down into primary cannabinoids, including CBDA and THCA, which are the precursors to CBD and THC.

How is THCA Flower Made?

There are two primary methods for producing THCA flower: growing cannabis plants rich in THCA naturally or infusing hemp flower with THCA distillate. 

Carefully Growing Cannabis Plants Rich in THCA

This method involves growing THCA-rich cannabis flowers indoors or outdoors in a carefully controlled environment to ensure the plants reach their full THCA potential.

Key points to consider when growing these plants include:

• Controlled Temperature – Some manufacturers recommend growing plants in a cold environment to prevent THCA from easily converting to THC.
• Hydroponics Systems – Others suggest using a hydroponics system for optimal growth conditions.
• Optimal Harvesting – It’s crucial to harvest the plants when they are mature to maximize THCA content.
• Strain Selection – Choosing the best strains for THCA production is essential for achieving high-quality results.

Infusing Hemp Flower with THCA Distillate

This process involves several steps to enhance the THCA content in hemp flowers:

1. Sourcing Quality Hemp – Begin by sourcing high-quality hemp plants that are free of contaminants and rich in THCA.
2. Harvesting and Extracting – Harvest these plants and extract THCA through distillation.
3. Infusion – Infuse the THCA distillate into hemp flowers to boost their THCA content.
4. Quality Testing – Pack the infused flowers and conduct quality tests to ensure they are safe.

Alternative Method: Converting CBDA to THCA

Some manufacturers also convert CBDA (the precursor to CBD) into THCA and then spray the converted THCA onto hemp flowers to produce THCA flowers. By following these methods, producers can create THCA-rich flowers that cater to the growing demand for non-psychoactive cannabis products.

How Strong is THCA Flower?

THCA flower is not potent in its raw form and won’t get you high. However, once heat is applied, THCA converts into THC, making it as potent as THC. This means that the higher the THCA content in the flower, the stronger it will be when smoked.

Therefore, you should exercise the same caution and restraint with THCA as you would with THC. Start with lower doses and gradually increase as your body becomes more familiar. Additionally, smoking THCA flowers is one of the fastest ways to experience the “high” effects of THC.

Can You Grow THCA Flower?

The simple answer is yes, you can. Many manufacturers do this successfully, and here are some tips to help you do the same.

Choose Strains Rich in THCA

The first key to growing THCA flowers is to select strains naturally high in THCA. Strains with THC levels above 15% often have high THCA content.

Growing Conditions

As THC levels increase, THCA content may decrease. To preserve THCA and minimize its conversion to THC, grow your flowers in an environment designed to maintain THCA levels. Manufacturers recommend growing THCA flowers in a cool environment or using methods such as flash-freezing when harvesting your cannabis plants.

Hybrid Strains

Certain hybrid strains are typically rich in THCA. Examples include Death Star, Gorilla Glue, Silver Haze, and Lemon Kush. These strains are known for their high THCA content and can be a good starting point for growing THCA flowers.

Photo by Shelby Ireland on Unsplash

What is Considered a High THCA Flower Percentage?

Generally speaking, a THCA flower with a THC percentage higher than 15% is considered to have a high THCA percentage. However, it’s important to note that THC and THCA are distinct compounds. Therefore, THC content does not directly translate to THCA content and vice versa. As THC content increases, THCA content often decreases.

For more information regarding THCA percentages and strength, read our full guide.

Can You Make THCA Diamonds Out of THCA Flower?

Yes, you can produce THCA diamonds from THCA flowers, a foundational ingredient for this process. Once the initial THCA flower is extracted and pressurized into crystalline form, there are two methods to create THCA diamonds: the closed-loop and crystalline methods.

Here’s a quick overview of the general production process:

1. Extraction – Extract THCA from harvested and flash-frozen cannabis plants or THCA flowers.
2. Application of Pressure – A chromatography device applies pressure to the extracted THCA until crystals form.
3. Choosing a Method – Decide between the two popular methods for creating diamonds.

Closed-Loop Extraction Method

1. Add Solvent: Add a liquid solvent to the extract to isolate THCA and terpenes from the extract.
2. Purge: Purge the THCA extract through multiple processes to remove the solvent, leaving pure THCA.
3. Reintroduce Terpenes (optional): Some manufacturers reintroduce terpenes to create an entourage effect with their diamonds.

Crystalline Method

1. Form Supersaturated Solution: Mix the THC extract with a solvent to form a supersaturated solution.
2. Heat Under Pressure: Heat the solution under intense pressure to allow diamonds to form.
3. Evaporate Solvent: During the heating process, the solvent evaporates, leaving behind pure THCA diamonds.

Is THCA Flower Legal?

As with most cannabinoids, the legality of THCA flower varies across different jurisdictions. At the federal level, THCA flower is legal thanks to the Farm Bill, as it is a naturally occurring cannabinoid. However, this is not the case in every state in the United States. Understanding your state’s position before purchasing and consuming THCA flower is essential.

Additionally, some states have ambiguous laws regarding THCA flower, so it is advisable to exercise caution if you reside in such states. Always check the most current regulations to ensure compliance with local laws.

Is THCA Flower Safe?

As we delve into the safety and benefits of THCA flowers, one thing is clear: more definitive research is needed. However, from what we know so far, THCA flower appears to be quite safe. Consuming it raw is similar to consuming any other food without particular side effects. However, when heated, THCA converts into THC, thereby inheriting the same benefits and side effects as traditional THC.

It is not uncommon for individuals who smoke THCA flowers to experience classic effects such as:

• Euphoria
• Dry mouth
• Red eyes
• Anxiety
• Paranoia

Some suggest that these effects are milder with THCA than with THC, but there is still no conclusive, research-backed proof to support this claim. More studies are needed to fully understand the differences and potential benefits of THCA compared to THC.

Final Thoughts

THCA flower is an exciting product that is sure to grow in popularity within the cannabis market and ecosystem, largely because it is relatively easy to produce. Typically, all you need is a great hydroponics system or a carefully controlled environment with a cool temperature.

However, remember that despite the apparent ease of making THCA flower, it’s important to be cautious with dosage when smoking it. Additionally, always ensure that you are in compliance with the laws of your state regarding its use.

(Disclaimer reminder: This article is not medical advice. It is based on anecdotal user experience alone. If you are thinking about incorporating cannabis (delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, CBD, etc) into your medicinal routine, please consult a healthcare professional. Do not stop taking any prescribed medications without first consulting your doctor.)

Disclaimer: This article reflects the laws of the United States at the time it was written. Because cannabis laws in the United States laws are subject to change at any time, please make sure that you are always staying up to date on your federal, state, and local county’s cannabis laws. Additionally, we are NOT encouraging anyone to break the law––we are simply showing people ways to legally and discreetly bring their cannabis products along with them on their travels so that they may have access to those products when they reach their intended destination.