What are THCA Diamonds?

THCA is known as one of the most versatile cannabinoids on the market, partially because of the upsurge in THCA diamond usage. Cannabis concentrates open up a whole new world for cannabis users, especially for those who are used to only smoking flower. THCA diamonds/crystals are one of the most potent concentrates you can buy, and we will break down the ins and outs so you’ll see why diamonds might be your new best friend.

What are THCA Diamonds?

THCA diamonds are an incredibly potent concentrated form of cannabis. They get their name from their clear, crystalline structure and are known for delivering an intense, more prolonged high. This powerful concentration comes from the way they are made, which involves fresh-freezing the cannabis plant to preserve natural terpenes in the plant. 

THCA diamonds can have up to 98% THCA content, making them one of the most potent concentrates you can buy. This means the effects will be stronger and last longer than standard cannabinoids. THCA converts to THC when ignited, making it possible to deliver a traditional cannabis high to its user. 

Effects of THCA Diamonds

THCA, in its raw form is completely non-psychoactive until lit. So, THCA diamonds will cause a high because you need to heat them to use them. For a full breakdown of the effects of TCHA, check out our blog here. 

Whether you’re vaping, dabbing, or adding diamonds to your prerolls, users have reported: 

• Increased creativity
• Feelings of relaxation and better moods
• Feelings of euphoria

A high from THCA diamonds will differ slightly from a high given by traditional THCA flower. Regular THCA flower provides a gentler effect, making it suitable for beginners or those who prefer a more subdued experience. On the other hand, THCA-infused diamond flower is designed for those looking for a more intense and potent cannabis experience. 

How Are THCA Diamonds Made?

Closed Loop Method and Diamond Mining

• First, a liquid solvent extracts THC and terpenes from the plant matter. What is left is a solution supersaturated with THCA, also called sauce. 
• This solvent is gradually removed over the next few days to weeks, allowing THCA diamonds to crystallize. 
• Diamond mining in the cannabis industry involves separating THCA diamonds from the sauce following a closed-loop extraction. 
• The technique isolates cannabinoid crystals by size and sauce consistency, yielding pure crystalline THCA diamonds and a terpene-rich oil with over 50% terpenes and other extracted cannabinoids.

Choosing the proper extraction technique is crucial for cannabis fans to access the complete spectrum of phytochemicals present in the plant, terpenes included. Therefore, employing a closed-loop extraction process ensures that you’re getting the essence of potent cannabis flower — all its prime components — concentrated into a user-friendly format.

Crystalline Method 

There is another less common way to manufacture THCA diamonds, which is similar to making rock candy:

• THC isolate is dissolved in a solvent to achieve a supersaturated solution. 
• Next, heat and pressure are applied, encouraging the formation of THCA diamonds.
• As these diamonds developed, the solvent gradually evaporated away. 
• To finalize the product, extractors reintroduce the original strain’s terpenes or another terpene blend, resulting in THC diamonds immersed in terpene sauce. 
• The presence of terpenes amplifies THCA’s potency due to the entourage effect, which enhances the interaction between cannabinoids and terpenes.

What’s the Difference Between Terpene Sauce and Diamonds?

Terpene sauce is another popular THCA concentrate made by extracting oils from the cannabis or hemp plant. It differs from diamonds in many ways, similar to crumble. Texture-wise, terpene sauce is thick and sticky, making it perfect for dabbing.  

The main focus of sauce is to deliver a complex and rich terpene profile, meaning that this concentrate is probably the best for advanced flavors and aromas. Terp sauce is less potent than diamonds but delivers a variety of flavors that make up for the difference by maintaining the strain’s original qualities.

What’s the Difference Between Crumble and Diamonds?

THCA crumble is another form of this concentrate, although it differs from diamonds in several ways. THCA crumble tends to be less potent due to how it’s made and the overall end product. The process for making THCA is much more precise, while crumble is made via vacuum-sealing at very low temperatures. 

While THCA diamonds are typically hard and solid, THCA crumble, as the name implies, is dry and crumbly. This texture makes it easy to break apart. Although less potent, crumble has a broader terpene profile than diamonds, offering a richer and more diverse range of flavors.

Crumble is often used via dabbing or as a topper to plain flower.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

How to Use THCA Diamonds

Dabbing is the most popular way to use diamonds, but other methods are gaining ground quickly. For instance, many locations now sell prerolls that incorporate THCA diamonds for a more potent smoking experience. This widespread use of diamonds makes them more accessible to all consumers. 

Since diamonds are made of THCA, you’ll need to heat them to feel any psychoactive effects; you can use diamonds by:

• Smoking – Smoking THCA diamond concentrates can be done using a glass bowl or bong. To start, place a small amount of crushed THCA diamonds into the bowl piece of your bong or glass bowl. Light it, and draw the smoke through the mouthpiece. The water in the bong acts as a filter and cooler for the smoke, enhancing the smoothness of the inhalation experience. THCA diamonds can also be sprinkled into joints to enhance your experience. 
• Vaping – Vaping offers a gentler alternative to traditional smoking. This technique utilizes vaporizers that heat the concentrates just enough to vaporize cannabinoids and terpenes without burning the material, providing a smoother and often less harsh inhalation experience. A range of vaporizers on the market, from handheld portable pens to tabletop units, offer varying degrees of convenience and control over the vaping experience.
• Dabbing – Dabbing is a favored method for consuming THCA diamond concentrates due to its efficiency and potency. Using a dab rig, torch, and dab tool, heat the nail or banger with the torch until it glows red hot, then allow it to cool briefly. Next, use the dab tool to carefully place a small amount of THCA diamonds onto the heated nail or banger and inhale the resulting vapor. This technique offers a potent and immediate effect.

If you’re preparing your THCA concoction yourself, keep in mind that diamonds are incredibly potent – more so than traditional Delta-9 THC. This means you can start with a reasonably small amount and still feel the full effects of the product. 

How to Store THCA Diamonds?

The ideal way to store THCA diamonds is in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This prevents the concentrate from breaking down and losing its valuable flavors and potency. Many places sell their products in airtight containers, so you can store them in their original packaging to prevent excess oxygen from entering. 

Can I Vaporize THCA Diamonds?

Yes, using THCA diamonds in a vape pen or a portable dabber is one of the simplest methods to enjoy this extract. If the chamber of your vape is sufficiently large, you can place entire diamonds inside and gradually consume it over several sessions.

Can I Eat THCA Diamonds?

Yes, but while many people ingest raw THCA diamonds, you must remember that eating this product without heating will yield a different result than using heat-based methods. As stated above, when THCA is raw, there are no psychoactive effects. Many people who ingest raw THCA or incorporate it into smoothies or other foods compare it to consuming CBD. The experience tends to be less intense and lacks a distinctive “high.”

Are THCA Diamonds Legal?

Yes. Any hemp-based product that contains less than 0.3% THC is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, and this includes THCA diamonds. However, each state may have its own laws regarding THC and its different cannabinoids, so check your state’s laws before purchasing cannabis hemp products of any kind. 

Where to Buy THCA Diamonds Online

THCA Prerolls are a great place to start if you’re getting into diamonds. Imperial Extraction’s THCA Loaded Prerolls incorporate high-quality flower and diamonds wrapped in ultra-thin European rolling paper. If you’re an experienced user with strain preferences, we have options for you, too; indica, sativa, and hybrid are all in stock. 

Final Thoughts On THCA Diamonds

THCA diamonds are a great place to start if you’re getting into the concentrate game, provided you know your limits and understand the strength of these little gems. If you’re up for it, diamonds are ideal for users with a high tolerance, those seeking significant medicinal relief, and virtually anyone searching for a pure and potent option.

**(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 was written in March 2024 and reflects the current laws of the United States at that time. 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.