THCA 101
Everything you need to know about THCA, how it works, and why it’s federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill.
What is THCA?
The hype is real! There’s a new favorite in the cannabis world, and you’ve probably seen it popping up all over (including here at Highly). Meet THCA, the raw form of THC that’s turning heads for its potency and legal status.
Cannabis plants are loaded with cannabinoids — over a hundred of them — each playing a role in how you feel when you light up. THCA is one of those compounds, and it’s quickly becoming a favorite as more people learn how it works.
In this guide, we’ll break down what THCA actually is, how it compares to cannabinoids like Delta-9, Delta-8, and Delta-10, and why it’s showing up in so many of the best products on the market. We’ll also walk through how to use it and answer some of the most common questions about this powerhouse cannabinoid.
THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the natural, non-psychoactive form of THC found in raw cannabis. When heated it converts into Delta-9 THC, the compound that creates the classic cannabis experience.
Is THCA Legal?
Yep. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp products are federally legal in the U.S. as long as they contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight.
That means THCA flower is legal because, in its raw state, it is non-psychoactive — even though it becomes THC once you apply heat.
Just keep in mind that state laws can vary, so always double-check your local regulations before ordering.
Does THCA get you high?
Short answer: yes, once it’s heated.
When you smoke, vape, or cook with THCA, it transforms into Delta-9 THC, giving you the same effects as traditional cannabis. If you eat it raw (like in a smoothie or tincture that hasn’t been heated), you won’t feel psychoactive effects, but some people still use it for its potential wellness perks.
How to use THCA
If you’ve ever smoked, vaped, or dabbed regular cannabis, you’ve already experienced THCA, you just didn’t know it. THCA naturally exists in raw flower and turns into Delta-9 THC when heat hits it. That means anytime you spark up, take a hit from your rig, or bake with infused oil, you’re activating THCA into the compound that creates the classic cannabis effects.
Want to skip the psychoactive side and keep things raw? You can. THCA on its own won’t get you high unless it’s heated. Some people use it this way by blending raw flower into juices or smoothies for a nutrient boost. You might also find THCA tinctures or raw extracts, though they’re not as common as flower.
No matter how you use it, THCA is all about choice. Whether you choose to heat it up for the high, or keep it raw for something more grounded is all up to you!
Does THCA Come From Hemp or Marijuana?
You can find THCA in raw hemp and marijuana plants. It’s most abundant in marijuana, but it is found in trace amounts in the hemp plant. THCA available online comes from hemp plants and is concentrated to create more potent THCA products.
Why shop Highly?
We don’t do mid. Every strain you find on our site is hand-selected for quality, freshness, and potency. We partner with growers and brands who care about the process, so every hit tastes as good as it feels.
Our promise:
Independently Tested
Farm Bill Compliant
Top-Shelf Quality Only
You deserve flower that’s as genuine as the feeling.
