THCa has become a favorite among cannabis enthusiasts thanks to its dual nature. When you heat THCa flower (also referred to as THCa flowers), you’ll enjoy a euphoric experience that is just as good if not better than a classic cannabis experience. Or you can enjoy THCa flower raw for non-euphoric wellness benefits that rival CBD (Cannabidiol). Because THCa flower is so popular, some people may want to grow their own. So, how is THCa flower made? We’re here to break down the cultivation process into five simple steps!
Keep reading as we reveal how to grow THCa-rich flowers from seed to harvest. By learning the secrets, you can grow some yourself and always have plenty on hand. Are you ready to flex your green thumb? Read on to discover how to grow THCa flower.
What is THCa Flower?
THCa flower is hemp flower rich in THCa (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid, THCA, THC-A, or THC-a), a non-euphoric cannabinoid. In its raw or “uncooked” form, THCa flower is non-euphoric. However, when heat is applied, a process called decarboxylation converts THCa into THC (Delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol, Delta 9 THC, Delta 9, D9, D9 THC). All hemp plants contain THC levels of 0.3% or less. But you can increase these levels by converting THCa into THC.
You can turn THCa into THC using several ways that involve heat-induced decarboxylation. These include smoking and vaping THCa flower or incorporating it into baked goods. This allows enthusiasts a legal way to enjoy a classic cannabis experience via federally legal hemp. When enjoyed in traditional ways, THCa flower provides the pleasant buzz of THC. This is something that traditional hemp flower cannot provide.
However, THCa pre-decarboxylation (“uncooked”) may also produce therapeutic benefits similar to other non-euphoric cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. Like Cannabidiol (CBD), the main cannabinoid in hemp (CBD flower), THCa may provide several wellness benefits.
Understanding Cannabis Chemistry: Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and The Endocannabinoid System
You may wonder why cannabis plants, THCa flower, in particular, provide the desired effects. It mostly has to do with the cannabinoids and terpenes that are present in the plant. Cannabis terpenes are compounds responsible for a strain’s aroma and flavor. They also provide various therapeutic advantages as well.
Common cannabis terpenes include:
- Myrcene. Helps reduce physical discomfort, supports sleep, and lowers the symptoms of seasonal irritations.
- Limonene. Also possesses anti-irritant benefits.
- Linalool. It may enhance mood and promote relaxation.
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds in cannabis plants. They are present in both hemp and marijuana flower (THC flower). Every cannabis plant has certain levels of cannabinoids, which differ from plant to plant and play a key role in the plant’s benefits.
The most common types of cannabinoids present in raw cannabis plants include CBD, THC, and THCa, which we touched upon. Additional cannabinoids found in trace amounts within various THCa cannabis strains include CBG (Cannabigerol), CBN (Cannabinol), and CBC (Cannabichromene).
When you enjoy THCa flower, you receive the full-spectrum of cannabis plant compounds for maximum benefits. Cannabinoids like THCa and THC deliver these benefits by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system.
How THCa Flower Interacts With Your Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a vast internal network of cell-signaling receptors that help regulate several important biological processes. These processes include memory, mood, appetite, digestion, mobility, sex drive, and sleep. Cannabinoids interact with your ECS receptors to deliver their benefits.
Consuming THCa flower raw, via cold juices, or using it as a garnish on foods allows you to ingest THCa in its purest form. Unlike other cannabis cannabinoids, THCa doesn’t bind strongly to your ECS receptors. But it still interacts with them like CBD, offering numerous wellness benefits for your overall well-being when used consistently.
However, if you decarboxylate THCa flower, you’ll end up consuming THC. This cannabinoid has an extremely high affinity for the ECS receptors in your brain and central nervous system (CNS). This leads to intense cerebral stimulation and euphoria sought after by many cannabis consumers.
How Is THCa Flower Made? The Stages of Cannabis Plant Growth Cycle
If you are interested in growing THCa flower, you must understand what’s involved. Typically, it’s best left up to expert hemp farmers with years of experience growing cannabis flower. However, making THCa flower is something that anyone can do when given the proper knowledge and tools. In this section, we will explain the various stages of growing THCa flowers so you can get started.
Stage 1: Seed Germination
Cultivating THCa flowers starts with raw cannabis seeds. The first step is to germinate the seed of your favorite THCa cannabis strains.
To germinate a seed, simply place it in a damp paper towel within a plastic bag in a warm, dark location until it sprouts. A small root will appear and eventually grow. The process will usually occur within a week. You must ensure the right environment for sprouting based on optimal temperature and humidity levels.
Stage 2: Planting The Seed
Once the seed has sprouted, carefully transfer it to a small pot with nutrient-rich soil. You can also choose to maximize your harvest by planting it outside. But do this only if you understand your environment and weather patterns well! Plant the seed just beneath the surface of the soil, ensuring it’s not too deep. Water gently.
Stage 3: Vegetative Growth Stage
During the vegetative stage, the plant will begin adapting its flower-like form. You must provide the ideal nutrients and light (if growing outdoors, natural sunlight will have to do; if growing indoors, use high-quality LED lights) to ensure the plant achieves its required size and mass. Healthy vegetative growth will ensure a successful flowering period and robust cannabis buds.
Stage 4: Flowering Phase
The flowering stage is when the THCa in the plant begins to intensify, working its way to maximum potency. The THCa concentration in each cannabis bud depends on the light cycle, so ensure the plant has the proper light exposure it needs to develop. The plant will also begin to produce buds during this phase. The flowering stage is a good time to monitor the plant’s cannabinoid balance to ensure it produces the desired effects.
Stage 5: Harvesting Process
Harvesting is the final phase of growing THCa flower. Depending on the THCa content, plants are typically ready for harvesting in 8-16 weeks.
However, if you are aiming for THCa flower that offers maximum potency and THCa content, it is best to harvest sooner rather than later. If you wait too long, the THCa may be less powerful.
To harvest, you must first remove each cannabis bud and dry and cure them. They are now ready for consumption after the slow drying and curing process. THCa cannabis buds can also be processed further to make other products, such as THCa diamonds, which are powerful and pure THCa-rich cannabis concentrates.
Benefits and Uses of the THCa Flower
Organic THCa flower offers several benefits, making it perfect for both recreational or medicinal use. Although the stories of its potential health benefits are anecdotal, and research is still ongoing to verify these claims, some believe THCa flower has therapeutic potential in its “cooked” and “uncooked” forms. At the end of the day, how you consume THCa flower determines its benefits.
Recreational Use of THCa Flowers and Their Effects
As mentioned, THCa flower has several wellness properties in its raw/uncooked form. The benefits of uncooked THCa are very similar to the wellness potential of CBD. These benefits may include elevated mood, physical discomfort relief, stress reduction, easing joint and mobility issues, and finding relief from seasonal irritants.
THCa flower provides several benefits when decarboxylated or cooked. These advantages come from THCa’s conversion into THC. They include:
- Uplifting, cerebrally stimulating euphoria.
- Elevating our spirits and embracing blissful, uplifting emotions that can shift one’s perspective.
- Igniting creative inspiration, propelling you into a state of creative flow.
- Alleviating discomfort, be it from an intense workout or everyday muscle tension and aggravation.
- Promoting relaxation by helping to melt away life’s stressors, allowing for an escape from the demands of daily life.
- Enhancing sleep quality by calming the mind, facilitating a smoother transition into a deeper, more restorative sleep.
However, it’s important to try cannabis with THCa content privately if you are consuming it for the first time. Doing so will help you determine how it affects you. For example, you may notice it makes you excessively sleepy. If so, you may want to take it before bedtime.
Keep in mind that THCa plants will affect everyone differently. New consumers need to be cautious as the effects may hit harder when cooked. Check the THC content before consumption for a smoother experience.
THCa Flowers Consumption Methods
You can consume THCa flowers like any other type of cannabis bud. However, you must heat it properly to convert THCa from its raw form into potent THC.
You can consume THCa flower in the following ways:
- Smoking. You can smoke THCa flowers in a bong, pipe, or joint. Each method provides its share of pros and cons. Determine which is best for your needs.
- Vaping. Heat THCa flower in a dry herb vaporizer. This consumption method does not produce smoke. Instead, you’ll enjoy rich, velvety vapor and a more pleasant smell without the burnt aroma.
- Edibles. For THC bliss, bake THCa flower into brownies, cookies, and other foods. For a non-euphoric experience, use THCa flower as a garnish on cold foods or infuse it into cold drinks. Edibles typically take longer to hit. And when they do, it’s usually harder than other consumption methods. Wait a couple of hours before deciding you need to ingest more.
- Capsules & Tinctures. Cannabis providers may sell capsules and tinctures that contain THCa and other hemp-derived cannabinoids. Look at the ingredients carefully to ensure they provide the necessary therapeutic benefits. Capsules are predosed, providing ease of benefits and convenience for a non-euphoric THC experience. Tinctures are versatile; you can consume them directly, added to hot or cold foods and beverages, or taken sublingually.
FAQs – How Is THCa Flower Made?
How Is THCa Derived?
The THCa cannabinoid is derived from high THCa hemp flower via safe and clean extraction processes. You can grow THCa flower at home or purchase it from a cannabis cultivator. If you choose to grow THCa flowers at home, make sure you are using the right seeds.
What Percentage of THCa Is in Flowers?
THCa percentage will vary from strain to strain. You can monitor content during the flowering phase. If you purchase THCa cannabis products, the percentage should be listed on the package.
Is THCa Sprayed on Hemp Plants?
No, THCa is not sprayed on hemp plants. Experienced farmers are able to grow high THCa flower through natural means and time-tested plant breeding techniques.
Is THCa Flower Legal?
Yes, THCa hemp flower is 100% federally legal. This is thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp and hemp-derived products as long as they contain no more than 0.3% THC. However, certain states may have laws that counter the government’s stance on hemp. Research your local laws regarding hemp to ensure legality within your state.
Is THCa Flower Safe?
Yes, THCa cannabis flowers are very safe when consumed responsibly and within personal limits. Always shop for THCa flower that is third party lab tested. This will ensure maximum potency, purity, and, above all, safety of the strain you’re consuming.
Final Thoughts- How is THCa Flower Made? [A 5-Step Cultivation Guide]
Growing high THCa flower is something that anybody can do when given the knowledge about proper cultivation techniques and appropriate tools. By following our simple five-step guide, you get an understanding of what it takes to grow these THCa hemp flowers for your enjoyment and needs. When heated, THCa converts to THC, providing euphoria and potential therapeutic benefits. But you can also consume THCa flower raw for wellness benefits that rival CBD’s.
How will you incorporate THCa hemp products into your wellness routine? Head over to our THCa products shop and browse our extensive collection of premium high THCa strains. We source our high-quality THCa flower from experienced hemp farmers and are a cannabis industry leader in providing great THCa products. Find out why our THCa flower is the best in the hemp market sooner than later — visit our THCa flower page and find your perfect strain today!
