THCA flower offers a legal cannabis sativa product that you can buy online. It’s the same thing as the flower you’d buy at a dispensary; all of the THCA is converted to THC when heated.
Because it contains less than 0.3% THC in raw form, though, THCA flower is considered a hemp product and is therefore federally legal.
All of this has made THCA flower very popular. But with some many products available online, how can you know what’s right for you?
It helps to understand the main types of THCA flower. In this article, we’ll break down these types so you can figure out which option suits you best.
What is THCA Flower?
THCA flower is dried cannabis sativa bud that’s been bred to contain high levels of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Because it contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight, it’s considered hemp and is therefore federally legal.
THCa turns into THC when heated through a process known as decarboxylation: you get the same effects from high-THCa, low-THC strains as you would from strains with a lower ratio of THCa to THC.
Types of THCA Flower
There are three main types of THCA flower: type 1 THCA flower, type 2 THCA flower, and exotic THCA flower. Here’s a bit about each:
Type 1 THCA Flower
Type 1 THCA flower refers to hemp flower strains that contain high levels of THCA and low levels of secondary cannabinoids, such as CBD, CBG, or CBN.
Due to the high THCA profile of type 1 THCA flower, these strains are ideal if you’re looking for intense euphoria, deep relaxation, and heightened sensory perception (by contrast, type 2 THCA flower is better for therapeutic uses or if you don’t want as strong of a head high).
Given the potency of type 1 THCA flower, we generally recommend it only if you have experience with THCA and know what to expect.
Type 2 THCA Flower
Type 2 THCA flower refers to hemp flower strains that contain a balanced ratio of THCA and CBD, along with other secondary cannabinoids like CBG or CBN.
The THCA converts into THC, delivering psychoactive effects, while the CBD and other cannabinoids help to counteract the intensity, creating a more relaxed, clear-headed experience.
Type 2 THCA flower is ideal if you’re consuming THCA flower for therapeutic purposes. The high levels of secondary cannabinoids in type 2 flower increases its physically and mentally relaxing benefits while taking the sharper edge off the high created by THC.
Exotic THCA Flower
Exotic THCA flower refers to hemp flower strains with very high THCA levels (20-30%+). These strains are often made by mixing multiple strains together and can be hard to find, hence the “exotic” name.
Exotic THCA strains often have bright, trichome-rich buds with vibrant colors like purples, oranges, and greens, making them visually stunning as well as potent.
Exotic strains are ideal if you’re looking for extremely powerful or unique effects. Because an exotic strain is often made by mixing multiple other strains, you can get the effects of several of your favorite strains all at once.
As with type 1 THCA flower, though, we only recommend trying exotics if you’re experienced with THC, given how powerful they are.
What to Look for When Buying THCA Flower Online
Apart from knowing which type of THCA flower is right for you, here are some things you’ll want to consider when shopping for strains online:
3rd-party lab testing
Only buy THCA flower that’s been 3rd-party lab tested. The hemp market is largely unregulated and there’s a lot of poor-quality flower out there; 3rd-party lab testing is essentially the only way to verify the quality of a strain.
Reputable THCA flower vendors will provide 3rd-party lab tests for their products. If a company doesn’t, do not buy from them.
All-natural flower
Only buy all-natural THCA flower. This will ensure the flower you buy is free of low-quality additives that don’t add to the effects or benefits you receive and may even be harmful.
All-natural flowers are richer in naturally-occurring cannabinoids (such as THCA, CBD, CBG, and so on), making it better for both therapeutic and recreational use.
Effects and potency
When you’re shopping for THCA flower, ensure you buy a product that provides the experience you’re looking for. There are two main things you’ll want to look for:
- THCA Percentage: The amount of THCA in the strain will determine how potent it is. Ensure you select a strain that’s appropriate for your preferences and level of experience. Type 1 strains, which contain 20% THCA or higher, are best if you’re experienced with flower. Type 2 strains, which are lower in THCA and higher in CBD, CBN, and CBG, are better for therapeutic use or if you’re new to THCA flower.
- Other Cannabinoid Content: If THCA flower contains other cannabinoids (whether naturally or through infusion), it will render different effects than THCA flower with minimal amounts of these other cannabinoids.
Where to Buy THCA Flower Online
If you’re looking for the best place to buy THCA flower online, Carolina Hemp Cafe is the place to go.
They have a selection of 30+ THCA flower strains, including type 1, type 2, and exotic selections. From classic strains like Northern Lights and Green Crack and exotics like Super Lemon Haze and Skywalker, they’re sure to have a strain you’ll love.
Every strain is 3rd-party lab tested, federally legal, and packaged in childproof containers. Carolina Hemp Cafe ships to 35+ states and offers free shipping over $99.
Whether you’re ready to try THCA flower for the first time or want to find a new supplier, Carolina Hemp Cafe is your go-to.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best THCA Flower for Your Needs
THCA flower allows you to enjoy the cannabis sativa plant legally and conveniently.
Whether you’re a wellness-focused user or like THCA recreationally, there’s a strain for you.
Powerful type 1 and exotic THCA strains are best for strong effects, while balanced type 2 THCA flower is better for addressing physical discomfort or sleeping more restfully at night.
No matter what path you choose to go, you now know what to look for when buying THCA flower.
