With so many acronyms floating around the cannabis world, it’s easy to feel confused. THC and THCA — what’s the difference between these cannabinoids, and why does it matter?
Let’s break it down simply.
What Is THCA?
THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is found in raw cannabis. It is produced in the trichomes of the cannabis plant. It’s non-psychoactive — meaning it won’t get you high — unless it’s heated. That heating process, known as decarboxylation, transforms THCA into THC.
What Is THC?
THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) is the compound most associated with cannabis. It’s what causes the classic “high,” and it offers many therapeutic effects:
- Euphoria
- Pain relief
- Appetite stimulation
- Sleep support
But unlike THCA, THC is psychoactive and best for consumers ready for that experience.
Cannabis and the Entourage Effect
When you ingest any cannabis, it eventually hits your bloodstream. It then binds with receptors as it works with the body’s endocannabinoid system, or ECS. The ECS is a series of acidic molecules known as endocannabinoids. Their job is to keep your body in balance so that internal conditions stay steady even when your surroundings change.
Why does this matter? When the ECS is compromised due to illness, environmental factors, or poor lifestyle choices, cannabis can help remedy the ailing ECS. Cannabis is effective because the system within the cannabis plant that helps keep the plant healthy mirrors that of the ECS.
Even when you smoke or vape cannabis primarily for the THC, it will usually contain many other cannabinoids. These cannabinoids work together to enhance the function of the ECS and keep possible adverse effects of marijuana at bay, which is known as the entourage effect. When considering what type of cannabis product to use, it’s vital to consider the entourage effect and how to make the most of it for your health and enjoyment.
THC vs THCA Hemp Flower: What’s the Difference?
If we’re going to be discussing THC and THCA, we have to mention THCA hemp flower, which is easier to access, but at a significant cost.
You can now order 25% THCA flower from a gas station, head shop, or online with 2-day USPS shipping. No ID verification, no lab results, no questions asked. But here’s what most consumers don’t realize:
That “hemp” flower you’re buying online? It might be packed with unregulated chemicals, pesticides, or heavy metals.
The Loophole That Opened Pandora’s Box
Under the 2018 Farm Bill, cannabis is legal if it contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. But lawmakers missed one key detail:
Raw cannabis doesn’t contain delta-9 THC — it contains THCA, which only becomes THC when heated.
As a result, a massive gray market emerged where sellers label high-THCA cannabis as “hemp,” skirt cannabis laws, and ship across the country with little oversight.
The Danger: No Testing, No Standards
Unlike licensed cannabis in Massachusetts, THCA flower sold online is not required to be tested for:
- Pesticides
- Mold or mildew
- Residual solvents
- Heavy metals
Consumers may unknowingly inhale or ingest harmful contaminants — all in the name of convenience and lower cost.
Why Licensed Dispensaries Matter Now More Than Ever
Here’s how regulated cannabis in Massachusetts differs:
- Mandatory third-party lab testing
- Full transparency on terpene and cannabinoid profiles
- Chain of custody from seed to sale
- Clearly labeled potency and safety metrics
At Native Sun, every product we sell has passed strict safety standards so you can feel confident in your purchase — for you or a loved one.
THCA flower may be legal online — but that doesn’t make it safe, which is why you should stick to purchasing cannabis flower from a licensed dispensary, like ours.
How to Choose the Right Cannabis Flower at Native Sun
At Native Sun, our caring team of budtenders makes sure you have the best cannabis experience possible. We offer the highest quality products, along with a welcoming and educational atmosphere.
When searching for products that maximize the entourage effect, opt for those that list a relatively high percentage of TAC. TAC stands for total active cannabinoids and includes cannabinoids such as THCA and CBD.
At Native Sun, we offer cannabis products tailored to meet your needs. If you’re looking for more energy, try a sativa or hybrid blend that focuses on the sativa component. An indica blend will help you relax and improve your sleep.
If you have any questions about our products, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to see you at one of Native Sun’s three locations: North Attleboro, Hudson, or South Boston. Alternatively, you can contact us online anytime.