THCA can help you get some of the positive potential benefits from cannabis without the high you’d experience with THC-containing products. But what level of THCA is best?
We’re here to help by answering, “What is a high THCA percentage?” By knowing the answer, you’ll be able to balance your intake by getting the optimal dose for the potential positive benefits without a high risk of negative side effects. Keep reading to learn what the ideal and high THCA percentages are for different products.
What Is THCA?
THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a type of cannabinoid found in cannabis. This is an inactive form of THC. When you look at a cannabis plant, you might see shiny trichomes. While some people confuse these with THC, they are actually full of THCA.
THCA is common in younger plants. As the plants age, the THCA converts into THC through a process called decarboxylation. This process can be activated by either heat or time. THCA contains an additional carboxyl group that THC does not have. Heat and time remove this, leading to the conversion.
Related: Your Guide to CBD Products and Their Uses
Is THCA Psychoactive?
No, THCA is not psychoactive as long as it is in its original form. It will not lead to a high or other similar effects. These effects only happen after THCA has been converted into THC.
However, THCA does produce other potentially beneficial effects. It is said to improve energy and focus levels. Some early studies also suggest it could help with treating other medical issues. These are similar to some of the benefits of THC in general. So, THCA allows access to some of these benefits without producing the mind-altering high.
Understanding THC and THCA Percentages
When choosing between cannabis products, paying attention to the THC and THCA percentages is important. Higher percentages of THCA mean the strain is more effective in its potential therapeutic benefit. Meanwhile, higher THC percentages will lead to a stronger psychoactive effect. Depending on how you want to use the product, you’ll need to pay attention to one or both of these percentages.
If you plan on decarboxylating your THCA product, you’ll end up with THC. During this process, the potency can increase to 90-95%. You might lose around 5% of the potency during the conversion process, depending on the quality of the THCA. So, when looking into THCA percentages with decarboxylation in mind, just be aware that a portion of this percentage will ultimately go toward increasing the percentage of THC. This may mean you will want to choose a product with less THC than you would otherwise.
You’ll probably purchase your THCA as a hemp flower or THCA-dominant seeds. The specific type will be mentioned on the product, which can help you determine the percentage you’re working with.
The percentage of THC in a product will greatly vary between strains. Generally, Indica strains have higher percentages than Sativa strains. However, genetics, harvest time, growing conditions, and the curing process can also affect THC levels.
Looking for high-quality THCA flower that give you control over the flavor and use? Try our THC-A Flower Greenhour Premium, available in a variety of strains.
What Is an Ideal THCA Percentage?
In general, about 15-20% is considered an optimal THCA percentage. This will give you a good balance between the potential benefits and risks of consuming THCA. With lower percentages, you may not experience the potential benefits as well. Meanwhile, negative side effects are more common at higher percentages. Those who are new to cannabis use may also find higher percentages overwhelming.
If your THCA percentage is too high, you may experience headache, dizziness, nausea, anxiety, or cottonmouth. We recommend starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing it until you are happy. This will let you understand your response to the concentration you’re taking.
What Is a High THCA Percentage for Flowers?
What is considered a high THCA percentage will depend on the form you are using. For flowers, 25-30% is considered high. Flowers tend to have higher THCA concentrations than other forms. In addition, the range can be quite different depending on the cultivation method and the strain used.
Related: What is Hemp-Derived Delta 9? Buyer’s Guide
What Is a High THCA Percentage for Gummies?
For gummies, a good THCA percentage is around 10-15%. This will give you a good balance of the potential benefits without too much risk of strong effects. Above this would be considered a high percentage.
Gummies can be a great way to find your ideal dose of THCA. You can start by eating just one. Then, you can gradually increase your intake easily. Just remember that the effects of edibles tend to take longer to kick in than with other forms. In addition, the effects may last longer than you’ll get from smoking and vaping. This is because digesting the active ingredients takes longer than other ways your body could process them.
Gummies are also a great way for many people to consume THCA and CBD in general. They are convenient, discreet, and taste great. This makes them a popular option, so you should be able to find a variety of potencies.
However, it is also important to note that gummies will not be exposed to heat like products that are smoked. This means that the THCA in a gummy will stay as THCA and not be converted into THC. So, if you are looking for some THC in your gummies, you will have to look for that specifically and not just rely on converting THCA.
Want to see all of the different ways you can take advantage of the potential benefits of THCA? Browse our selection of products, from flowers to diamonds to chocolate squares.
What Is a High THCA Percentage for Diamonds?
THCA diamonds are one of the more potent forms of THCA and have taken off in recent years. These crystals are extracted from raw cannabis. They are then isolated to increase their potency. Because of this, a high percentage of THCA diamonds is around 85-99%. This will allow you to get the strongest effects due to their high concentration.
While you should consult your healthcare provider before taking any cannabis product, it can be especially important if you are considering THCA diamonds. The higher concentration can result in an increased risk of negative side effects.
What THCA Percentage Should You Look For?
Understanding the ideal THCA percentages for different types of products can give you a better chance of having a positive experience. Once you know “what is a high THCA percentage?” you can aim for a level that will work well for you.
Related: 5 Best THC Resin Products: Find Live Resin Here
The information and content in this article are intended for informational purposes only. It should not be a substitute for professional or medical advice. You should always speak with a licensed professional before you follow anything you read online.
Disclaimer:
The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.
