Now that you’ve discovered the benefits of THCa—the federally legal cannabinoid that can get you high—you’re probably wondering: What is the best way to use THCa? Whether you prefer smoking, vaping, dabbing, or even eating it, we’re breaking down the best consumption methods to help you get the most out of your THCa experience.
What Is THCa? Can You Really Get High with It?
Yes, you can get high with THCa! THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the raw, non-activated form of THC found in cannabis. All you need to do is apply heat—a process called decarboxylation—which converts THCa into THC, to activate its full psychoactive effects. Just like regular THC products, THCa flower and concentrates need to be heated to produce the high you’re looking for.
Best Ways to Use THCa
How to Smoke THCa Flowers
If you’re wondering, “Can you smoke THCa?” the answer is absolutely! THCa flower is just like traditional cannabis, and you can enjoy it using various smoking methods. Here are the best ways to smoke THCa.
But First, Equipment Needed for Smoking THCa:
To smoke THCa, you’ll need some basic equipment:
-
- Grinder: A grinder is used to break down the THCa flower into smaller, more manageable pieces for smoking.
- Rolling papers or a pipe: Rolling papers are used to create joints, while a pipe is a handheld device with a bowl for packing the THCa flower.
- Lighter or hemp wick: A lighter is used to ignite the THCa flower, while a hemp wick provides a more natural and less harsh flame.
Pipes
How to smoke THCa flowers with a pipe:
-
- Grind your THCa flower for an even burn.
- Pack the bowl lightly to allow for airflow.
- Light the flower while inhaling gently.
- Exhale and enjoy the effects.
Characteristics:
-
- High Onset: Immediate, peaks within 10-30 minutes.
- Duration: 1-3 hours.
- Benefits: Portable, easy to use, no need for rolling.
- Best For: Quick solo sessions or discreet consumption.
Bongs
How to smoke THCa flowers with a bong:
-
- Fill the bong with water to the desired level.
- Grind and pack your THCa flower into the bowl.
- Light the bowl while inhaling to pull the smoke through the water.
- Remove the bowl and inhale deeply.
Characteristics:
-
- High Onset: Immediate, more intense than a pipe.
- Duration: 1-3 hours.
- Benefits: Smoother hits due to water filtration, stronger effects.
- Best For: Heavy-hitters who want a powerful, fast-acting high.
Joints/Pre-Rolls
How to smoke THCa joints or pre-rolls:
-
- Grind your THCa flower finely.
- Roll it in a rolling paper or grab a pre-roll for convenience.
- Light the tip while inhaling steadily.
- Enjoy at your own pace.
Characteristics:
-
- High Onset: Gradual, peaks within 10-30 minutes.
- Duration: 1-3 hours.
- Benefits: Portable, social, no need for extra equipment.
- Best For: Group sessions or classic smoking experiences.
Blunts
How to smoke THCa blunts:
-
- Grind your THCa flower.
- Roll it in a tobacco leaf or hemp wrap.
- Light the tip and inhale slowly.
Characteristics:
-
- High Onset: Similar to joints but stronger due to tobacco wraps.
- Duration: 2-4 hours.
- Benefits: Long-lasting, full-bodied high.
- Best For: Experienced users looking for a slow, intense session.
Vaping
Vaping involves heating a substance until it vaporizes, then inhaling that vapor. Dry herb vaping uses THCa flower, while distillate vaping uses a concentrated oil. The key difference lies in the starting material. Dry herb vaping uses the cannabis flower itself and distillates provide a more refined and potent experience due to their isolated cannabinoid and terpene profile, allowing for greater control over the effects.
-
- Load your dry herb vaporizer with ground THCa flower or use a distillate vape.
- Set the temperature between 315°F-420°F.
- Inhale through the mouthpiece.
Characteristics:
-
- High Onset: Fast, within minutes.
- Duration: 1-3 hours.
- Benefits: Smoother than smoking, preserves terpenes.
- Best For: Health-conscious users who want less irritation.
THCa Edibles
Cooking with THCa transforms the non-activated THCa into the psychoactive THC. It all starts with decarboxylation, a crucial step where heat is applied to THCa, typically by baking the cannabis flower. This process triggers a chemical reaction that converts THCa into THC.
Once decarbed, the cannabis can be infused into fats like butter or oil, which then become the base for your edible. From brownies to savory dishes, the possibilities are endless, but careful attention to temperature and cooking time is key to preserving the potency and flavor of your THCa-infused treats.
How to cook with THCa:
-
- Infuse THCa into butter or oil (requires heat to activate THC).
- Bake into your favorite treat.
- Eat and wait 30-90 minutes for effects.
Characteristics:
-
- High Onset: Slow, peaks in 2-3 hours.
- Duration: 4-8 hours.
- Benefits: Long-lasting high, no smoking required.
- Best For: Users who want a discreet, extended experience.
THCa Dabbing
Dabbing with THCa involves flash-vaporizing concentrated THCa crystals or “diamonds” using a specialized rig. The high heat applied to the THCa during the dabbing process instantly converts the THCa into THC, delivering a potent and immediate psychoactive experience.
How to dab THCa:
-
- Heat your dab rig nail to 400-500°F.
- Place a small amount of THCa concentrate onto the nail.
- Inhale the vaporized THC.
Characteristics:
-
- High Onset: Instant, very potent.
- Duration: 2-4 hours.
- Benefits: Extremely strong effects.
- Best For: Experienced users seeking high potency.
Raw THCa
Though most people buy THCa to get high, some prefer consuming it raw for potential therapeutic benefits.
How to use raw THCa:
-
- Add raw THCa flower to smoothies.
- Mix into cold foods.
Characteristics:
-
- High Onset: No psychoactive effects unless heated.
- Benefits: Potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.
- Best For: Users seeking wellness benefits without a high.
THCa Consumption Methods
| Method | High Onset | Duration | Benefits | Best For |
| Pipe | Immediate | 1-3 hrs | Easy to use, discreet | Quick solo sessions |
| Bong | Immediate | 1-3 hrs | Stronger, smoother | Heavy-hitters |
| Joints | 10-30 min | 1-3 hrs | Portable, social | Classic experience |
| Blunts | 10-30 min | 2-4 hrs | Stronger, slow burn | Long-lasting effects |
| Vaping | Minutes | 1-3 hrs | Smooth, flavorful | Health-conscious users |
| Edibles | 30-90 min | 4-8 hrs | No smoking needed | Long-lasting experience |
| Dabbing | Instant | 2-4 hrs | Extremely potent | Experienced users |
| Raw THCa | None | N/A | Therapeutic benefits | Non-psychoactive users |
FAQs: Best Way to Use THCa
Is THCa legal?
Yes! As long as it meets federal regulations (under 0.3% THC), THCa flower is legally available.
Can THCa show up on a drug test?
Yes. Once heated, THCa converts into THC, which will likely trigger a positive result.
How do different strains affect THCa content and effects?
Just like with other cannabis products, different strains of THCa flower will have varying levels of THCa, as well as different terpene profiles.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that contribute to the unique scent and flavor of each strain. They also play a role in the overall effects, often referred to as the “entourage effect.”
Some strains are known for their energizing and uplifting effects, while others are more relaxing and sedating.
The THCa content itself will influence the potential potency when the flower is decarboxylated and consumed.
How do I store THCa flower?
Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and potency of THCa flower. The key is to minimize exposure to factors that can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes:
-
- Airtight Container: Use a glass jar or other airtight container to prevent the flower from drying out and losing its aroma.
- Cool, Dark Place: Store the container in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. Excessive heat can accelerate the conversion of THCa to THC and degrade terpenes.
- Humidity Control (Optional): Consider using humidity packs (like Boveda or Integra Boost) to maintain the ideal humidity level and prevent the flower from becoming too dry or too moist.
How do I know my THCa is high-quality?
Determining the quality of THCa flower requires careful consideration and research. Here are some key factors to look for:
-
- Lab Testing: Always purchase from vendors who provide independent third-party lab test results for their products. These tests should verify the THCa content, as well as screen for contaminants like pesticides, molds, and heavy metals. Verify the legitimacy of the lab by checking their credentials.
- Reputation: Choose vendors with a good reputation for quality and transparency. Read reviews and testimonials from other customers.
- Appearance: High-quality THCa flower should have a vibrant color, a strong aroma, and be properly cured (not too dry or too moist).
- Source: Whenever possible, learn about the source of the flower and the growing practices used.
- Price: While price isn’t always an indicator of quality, be wary of extremely cheap products, as they may be of lower quality or even counterfeit. High-quality THCa flower will typically mean a higher price.
Conclusion
Now that you have all the information you need to know the best way to use THCa for you, it’s time to experience it for yourself. Certified Headies offers a premium selection of THCa flower, vapes, and pre-rolls to meet your needs. Explore our collection today and discover the perfect way to enjoy the high you’ve been searching for!