Does THCA Flower Get You High? THC Vs. THCA

How do you determine if a product is up to your standards? In the wide weed world, it takes some trial and error—especially when new cannabinoids like THCA enter the mix.

While there’s an abundance of cannabinoids on the market, there’s one compound that almost guarantees an enjoyable buzz time after time—Delta-9 THC.

But with so many brands pumping out THCA vapes and whole flower, it sort of makes you wonder: What’s the difference between THCA vs. THC? Does THCA get you high?

Turns out, these two cannabinoids have way more in common than it seems. We’d describe them as fraternal twins. Keep reading for more on that, plus the inside scoop on the best THCA flower online.

At first glance, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between THCA flower and the cannabis you’re used to. These cannabis plants and the bud they produce look exactly the same. It’s what’s beneath the surface that makes all the difference.

The main distinction is its chemical makeup. Classic cannabis is grown with high levels of Delta-9 THC, the main psychoactive cannabinoid you’re likely quite familiar with. On the other hand, THCA flower is cultivated to produce high THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) levels and low THC levels.

Because of that, THCA flower falls into a legal loophole. It’s grown and sold to contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, making it federally legal per the 2018 Farm Bill. So don’t worry about getting some shipped to your door.

Knowing this, you might be wondering just how strong THCA can get. Is it anything like Delta-9 THC? Let’s find out.

The short answer: Yes, but not in its raw form. If THCA flower isn’t exposed to heat, it won’t produce any psychoactive effects. But when heated—through smoking, vaping, or baking—THCA converts into THC, creating the same psychoactive effects and classic high you’d expect from traditional cannabis.

If you eat or consume raw THCA flower, don’t expect to feel high—THCA in its natural form is non-psychoactive.

Some research suggests that raw THCA cannabis products may offer potential health benefits, including:

• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Neuroprotective effects
• Anti-nausea support

However, without heat, THCA remains inactive, meaning no psychoactive effects or euphoric high. To unlock its full potential, THCA must be decarboxylated into Delta-9 THC—which is why smoking, vaping, or baking is essential if you’re looking for an intoxicating experience.

Yes—if THCA is properly decarboxylated, it converts into Delta-9 THC, delivering the exact same psychoactive effects as smoking traditional THC flower.

Once exposed to heat—whether through smoking, vaping, or baking—THCA transforms into Delta-9 THC. That means a strain labeled 25% THCA will hit just as hard as one labeled 25% THC, assuming it’s been decarbed correctly.

How Does THCA Turn Into THC?

Decarboxylation (often called “decarb” or “decarbing”) is the process that activates cannabinoids by removing a carboxyl group from THCA, converting it into psychoactive Delta-9 THC.

Here’s how temperature affects the decarbing process:

• Smoking (900°F / 482°C): Instant decarboxylation
• Vaping (315-430°F / 157-221°C): Takes a few seconds
• Baking (240°F / 116°C): Takes about 30-45 minutes
• Room Temperature: Happens slowly over weeks or months

Do Other Cannabinoids Get Decarboxylated?

Absolutely! This process doesn’t only involve the conversion of THCA to Delta-9 THC.

Here are just a few of those cannabinoids responsible for weed’s unique effects, which must be activated through decarboxylation (just like THCA):

• CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid) = CBD (Cannabidiol)
• CBGA (Cannabigerolic Acid) = CBG (Cannabigerol)
• CBCA (Cannabichromenic Acid) = CBC (Cannabichromene)
• CBNA (Cannabinolic Acid) = CBN (Cannabinol)
• THCVA (Tetrahydrocannabivarinic Acid) = THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)

If you’re familiar with the high produced by Delta-9 THC, the effects of THCA are no different, and that includes its duration.

Smoking or Vaping THCA Flower

• Onset: Effects kick in instantly or within 10 minutes
• Peak: The high usually peaks after 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Duration: Effects will often last 1-3 hours for most people
• After-effects: Post-buzz effects might linger for another 1-2 hours

It’s definitely worth noting that individual factors come into play when determining the duration of a THCA high. That includes tolerance, metabolism, dosage, and more.

How Long Do THCA Edibles Last?

When consumed in edible form, THCA takes much longer to kick in but lasts significantly longer:

• Onset: 30-90 minutes
• Peak: Usually after 2-4 hours
• Duration: 4-8 hours for most users
• After-effects: Can last up to 12+ hours for some people

Because edibles take longer to process in the body, the effects can be stronger and longer-lasting than smoking or vaping. Start low and go slow if you’re new to THCA edibles.

When properly heated, THCA flower delivers the same psychoactive effects as regular THC flower.

Common Effects of THCA Flower:

• Euphoria and mood enhancement
• Relaxation and stress relief
• Increased creativity and focus
• Heightened sensory perception
• Body relaxation and muscle relief
• Boosted appetite
• Giggly or social mood

Many users report a well-balanced experience that can be uplifting, relaxing, or euphoric, depending on the chosen THCA flower strain.

As with regular weed, there are some side effects to consider before indulging in THCA flower. And no surprise here—they’re the same side effects as Delta-9 THC:

• Increased appetite
• Dry mouth and eyes
• Increased heart rate
• Altered time perception
• Drowsiness or mental fog
• Short-term memory issues
• Anxiety or paranoia (especially at higher doses)

Several factors can impact the side effects one may experience after consuming THCA:

• Dosage (higher amounts increase the risk of negative effects)
• Consumption method and speed of onset
• Setting and mindset during consumption
• Strain-specific terpene profiles
• Individual tolerance

Eager to put some THCA products to the test? Brands like Bloomz are hard at work producing the highest-quality cannabinoid-focused flower, with an abundance of THCA options that range in potency and quality.

Since you’re after THCA flower that gets you high, we’ve gathered the strongest picks from Bloomz for truly epic sessions. See our picks below.

Choosing the strongest, best strains of the bunch can be difficult. How can you know which one is brimming with cannabinoids and terpenes for a deeply immersive buzz?

Enter Bloomz’s THCA Flower – Mystery Reserve. This collection features the brand’s absolute best strains and nugs of the week, chosen based on visuals, potency, and terpene profiles. In other words, it lets you take the guesswork out of determining which strains actually slap.

Only the most exotic strains make the cut here. This high-percentage THCA flower option is grown in small batches with impressive potencies reaching 30% and higher.

Grab yours in 3.5g, 7g, or 28g, and save 25% at Bloomz with code HERB25 at checkout.

If you prefer knowing exactly which strain you’ll receive (but still want the strongest of the bunch), look to Bloomz’s THCA Flower – Platinum Line.

This collection is another batch of high-percentage THCA flower, with some of the strongest effects you’ll ever experience. Seriously—these AAA exotic strains range from 35-40% THCA, and they’re placed in Bloomz’s Platinum Line for a reason. See your options below:

• Indica: Papaya Power (40% THCA), White Soho (39% THCA), Gello Shots (37% THCA)
• Sativa: Strawberry Lemonade, Gas Tax (38% THCA)
• Hybrid: Fiestaz (39% THCA)

This is the best of the best at a good price, delivering smooth and flavorful draws and a powerful sensory experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Save 25% at Bloomz with code HERB25.

If you’re familiar with Moon Rocks, you’ve gotta try Bloomz’s THCA Snow Caps.

These frosty buds take the Delta-9 THC Moon Rocks concept and give it a legal yet potent twist with indoor-grown high-percentage THCA flower covered in potent and pure THCA Isolate.

Since these buds are so strong, be sure you can handle the buzz. The addition of THCA isolate takes their potency through the roof. In fact, they’re also referred to as snowballs due to their frosty, white visual appearance.

Grab yours in the Indica strain MAC or the Sativa strain Pineapple OG, available in 3.5g and 7g quantities.

Don’t forget to use code HERB25 for 25% OFF your order at Bloomz.

For more products and information about Bloomz, visit their website at bloomzhemp.com.