You go to the dispensary, or visit your favorite cannabis online retailer and order all of your favorite THC products. You get cozy on the couch and take a couple hits. Your creative brain is now pumping out, in your mind, the most ground-breaking questions and theories. What happens if an asteroid took out the human race but all cats survived? My cat Georgie would rule the world.
Okay, maybe not that question, but we do tend to think about things a bit deeper and really think about how they work or where the heck they came from. How did this cannabinoid start as a seed, become a plant, and now is a dry product I’m literally smoking? How is THCA flower made?
Here at Moonwlkr we love transparency. We are not gatekeepers and want to share our knowledge with everyone including YOU. So let’s get down to the nitty gritty, how is THCA made?
What is THCA?
THCA is a naturally occurring compound found in the trichomes of the live cannabis plants. These trichomes house a variety of cannabinoids – including THCA, as well as terpenes and other beneficial compounds. It is the precursor to THC, the compound we all know is responsible for the psychoactivity of the cannabis plant.
Is THCA Synthetic or Natural?
While THCA itself is entirely natural, the methods used to cultivate cannabis plants and extract cannabinoids can vary. Some cultivation techniques employ synthetic methods to optimize growing conditions, such as controlling nutrient profiles or enhancing cannabinoid yields through advanced technology. These synthetic cultivation approaches, while not altering the natural structure of THCA, aim to maximize efficiency and consistency in production.
Learn more about the uses and effects of THCA here!
Trichomes
Trichomes are the appendages or outgrowth on the cannabis plant. These are the beautiful sticky crystal-like structures that pack all the potency. This is where all of the yummy smelling cannabinoids such as THCA and terpenes are stored. The production of trichomes may differ based on the strain of the cannabis plant as well as other factors such as nutrient content, light-source, and more. Certain strains produce more trichomes than others and offer a higher concentration of THCA.
Harvest
Once a cannabis plant reaches peak maturity, it is time to harvest. The handling of trichomes during this stage is extremely important in keeping the integrity of the appendage intact. After harvesting all of the healthy and mature trichomes, they undergo a drying process. When drying, the temperature and humidity levels are crucial to maintain the perfect environment for higher concentrations of THCA.
Extraction
There are many different extraction methods used within the cannabis industry. Solvent extraction is amongst the most common practices, however the others can be beneficial in other ways.
Sources for extraction variations: Gas: Ethanol, Butane, Hexane, Methanol, or Acetone, Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Ice-Water, and Dry Sieve
We Have THCA! Now Time for Decarboxylation
After the cannabis plants have been grown to maturity, harvested, and the trichomes extracted. THCA is live and prevalent within the yielded trichomes of your natural cannabis plant!
When navigating the intricate process of THCA cultivation, decarboxylation is an additional necessary step to unlocking the effects associated with THC. As THCA is the precursor to THC, it is not psychoactive in its raw, unaltered form. Thus, before decarboxylation – it will not induce the euphoric effects.
Decarboxylation transforms THCA into THC with the presence of heat. This can include sparking a pre-roll or flower with a lighter, vaporizing THCA with a built in heating element, or baking/cooking THCA into your favorite snacks at appropriate temperatures.
When THCA undergoes decarboxylation a carboxyl group is dropped releasing carbon dioxide and transforming it into THC and powering your high!
Curious about how THCA compares to THC? Check out this blog post!
Inside Look at Moonwlkr’s THCA Production with Brand Manager Olivia
We sat down with Olivia, a young entrepreneur, cannabis connoisseur, and one of the original founders of Moonwlkr – to get an inside look at the company’s THCA production process. Olivia has played a crucial role in sourcing top-quality, all-natural ingredients to improve customers’ quality of life through THC. Here’s what she had to share:
Interviewer: Why did Moonwlkr decide to start selling THCA?
Olivia: We focus on products that provide REAL relief and health benefits. THCA has proven to provide so many therapeutic properties such as anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory, and even neuroprotective benefits. This also expanded our product inventory by allowing us to offer high quality flower to your door step for those who do not have a dispensary at their disposal.
Interviewer: How do you manufacture THCA at Moonwlkr?
Olivia: We source our THCA from a reputable, third-party tested THC farmer that grows different strains of THCA in a controlled environment. This ensures the potency and consistency of our THCA flower! Our pre-rolls are hand packed into all natural RAW cones and packaged into glass tubes that provide the freshest option for long-term or short-term storage. Our lids are air tight and the sturdy jars protect your pre-rolls from damage that may be caused by unforeseen circumstances such as shipping and handling after they leave our warehouse.
Interviewer: What’s something you wish people knew about THCA production?
Olivia: Honestly, if you can imagine the production of traditional THC for dispensaries around the United States, the process is actually VERY similar.
Interviewer: Is THCA natural? Do you do anything to your THCA products?
Olivia: Yes, THCA is natural! It is derived from the trichomes that are naturally occurring on THC plants. These are the little powerhouses where all the potency is stored in a marijuana plant. There are no extra preservatives and nature does not need to be interfered with as it has given us THC as well as THCA as long as we control the environment itself. By that I simply mean controlling humidity, temperature, and lighting to mimic the perfect environment for peak growth opportunities.
How is THCA Flower Made?
Well folks, you have your answer. THCA undergoes the exact same process as THC with the additional necessity of decarboxylation to unlock its psycho-active effects. Always make sure to check any company for their transparency. Moonwlkr provides all third-party lab tests for any of your favorite cannabinoid products including THCA! Try it for yourself.
Check out the best strains to try this weekend now!
FAQs on THCA Manufacturing and Production
What is the difference between THCA and THC?
THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the natural precursor to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THCA is non-psychoactive in its raw form, meaning it doesn’t cause the “high” associated with cannabis. When exposed to heat through processes like smoking, vaping, or cooking, THCA undergoes decarboxylation, transforming into THC and unlocking its psychoactive effects.
Can you consume raw THCA?
Yes, you can consume raw THCA, but it will not have psychoactive effects. Many users incorporate raw cannabis into smoothies or other recipes to enjoy potential health benefits attributed to THCA, such as anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, without getting high.
Is THCA flower different from regular cannabis flower?
THCA flower is essentially cannabis flower that is rich in THCA content. The key difference lies in how it’s processed and marketed. THCA flower can be used as-is or decarboxylated to create THC, offering users flexibility based on their desired effects.
How do different cannabis strains affect THCA production?
Cannabis strains play a significant role in THCA content. Some strains are bred specifically for higher trichome production, which correlates to higher THCA levels. Environmental factors such as light exposure, nutrient availability, and growing techniques also influence the concentration of THCA.
How are trichomes preserved during harvesting?
Trichomes are delicate structures that can easily break or degrade during handling. To preserve their integrity, growers carefully harvest cannabis at its peak maturity, using methods like hand-trimming. Environmental controls such as optimal temperature and humidity during the drying phase are also crucial.
What are the most common THCA extraction methods?
THCA can be extracted using several methods, each with its advantages:
- Solvent-based methods: Using ethanol, butane, or CO2 to dissolve trichomes and isolate cannabinoids.
- Solventless methods: Such as ice-water or dry sieve extraction, which involve mechanical separation.
- Rosin pressing: Applying heat and pressure to extract THCA in a clean and solvent-free process.
Is decarboxylation necessary to use THCA?
Decarboxylation is only necessary if you want to activate the psychoactive effects of THC. If you’re seeking non-psychoactive benefits from THCA, you can skip this step and consume it raw.
Are synthetic cannabinoids used in THCA products?
Some manufacturers use synthetic processes to replicate cannabinoids, but natural sourcing is preferred for a richer cannabinoid profile and higher quality. Moonwlkr ensures that its THCA is sourced naturally from cannabis plants, with full transparency and third-party lab testing.
How does temperature and humidity impact THCA production?
Both temperature and humidity significantly influence trichome production and preservation. Ideal growing conditions maximize the plant’s ability to produce THCA, while improper drying or storage can degrade THCA into other compounds, reducing its potency.
Can I make my own THCA extracts at home?
Yes, you can make THCA extracts at home using methods like ice-water extraction or dry sifting. However, these processes require precision and care to avoid losing potency or contaminating the extract. Always follow safe practices and start with high-quality cannabis flower.
How do I verify the quality of THCA products?
Reputable companies provide third-party lab tests for their products, which detail cannabinoid content, purity, and potential contaminants. Moonwlkr includes these reports with every product, ensuring transparency and peace of mind for customers.
What are the benefits of using THCA over THC?
THCA offers potential therapeutic benefits such as anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-nausea properties without the psychoactive effects of THC. This makes it appealing for users seeking wellness applications without the high.
Can THCA degrade over time?
Yes, THCA can degrade over time if not stored properly. Exposure to heat, light, or air can convert THCA into THC or other compounds, diminishing its potency. Store THCA products in a cool, dark place in airtight containers to maximize shelf life.
