Cannabis concentrates are becoming increasingly popular, and there’s also a growing interest in non-psychoactive cannabinoids like THCa. One potent form of cannabis concentrate is the THCa dab, which offers a unique experience due to its high THCa content.
This article is your comprehensive guide to THCa dabs. We’ll cover what they are, how they’re made, their effects, their legality, and how you can use them.
What is THCa?
THCa, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a naturally occurring compound found in cannabis plants. It’s important to know that THCa itself isn’t psychoactive, meaning it won’t get you high. It’s actually the precursor to THC, the compound that does produce those effects.
So, how does THCa turn into THC? The answer is decarboxylation. Decarboxylation is a fancy word for using heat to convert THCa into Delta-9 THC. This process is essential if you want to experience the psychoactive effects we associate with THC.
Keep in mind that raw cannabis contains mostly THCa, not THC. That’s why people heat cannabis before consuming it, to activate the THC.
THCA vs. THC: What’s the difference?
It’s important to know that raw THCA won’t get you high. That’s because it doesn’t bind very well to the CB1 receptors in your brain until it’s been decarboxylated. Decarboxylation is a fancy word for heating it up.
THC, on the other hand, is the chemical in cannabis that makes you feel high. THC stands for Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, and it’s what most people are talking about when they talk about the effects of using cannabis.
So, the main difference is that THCA needs heat to turn into the psychoactive compound THC.
What are THCa Dabs?
THCa dabs are super-concentrated cannabis extracts that contain high amounts of THCa. You can find them in different forms, like wax, shatter, crumble, and badder.
Because they’re concentrated, THCa dabs are much stronger than smoking regular flower. People who use them report a more intense experience.
To use a THCa dab, you have to vaporize it on a hot surface and inhale the vapor. This is a process called “dabbing.”
How are THCa dabs made?
There are two main ways to make THCa dabs: with solvents or without them.
Solvent-based extraction
Solvent-based extraction methods use chemicals like butane, propane, or CO2 to strip the cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. Because these solvents are flammable, the process requires specialized equipment and ventilation.
It’s essential to remove any remaining solvent from the final product with a process called purging.
Solventless extraction
Rosin pressing is a solventless extraction method that uses heat and pressure to extract the cannabinoids and terpenes.
Because it doesn’t rely on potentially harmful solvents, solventless extraction is often seen as a cleaner, safer method. It also allows for lower temperatures, which helps preserve more of the terpenes, leading to a better flavor.
How to use THCa dabs
If you’re interested in trying THCa dabs, you’ll need some specialized equipment. You’ll need a dab rig, which is a type of water pipe. You’ll also need a nail or banger (the part you heat), a dabber (a tool for applying the THCa), and a torch to heat the nail.
Here’s a quick guide to the dabbing process:
- Heat the nail with your torch until it’s hot.
- Let the nail cool for a few seconds.
- Use the dabber to apply a small amount of THCa dab to the hot nail.
- Inhale slowly.
Important: If you’re new to dabbing, start with a tiny amount. THCa dabs can be potent, and it’s best to see how you react before taking a larger dose.
What are the potential effects and benefits of THCa?
Even before it’s heated, THCa may have therapeutic properties. Some people report it helps with pain and nausea.
However, research is preliminary, and scientists need to conduct more studies to understand exactly how THCa works and what it can do.
Like other cannabis products, THCa dabs may cause side effects such as coughing, dizziness, and dry mouth and eyes.
Are THCa dabs legal?
The 2018 Farm Bill made hemp-derived THCa products legal at the federal level, as long as they contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC.
However, you should always check your state and local laws first. Some states have stricter rules about THCa products.
It’s also important to remember that hemp-derived THCa dabs are different from marijuana-derived THCa dabs. Marijuana-derived THCa dabs are only legal in states that have legalized cannabis for recreational or medical use.
How Long Does THCa Stay in Your System?
If you’re worried about drug tests, here’s what to expect:
- Urine: THCa may be detectable for up to a month in heavy users, but light users can usually pass a urine test within a week.
- Blood: Up to 48 hours.
- Saliva: Around 24 to 48 hours.
- Hair: Up to 90 days.
Putting It All Together
THCA dabs offer a concentrated way to experience the potential benefits of cannabis, but it’s essential to understand what you’re using and how it affects you. Always use THCA responsibly, stay informed about the legal status in your area, and continue learning about THCA and other cannabis concentrates.