What Is THCA?
THCA is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in raw cannabis and hemp plants. Unlike THC, it doesn’t produce intoxicating effects in its raw form. However, when heated — through smoking, vaping, or cooking — it decarboxylates into Delta-9 THC, the compound responsible for the familiar euphoric “high.”
The Process: How Is THCA Made?
1. Cultivation of High-THCA Hemp Strains
It all starts with growing hemp strains bred specifically to produce high levels of THCA while maintaining compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill — meaning less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight. These plants are carefully cultivated in controlled environments to optimize cannabinoid content.
2. Harvesting & Fresh Processing
To preserve THCA, hemp is often harvested early and processed quickly to avoid the natural decarboxylation that happens over time with heat and light exposure. In many cases, fresh frozen or raw flower is used to maintain maximum THCA content.
3. Cold Extraction Techniques
The raw plant material undergoes cold extraction, typically using solvents like ethanol or hydrocarbons at low temperatures. This preserves the acidic cannabinoids (like THCA) and prevents them from converting into THC prematurely.
4. Winterization and Purification
After extraction, the crude oil is winterized — a process that removes unwanted fats, waxes, and plant lipids. The extract is then further refined to isolate and concentrate pure THCA.
5. Crystallization
In some cases, the THCA is turned into a crystalline form, often called THCA diamonds. These are created through a slow crystallization process using solvents, pressure, and time to form solid, potent crystals of THCA.
Is THCA Legal?
Yes — as long as the final product contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, it is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. At White Label Hemp, all of our THCA products are rigorously third-party lab tested and fully compliant.