As the cannabis industry continues to grow and evolve, it’s easy to get confused by the variety of terms and products available. Two terms that often cause confusion are THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) and hemp. While both are related to the cannabis plant, they are not the same. Understanding the differences between THCA and hemp is crucial for making informed decisions about cannabis products. In this blog post, we’ll clarify what THCA and hemp are, how they are related, and the key points you need to remember.

Read our Ultimate THCA Flower Guide which provides everything you need to know about THCA flower, hemp-derived products and other cannabinoids.

What Is THCA?

1. THCA: The Precursor to THC THCA is a naturally occurring compound found in raw and live cannabis plants. It is the acidic precursor to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the well-known psychoactive compound that produces the “high” associated with cannabis. When cannabis is heated—through smoking, vaping, or cooking—THCA undergoes decarboxylation, a process that converts it into THC, thereby activating its psychoactive properties.
2. Non-Psychoactive Properties In its raw form, THCA does not have psychoactive effects, meaning it won’t make you feel high. However, THCA has been studied for its potential therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-emetic properties. This makes it an appealing option for those seeking the medicinal benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive effects.
3. Where to Find THCA THCA is primarily found in fresh, raw cannabis plants. Products that contain THCA are typically in the form of raw cannabis flowers, tinctures, or extracts that have not been exposed to heat, thereby preserving the THCA content.

What Is Hemp?

1. Hemp: A Type of Cannabis Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant that is legally defined by its low THC content—less than 0.3% by dry weight. Unlike marijuana, which is bred to produce high levels of THC, hemp is cultivated for its industrial uses and high levels of CBD (cannabidiol), another non-psychoactive compound.
2. Uses of Hemp Hemp is an incredibly versatile plant with a wide range of uses. It is commonly used to produce textiles, paper, biofuel, construction materials, and food products like hemp seeds and hemp oil. Additionally, hemp is a primary source of CBD, which has gained popularity for its potential health benefits.
3. Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp and its derivatives, including cannabinoids like CBD and Delta 8 THC, are legal at the federal level in the United States, provided they contain less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC. Hemp-derived products have become widely available, including oils, edibles, and topicals that are marketed for their therapeutic effects without the high associated with marijuana.

Further reading you may be interested in: Are THCA and Hemp the Same? Key Points to Remember

Key Differences Between THCA and Hemp

1. Origin and Classification
   • THCA: THCA is a compound found in both marijuana and hemp plants. It is specific to the cannabis plant’s chemical profile and is not a classification of the plant itself.
   • Hemp: Hemp is a classification of the cannabis plant that is legally defined by its low THC content. It is a specific type of cannabis, distinct from marijuana, and is cultivated for a variety of industrial and therapeutic uses.
2. Psychoactivity
   • THCA: THCA is non-psychoactive in its raw form. It only becomes psychoactive when heated and converted into THC.
   • Hemp: Hemp itself is non-psychoactive due to its low THC content. Products made from hemp, including those containing THCA, will not produce a high unless the THCA is converted to THC.
3. Legal Status
   • THCA: The legality of THCA depends on its source and the laws of the state or country. THCA derived from marijuana is subject to the same regulations as THC. However, THCA derived from hemp (with less than 0.3% THC) is legal under federal law in the United States, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill.
   • Hemp: Hemp is legal at the federal level in the United States and in many other countries, as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC. This legal status allows for the widespread cultivation and use of hemp for various products, including food, textiles, and CBD.
4. Usage and Applications
   • THCA: THCA is primarily used for its potential therapeutic benefits, often in raw or minimally processed forms. It is ideal for those who want the medicinal benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive effects of THC.
   • Hemp: Hemp is used in a wide array of industries, from wellness to construction. It is the source of many popular products, including CBD oils, hemp seeds, and even eco-friendly building materials.

Key Points to Remember

• THCA and hemp are not the same. THCA is a specific compound found in cannabis, while hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant.
• THCA is non-psychoactive in its raw form but can be converted to THC, which is psychoactive, through heat.
• Hemp is legally defined by its low THC content (less than 0.3%) and is used for a variety of industrial and therapeutic purposes.
• Hemp-derived THCA products are legal under federal law in the U.S. as long as they comply with the THC limit.

Conclusion

While THCA and hemp are related, they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics. Understanding these differences can help you make informed decisions about the cannabis products you use. Whether you’re interested in the therapeutic potential of THCA or exploring the diverse uses of hemp, both offer unique benefits and possibilities.

At Cheddr, we provide high-quality THCA and hemp-derived products to meet your needs. Whether you’re looking for non-psychoactive wellness options or exploring the broader uses of hemp, our products are crafted with care and expertise. Explore our range today and discover the benefits of THCA and hemp for yourself.