Does THCA Get You High? Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

March 29, 2025

THCA: Potency, Benefits, and Products

THCA, the non-psychoactive precursor to THC, has been making waves in the cannabis community for its potential wellness benefits. If you're curious about trying it, Hidden Hills has a lineup of products you won’t want to miss. But before you dive in, let’s break down what THCA is, how it’s made, its legal status, and what you need to know about its effects.

What is THCA?

Ever wondered why eating raw cannabis doesn’t get you high? That’s because cannabis in its natural state doesn’t contain THC—it contains THCA. The ‘A’ stands for ‘acid,’ meaning it hasn’t yet transformed into the psychoactive compound responsible for that well-known high.

So, does THCA get you high? Not on its own. However, when you apply heat (a process called decarboxylation), THCA converts into THC, delivering the effects associated with cannabis use. That’s why smoking, vaping, or baking cannabis products is necessary to experience the psychoactive effects.

How is THCA Made?

Since THCA occurs naturally in cannabis, you might wonder why it needs to be extracted. For use in products like vape carts, edibles, and disposables, THCA must be purified into a crystalline form. The process begins with hemp extract, which is mixed with solvents like acetic acid and hexane. These help remove unwanted compounds such as fats, terpenes, and other cannabinoids.

Next, the extract undergoes pressure, heat, and motion to evaporate the solvents, leaving behind THCA in a crystal structure. After further purification, only pure THCA remains—perfect for those looking for a potent cannabis experience when heated.

Is THCA Legal?

THCA exists in a legal gray area. Federally, the legality of THCA depends on its source. If it’s derived from hemp and the final product contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, it falls under the 2018 Farm Bill and is legal. However, because THCA turns into THC when heated, some states have restrictions on its sale and use. Always check your local cannabis laws before purchasing.

Will You Fail a Drug Test with THCA?

Yes. Even though THCA itself is non-psychoactive, drug tests screen for THC metabolites, which your body produces after consuming cannabis. Since THCA converts into THC when heated or metabolized, using THCA products can lead to a positive drug test.

How Long Does THCA Stay in Your System?

The length of time THCA remains in your body depends on factors like frequency of use, metabolism, and body composition. Like THC, THCA can be detected in urine for days or even weeks after use, especially in frequent consumers. If you have an upcoming drug test, it's best to avoid THCA products.

How Potent is THCA?

On its own, THCA won’t produce a high. But once heated, it transforms into THC, making it just as potent as traditional cannabis. If you're after something even stronger, you might want to explore cannabinoids like THC-P, THCP-O, or THC-JD.

THCA Benefits and Uses

While research is still ongoing, THCA is showing promise in several areas. Consumers have reported benefits such as:

Neuroprotection – May support brain health and cognitive function.
Anti-inflammatory properties – Potentially helpful for pain and swelling.
Anti-seizure effects – Early studies suggest it may aid those with seizure disorders.

For those who want to consume pure THCA without converting it into THC, juicing raw cannabis leaves is an option—talk about a next-level green juice!

Best THCA Products

Whether you’re new to cannabis or a seasoned pro, Hidden Hills has THCA products to suit every preference. Ready to explore? Check out our selection and find the perfect addition to your cannabis experience.